Now, THIS is going to be a helluva road trip!

[Redstone]

OK, assuming that I get the nerve block and it works, we're planning a LONG trip between Christmas and the New Year, because the little guy has two weeks off school.

Down to Cajun Country around Lafayette, LA so I can take Mrs R to a real crawfish boil (driving down via the Natchez Trace), then across the Gulf Coast with maybe a run to Daytona, back up the east coast with a day at some large amusement park for the little guy.

So, DUers: Here's a map of the route: Anyone live along that route and want to meet for lunch or dinner? Also, any suggestions for real, LOCAL places to eat along the way?



Redstone

[darkstar]

1. shoot..lived in lafayette until last summer...

maybe in another life...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. My dear Redstone!

Oh, that looks like fun!

Wish I lived on that route! There's a lot of DU'ers along it...

YOu have a ball, you hear?

And all my best vibes that the nerve block will work, and beyond your wildest dreams!

:toast:

[Redstone]

15. Thanks, Peg. This is the kind of trip I used to do with some frequancy,

though that was back then.

I think I might have one more of those trips left in me. We'll see.

Redstone

[bluedigger]

3. Assuming I haven't been fired by then,

(Always a possibility!), give me a holler when you cruise by New Orleans.

[China_cat]

4. I'm in Charleston, SC

There's a couple places left here.

If you're going to be in Jacksonville, though, and like barbecue, try Bono's. My husband has to go there every 3 months on union business and if he doesn't bring me back ribs from Bono's, I get really upset.

[flvegan]

5. Coming to Florida, but nowhere near me.

I'd better get the date you'll be in Daytona so I can buy you lunch/a beer.

[NightWatcher]

6. I'm in Savannah (this weekend in Jacksonville, however)

feel free to hit me up for any recs of good places to eat and/or things to do and see when you pass through my town.

How long are ya gonna be in town

[Redstone]

9. No set itinerary; we tend to just go and see and do as the mood strikes. But we'll

holler if we make a stopover in Savannah (which I would like very much to do; it's a gorgeous town and I haven't been through there for about 30 years).

Redstone

[Ptah]

7. I took my children on a similar trip when they were seven and eight.

For a significant number of years they were the school
champs for number of states they had been to.
And they remind me of that trip when we reminisce.

Have fun, pops.

[Mike03]

8. Awww, that looks like so much fun

Have a great time.

Thanks for sharing your travel plans. It really makes me wish I could travel more, especially return to the south.

[Labors of Hercules]

10. Stop by on your way through NC!

We give you good food and plenty wine!

[Redstone]

13. You got yourself a deal. It's been a LONG time since I've had NC BBQ.

Can't find that up here in New England. Can find decent BBQ, actually, but not NC style.

Redstone

[Kajsa]

11. That sounds like fun, Redstone!

That is a long trip!

Sending good vibes that the block works
and works very well.

Have a great time.

:D :pals:

[Bossy Monkey]

12. Speaking as a somewhat proud Carolinian, I still have to say...

stay off I-95 in the Carolinas if you can possibly avoid it. Mind you, it's nowhere near as congested as in the Northeast; it's just dull. If you can at all possibly add a day or two, and go up the coast on US 17 from Savannah through Charleston to Wilmington, I think everybody would find this much more interesting and, uh, culinarily rewarding. If you're dead-set on I-95, though, there's always this place: http://www.redbonealley.com/ (Fits in with your DU screenname, too.) And of course there's South of the Border. Its appeal has always been beyond me, but maybe the young one will like it.

Edit: Alternately, you could take the I-77/85 route, which would take you through here (Columbia, where I actually know the restaurants) and also by Lexington NC where they claim the barbecue is best. We also have a children's museum and a very fine zoo, by the by.

[Redstone]

14. Now, THAT is the kind of info I really appreciate; we like to get off the Interstates.

I'd never be "dead-set on I-95;" I like to see the REAL America. So do Mrs R and our son.

When we go to Vermont, we always come home on US Route 5 instead of I-91. Much more to see, more stops to make, more people to talk to.

Thanks again for the suggestions. We'll use them if we go, I promise.

PS: I just looked at that menu. I'm there. Yes, indeed.

Redstone

[Bossy Monkey]

33. Well, although you'd have to give up Redstone--er Redbone Alley

Murrells Inlet near Myrtle Beach is supposed to be legendary for seafood. Not sure how much will be open in January, nor how you feel about fried seafood (that's what all the signs reading "Calabash style" refer to). In Wilmington, though, I can enthusiastically recommend Hieronymus Seafood Restaurant http://www.hieronymusseafood.com/ The ONLY bad thing I can say about them is that when waiting for a table you have to sit in the smoky bar. In January, however, I would expect that this wouldn't be much of a problem. The food is to die for. Charleston-- fond of my birthplace as I am, Charleston doesn't have much in common with the real America. Pretty though, and full of fine restaurants and bars.

