Road Trip: Phoenix to AL/FL and on to MA
03-29-2010, 11:28 PM
#16
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I drove more or less the same route in January. I was driving my daughter's Subaru from San Francisco to New York via Palm Beach. Because of the probability of bad weather in January, I decided to stay as far south as possible and so made my transit on the dreaded I10.
You can find my notes on the trip at http://figgyii.blogspot.com. I also suggest that you search this forum for a thread that I started seeking advice before my trip. It was titled "SFO-FL-NYC Recommendations Please" and includes some excellent suggestions. If you search under my name on 6speed, you can also find a similar thread there.
Unlike you, I was traveling alone and was not driving my Porsche so I basically drove as far and as fast as possible, sticking to the Interstates. The scenery along I10 was better than I anticipated especially from California to mid-Texas. The desert in particular was much nicer than I expected but the towns that I stopped at for gas or lodging along the route were generally dull and uninviting.
I stayed in motels and they were all more-or-less the same. I recommend Holiday Inn Express because they give a good hot breakfast. As you will read in my blog, I found that I liked a chain of restaurants that are ubiquitous in the South called Waffle House. There seems to be one at every exit. I tried a few random Mexican restaurants near my motels but never found one that was particularly good. I'm sure that if you have a navigator and a few guidebooks you will do better.
I considered using I8 but didn't. No real reason except laziness. I was tempted to go north of I10 in Texas and pass through Austin. The mileage seemed about the same but the roads were not as good. Austin has lots of good food and other interesting stuff but, again, I was lazy. Finally, I did leave I10 for a bit to avoid New Orleans. If you have the time, I would probably go to both. Ditto, El Paso.
One bit of advice, bring audio books! Radio in the southwest and south is spotty and, when available, awful with the exception of NPR which is only intermittently available. Of course, if you are into Tea Party preachers and pundits or radio stations named after animals ("the fox" or whatever) or mariachi bands, ignore this suggestion. Satellite radio is an improvement but it gets old fast.
I was able to do a more-or-less steady 80 MPH. I had a radar detector (V1) and had no problems with police. Several of the states are relying on speed cameras which are often set up near phony work zones (no work, no workers but higher fines.) Beware! The locals seem to know what's what and if you see them seem to slow down for no good reason, take heed -- especially if you are in a P-car with out of state plates. The same is very true along I95. And remember to turn off your radar in Virginia which is reputed to seek out out of state drivers for this sin.
You can find my notes on the trip at http://figgyii.blogspot.com. I also suggest that you search this forum for a thread that I started seeking advice before my trip. It was titled "SFO-FL-NYC Recommendations Please" and includes some excellent suggestions. If you search under my name on 6speed, you can also find a similar thread there.
Unlike you, I was traveling alone and was not driving my Porsche so I basically drove as far and as fast as possible, sticking to the Interstates. The scenery along I10 was better than I anticipated especially from California to mid-Texas. The desert in particular was much nicer than I expected but the towns that I stopped at for gas or lodging along the route were generally dull and uninviting.
I stayed in motels and they were all more-or-less the same. I recommend Holiday Inn Express because they give a good hot breakfast. As you will read in my blog, I found that I liked a chain of restaurants that are ubiquitous in the South called Waffle House. There seems to be one at every exit. I tried a few random Mexican restaurants near my motels but never found one that was particularly good. I'm sure that if you have a navigator and a few guidebooks you will do better.
I considered using I8 but didn't. No real reason except laziness. I was tempted to go north of I10 in Texas and pass through Austin. The mileage seemed about the same but the roads were not as good. Austin has lots of good food and other interesting stuff but, again, I was lazy. Finally, I did leave I10 for a bit to avoid New Orleans. If you have the time, I would probably go to both. Ditto, El Paso.
One bit of advice, bring audio books! Radio in the southwest and south is spotty and, when available, awful with the exception of NPR which is only intermittently available. Of course, if you are into Tea Party preachers and pundits or radio stations named after animals ("the fox" or whatever) or mariachi bands, ignore this suggestion. Satellite radio is an improvement but it gets old fast.
I was able to do a more-or-less steady 80 MPH. I had a radar detector (V1) and had no problems with police. Several of the states are relying on speed cameras which are often set up near phony work zones (no work, no workers but higher fines.) Beware! The locals seem to know what's what and if you see them seem to slow down for no good reason, take heed -- especially if you are in a P-car with out of state plates. The same is very true along I95. And remember to turn off your radar in Virginia which is reputed to seek out out of state drivers for this sin.
Thanks,
Charlie
03-30-2010, 01:50 PM
#19
Speaking of Texas, I stopped at the big Texas welcome site at the border going East on I10 and was distressed to learn that the official name of the Interstate was the Jefferson Davis Highway. I may be an effete Easterner but I found that offensive. Obviously, it was a relatively recent naming decision and I had to wonder why? Does anyone know what was behind the decision?
03-30-2010, 08:42 PM
#21
West Virginia was a Union state. It was created during the Civil War out of the western counties of Virginia when they refused to secede from the Union. So while the senator may have been in the KKK, it is unlikely that he would be eager to honor Jefferson Davis (in West Texas of all places.)
03-30-2010, 09:09 PM
#22
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To help get this thread back on track....
