Herman K

We're considering (depending on what kind of weather to expect) to take the GTS on a round trip from Dallas, TX to Toronto to attend a T-CA biz meeting on March 21.

Out bound Dallas-Little Rock-Memphis-Nashville-Detroit-Toronto and perhaps return Toronto-Gettysburg-Washington DC-Nashville-Memphis-Dallas.

How much driving time should I plan for (leisure or quick trip) on the outbound trip and are there any point of interest you would recommended for us to incorporate stopping for? (For example: I've been to the Henry Ford museum in Detroit 25 years ago..., time to go again?)

auzivision

I might be biased, but a visit to the Indy 500 museum with a lap around the track is worth a couple hour break. Better check the weather forecast, because we usually get one last dumping right around final four time.

Sounds like a great road trip!

Niagra Falls is definetly worth a stop on your way back in.

77tony

Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a cool little town and is on the way. The Auburn-Cord-Dusenburg Museum in Auburn, Indiana is worth checking out, and like Auzivison said, Niagra Falls (Canadian Side) is also worth a stop. RU & Barb still thinking about heading over to SITM in June? T

Herman K

Also Rockport the last weekend in March so all this info is going into the mix of things right now.

martinss

Do you have much time while in Toronto? I can recommend things in the area if you do. March is generally not a good time weather wise - there could be snow or it could be hot (its unstable that time of year). Either way the scenery is generally tired and dirty after winter. Spring greenery does not usually start until late April.

Herman K

I was thinking of 1-2 days prior to the 21th wether we fly or drive so a few pointers could be helpful.

Thanks

BigAl1

RM Auto Auctions in Chatham, ON right along the 401 from Detroit heading toward Toronto is a nice distraction - lots of classic cars for sale, and they do restorations on site.
Mid to late march usually is not so good for weather in SW Ontario, could be sloppy rain/snow/salty muck on the roads - but like Martin said, could be nice and sunny too....

por917

That sounds like a great road trip, I have done the Dallas to Boston road trip in the 928 a few times and also did it in a 86 Carrera Cab. I love good road trip in the right car.

auzivision

I couldn't imagine not visiting the CN tower while in Toronto. I had to beg a couple Canadian buddies to take me there. They were both born and raised in Toronto and never been. We kept calling it the great bar in the sky. Sure, it’s a little like a tourist trap, but hey... when in Rome! I don’t remember much else other than bar hoping on Queens Street. The town has a real cool international feel to it.

87 Shark

Not trying to discourage the visit, however most of us here don't take our cars out of storage until the end (mid) april. You will need snow or winter tires as it's still to cold for summer rubber compound tires. Dirt,salt and grit(stone dust used for traction) will not have been washed away or cleaned from city streets. Many reasons not to drive a precious gem at this time of year.
Fly up ,enjoy your visit, and come back in late spring or summer and really enjoy our driving season.

Herman K

Based on you guys in the know it appears this is the advise to follow so it will be off to (see thread) > First Annual 3rd Coast "Spring Fling" - March 25th to 27th 2011 and go see the "TEXAS mile" after we come back from Toronto.

I appreciate the comments from all that chimed in and will keep the travel/ sight seeing recommendation on file.

Thanks and happy motoring

Imo000

Yeah, it's a good possiblility there will be snow here in March. It will take 3 days each way to drive from Dallas to Toronot. The most economical way is to fly to Buffalo and then rent a car. This way you can see Niagara Falls (the Canadian side) on the way to Toronto. Fying to Buffalo is only a fraction of the cost then if you go directly to Toronto. Many of us when flying to the US, drive to Buffalo and fly from there. Buffalo to Toronto is a little over 2hrs. Don't forget to load up on booz when you are coming and going at the Duty Free!

87_nine2eight

Have to agree, the weather is less than ideal in March and I wouldn't recommend driving your shark then. However, I made this trip a couple of years ago. Actually, the first leg started in Brownsville, then Dallas, Memphis and Columbus. Thought about seeing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but didn't have time and drove straight through to Niagara Falls and Mississauga (Toronto suburb).

The irony is that I'm thinking of doing the reverse trip (Toronto - Dallas), but in May - also to attend a conference.

Anyway, if you fly in to TO, I wouldn't make a point of going to Niagara unless you want to go to a casino. Otherwise its just as drab there as it is everywhere else.

Fogey1

I've driven OH-TX and TX-OH a dozen times or so.

Zanesville - Columbus - Cincy - Louisville - Nashville - Memphis - Little Rock - Texarkana - DFW - Austin (or the flip side) takes about 24 hrs driving time depending on weather, revenooers, gas, meals, fatigue for a single driver, etc. Memphis is ~12 hrs. and ~halfway between. I'm guessing about the same for Motown.

My recommendation is to go east to Jackson, MS and catch the Natchez Trace. The northern terminus is just south of Nashville. Scenic, historic, limited access, two lane - essentially a very long, very skinny National Park. I've done it three times at different times of the year, both directions. Never had a problem with traffic or cops, usually cruised around 80mph, saw wild turkeys.

Or you could go due east to the Mississippi, turn left and go up past Vicksburg and through the Delta to Memphis (through the crossroads on Highway 61 - you can pour a libation for Robert Johnson's parched throat in Hell). That should be pretty in March.

+1 on Niagara, the falls are worth taking a gander at, even though they can be turned on and off. Dare I mention the Corvette Factory in Bowling Green?

Yes, the roads are likely to be sloppy and salty north of Kentucky but you're also likely to hit a bunch of cleansing rain on the way back. And good road trip cleanses the mind, as well. Have fun.

If you come back through Kentucky, I recommend either the Boone Tavern in Berea or the Shaker Inn at Pleasant Hill for an overnight. They're both about a day from DC and both have excellent restaurants and nice lodgings.

AO

If your plans take you through Detroit, give me a call.