[KD4CVT]

16. Be careful on the Trace

50 mph speed limit (max) throughout. And (Dog forbid) you were to get a ticket for speeding you'll be dealing with the Feds instead of the local yokels. No services directly on the road, either, but there's a lot of stuff not too far away.

I-81 from Bristol to Knoxville is somewhat dull'n'boring. There's not a whole lot of civilization in that neck of the woods. Stick with the Interstate until you get past the I-75 split west of Knoxville. US 70 is quite the nice road if you want to get off the superslab - it will take you through Harriman, Crossville, Cookeville and Lebanon if you're wanting local flavor.

If you plan to crash in Nashville for the night there are all of the usual chain restaurants and such. If you're a beer drinker Big River Grille & Brewing Works has good beer and good food (downtown at 2nd and Broad). If you do meat-and-three restaurants the Sylvan Park (several locations, one being on 46th Ave on the west side) is probably one of the best around. Just a little ways down from the Sylvan Park is McCabe Pub, a nice local watering hole.

The northern terminus of the Trace is about 1 mile or so from the Loveless Cafe, home of some kick-ass Southern (biscuits, gravy, country ham, etc., etc.) breakfast.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. Welcome to DU!

Redstone will be so happy that you chose to make your first post here in his thread!

And I'm sure he will find your info very helpful too...


Enjoy yourself in our crazy, addictive little village!

:hi:

[Redstone]

21. Peg, you're a peach. I think we have a good new DUer here, and it's damn nice of you

to notice that post and respond to it.

I need to go to bed now. See my new sig line, and hope for me.

Redstone

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. Aw, thanks, Redstone...

I just sent you a PM...

I'm hoping for you, so much...:pals:

[KD4CVT]

32. I thank you, ma'am

I do appreciate your welcome. I have been reading/hanging around here for quite the little while but just recently decided to jump in with the whole registering and posting thing.

[Redstone]

18. Hey, may I thank you for giving me that info in your first post? Welcome to DU,

and thanks for taking the time to post such detailed info.

I've been down that route before, going from Philadelphia to Houston and back, but it was a LONG time ago, and I do appreciate the update.

Redstone

[KD4CVT]

34. You are welcome

Unfortunately, I have made a large part of your trip more times than I want to remember (most of them in a box truck that might run 65 on a good day). I'll agree with the other poster that I-95 between Daytona Beach and Dover, Delaware has to be one of the worst stretches of perma-clogged Interstate highway that I have ever had the misfortune of camping out on.

Some more tidbits - Knoxville is a giant clusterfark. Do not, under penalty of loss of sanity and composure, attempt to go through there east to west anytime between 3 PM and 7 PM on a weeknight. Guaranteed road rage. It doesn't matter if you take I-640 around the north side or take I-40 straight through - the clog is where the two come together.

I-10 between Slidell, LA and Jacksonville, FL is another dull'n'boring stretch of freeway. I would suggest US 98 if you don't mind seeing a bunch of destruction and the occasional casino (thanks, Katrina). Casino restaurants are good'n'cheap, though. There's always the Florala (a true dive/beach bar) sitting on the Alabama/Florida state line. Not really a place for the kiddies, though. If the young one (or you) likes airplanes (since you mentioned doing the Udvar-Hazy - good show, there!) make sure that you hit the Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola. Best military aviation museum (in the US) by far.

Jacksonville in the winter isn't exactly inspiring. I have had snow falling on my head whilst screening surplus property at NAS Jacksonville. It's not supposed to snow in Florida. I would suggest that instead of sticking on I-10 all the way over to JAX hang a right on I-75, head south, pick up the Turnpike and go to the Land of the Rat (Orlando). Yeah, it's pure cheese, but the food's good, the rooms are cheap down near the attractions and there's plenty to keep the little one amused/occupied/not whining. Once you're through in Orlando, head "north" on I-4, pick up I-95 and continue your trek across the Eastern Seaboard.

[Redstone]

39. Hey, you'd know: Do they still have the Shelby County Welcoming Committee

east of Memphis?

(For those who don't know, that was a notorious speed trap back in the 1970s.)

You know what, I think I'm going to equip the car with a good old CB radio, just for the hell of it.

Redstone

[KD4CVT]

45. Oh hell yeah

In spades. THP sits right at the Shelby County line. In addition, the Shelby County Sheriff's Department are thick as flies on all segments of Interstate highway that aren't under Memphis City PD's jurisdiction.

Really, unless you have a severe hankering for BBQ, want to wander up and down Beale Street or have an unnatural attraction to Elvis the city of Memphis along with Shelby County are best seen from 35000 feet.

There are three ways to get to Jackson MS from Nashville - through Birmingham, down the Trace or through Memphis. Most everyone that I know that has to make that run on any sort of regular basis goes through Birmingham, just to avoid Memphis and the clueless drivers therein.

Let's not even talk about the real chance of contracting high-speed lead poisoning in certain neighborhoods of Memphis. It's not Detroit or Baltimore (yet) but it's not a place where I want to visit unless I have to.

[TK421]

19. Part of your trip takes you about 160 miles north of me, it looks like

but I'll be with you in spirit:hi: have fun!!!!

[Redstone]

20. 160 miles? That's what, 4 hours on local roads? Fours hours is nothing to us.

PM me with your location, if you will, and we'll try to add it to the itinerary.

Redstone

[GoddessOfGuinness]

23. If you decide to stop in the DC area...

There's a respectable, family-friendly brewpub near me called Franklin's. We'd love to join you guys for lunch or dinner. Nearby College Park and Greenbelt are very close to I95, and have affordable hotels in decent neighborhoods.

[Redstone]

24. Good deal. If we do the trip, we'll be spending a day in Manassas to visit with

a friend of mine from WAY back (who even named his son after me), and whom the same I haven't seen for 12 years (it's a damn shame how the time flies by, isn't it), and to go to the Udvar-Hazy air museum at Dulles...

I appreciate the invitation, and will take you up on it if we make the trip. I'd like to see the Wall again as well, but am not sure that I'd want my son to see my reaction to visiting it.

Redstone

[GoddessOfGuinness]

25. Udvar-Hazy is wonderful!

Your son would love the simulator rides!

[merh]

26. I had better hear from you when you are on the MS Gulf Coast

:hi:

:hug:

[Redstone]

35. You betcha. You KNOW we wouldn't go through there without seeing you and

getting the tour of your great new house!

Redstone

[zabet]

27. You may wanna check out

US 1 instead of I-95. It is the 'scenic route'.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_1

Yes, NC is home to the best B-B-Q in the US.

[SeattleGirl]

28. I wish you and yours could road trip it to the west coast.

I know, given your medical situation, it's not possible.

But some day, I would love to meet you, Mrs. R, and your kids.

[Eurobabe]

29. Why not take a little detour near Richmond, I-64

and head over to Charlottesville, you won't be disappointed. It's about an hour west of Richmond, and has a very cool downtown area (1st pedestrian only zone downtown in the US, 1971?) I can recommend several very cool places there. :hi:

[Redstone]

43. I think we might do that, because I know some people there. Recommendations

would be welcome.

Redstone

[datasuspect]

30. but crawfish season isn't until spring

technically you can start getting decent ones in january, but they're just now finishing up flooding ponds. harvests don't start usually until january with peak supply in april and may.

still, it's a nice ride. stay off the interstates as much as possible and you'll get lots of local flavor along the way.

[Redstone]

36. Hey, thanks for the info. As long as we can get SOME cajun/creole food for Mrs R,

she'll be happy. She's a creole herself, although from the other side of the world from the US.

And we ALWAYS stay off the Interstates as much as possible. That's why our route South includes the Natchez Trace. And, though I know it's been good for the local economy, I feel kind of sad that Senatobia, Mississippi has been swallowed up by casinos. I really liked the Senatobia / Coldwater area when I used to go there in the 1970s.

Redstone

[Gormy Cuss]

40. Check out the original Mulate's in Breaux Bridge (near Lafayette)

I haven't been there in years but it was a great place to see locals playing music and dancing and the Cajun food was good.
The Mulate's in the French Quarter has good food but the ambiance just isn't the same.

[Redstone]

42. I know Breaux Bridge, and consider it an essential stop in introducing Mrs R to

American creole. Had forgotten about Mulate's, though (it's been about 30 years), so thanks for the reminder.

We'll likely not be going to Awlins at all. I want to show Mrs R and the little guy the heart of cajun / creole Louisiana, not the tourist version.

Much as I'd LOVE to have one more Central Grocery mufaletta.

Redstone

[BulletproofLandshark]

31. Here's a suggestion:

I-95 between Richmond and Fredericksburg in Virginia is absolute hell. Pack a lunch. And a book.

[Redstone]

38. Or we could just get off the highway and go local roads. And we will, thanks to

you excellent advice. Thank you.

Redstone

[SPKrazy]

37. be about 5 hours from me

when you hit Shreveport

:hi:

[bigwillq]

41. On your way down I-95

come visit me in New Haven. I will probably be at work. Always am. :)

Have a great trip! :hi:

[Redstone]

44. Oh, hell, I don't need a Road Trip to do that. I just haven't been in New Haven for

a while because my (former) customer there got bought out by another company, which is why they're former.

I may be down there for a medical procedure soon, though, and if so will let you know. Have you ever had the chicken Souvlaki at Clark's on Whitney Ave? If not, I'll buy you one. That was a favorite lunch spot for me and Mrs R when she worked for a company in Science Park; once a week I'd meet her there for a souvlaki and a Greek salad.

Of course, I'd be open to any alternate lunch suggestions, as long as they don't include Humphrey's. It was damn depressing when I went there a couple of years ago and found out how far they'd fallen.

Redstone