My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is Durant's. A little north of downtown on Central.
Been there since the 30's, and super food.
If you're a gambler, there's a Shula's in the new Wild Horse Pass casino, right off the 10 south(east) of town. Pricey, but decent.
If you're staying north Phoenix, I'd go to Tapitio Cliffs, Scottsdale the Phoenician, and south I couldn't think of anywhere except Marriott Buttes.
My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is Durant's. A little north of downtown on Central.
Been there since the 30's, and super food.
If you're a gambler, there's a Shula's in the new Wild Horse Pass casino, right off the 10 south(east) of town. Pricey, but decent.
If you're staying north Phoenix, I'd go to Tapitio Cliffs, Scottsdale the Phoenician, and south I couldn't think of anywhere except Marriott Buttes.
03-31-2010, 12:57 AM
#23
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To help get this thread back on track....
My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is Durant's. A little north of downtown on Central.
Been there since the 30's, and super food.
If you're a gambler, there's a Shula's in the new Wild Horse Pass casino, right off the 10 south(east) of town. Pricey, but decent.
If you're staying north Phoenix, I'd go to Tapitio Cliffs, Scottsdale the Phoenician, and south I couldn't think of anywhere except Marriott Buttes.
My favorite restaurant in Phoenix is Durant's. A little north of downtown on Central.
Been there since the 30's, and super food.
If you're a gambler, there's a Shula's in the new Wild Horse Pass casino, right off the 10 south(east) of town. Pricey, but decent.
If you're staying north Phoenix, I'd go to Tapitio Cliffs, Scottsdale the Phoenician, and south I couldn't think of anywhere except Marriott Buttes.
03-31-2010, 01:18 AM
#24
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Depends what you want to eat....
Gourmet Mexican - Sombreros in S. Scottsdale is good.
English- Cornish Pasty in Mesa(Think calzone wrapped in pie crust with different fillings and great beer)
Steak - Mastros
Pizza - Pizzeria Bianco - best pizza in the US according to Oprah and "The best thing I ever ate" - on food network- (rosa pizza)
Durant's is an old school steakhouse. Old School Phx business men have their 4 martini lunches there.
Dick's hideaway for lunch/dinner. New Mexico mexican food - HOT!!!! "W" ate there when he came to town.
Chinese - China gate in Chandler. Authentic.
If you want to go all out....One of the "French Laundry" chefs opened his own fine dining experience in Cave creek called "Binkley's" - GO THERE!
Pricey but totally worth it...you will experience it for 2-3 hours. Totally worth it! $100ish/person
Gourmet Mexican - Sombreros in S. Scottsdale is good.
English- Cornish Pasty in Mesa(Think calzone wrapped in pie crust with different fillings and great beer)
Steak - Mastros
Pizza - Pizzeria Bianco - best pizza in the US according to Oprah and "The best thing I ever ate" - on food network- (rosa pizza)
Durant's is an old school steakhouse. Old School Phx business men have their 4 martini lunches there.
Dick's hideaway for lunch/dinner. New Mexico mexican food - HOT!!!! "W" ate there when he came to town.
Chinese - China gate in Chandler. Authentic.
If you want to go all out....One of the "French Laundry" chefs opened his own fine dining experience in Cave creek called "Binkley's" - GO THERE!
Pricey but totally worth it...you will experience it for 2-3 hours. Totally worth it! $100ish/person
Last edited by asu_lee; 03-31-2010 at 01:23 AM. Reason: Binkley's
03-31-2010, 01:33 PM
#25
Sushi is everywhere in Scottsdale, Sapporo is the best with all the Phoenix's Sun players hanging out.
The Westin is just around the corner, great hotel with good golf courses.
Too many restaurants in the area, just wish and let you concierge decide, then drive
Enjoy !
PS Drove from Seattle to Miami in 4 days, a blast !!
The Westin is just around the corner, great hotel with good golf courses.
Too many restaurants in the area, just wish and let you concierge decide, then drive
Enjoy !
PS Drove from Seattle to Miami in 4 days, a blast !!
03-31-2010, 11:22 PM
#26
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I just made the trip within the last six weeks. CA to Dallas, on through Memphis to Huntsville. Huntsville to Tallahassee to So Florida and the Keys. North to Savannah and the Carolinas, across to Huntsville, south to New Orleans, over to San Antonio and back to So Cal. on the 10. I recommend you stay short or long of El Paso. Either Las Cruces, short or Fort Hancock, long. Most of the up-scale lodging has active security in the parking lots and I passed on those that didn't. Enjoy your travels. I have 30k miles on my '09 C2S in the last 9 months touring America. It's refreshing to sample people, places and food away from So. Cal. Pay attention to the developing weather cells be careful of the thunderstrorms and hail.
04-01-2010, 12:12 AM
#27
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I just made the trip within the last six weeks. CA to Dallas, on through Memphis to Huntsville. Huntsville to Tallahassee to So Florida and the Keys. North to Savannah and the Carolinas, across to Huntsville, south to New Orleans, over to San Antonio and back to So Cal. on the 10. I recommend you stay short or long of El Paso. Either Las Cruces, short or Fort Hancock, long. Most of the up-scale lodging has active security in the parking lots and I passed on those that didn't. Enjoy your travels. I have 30k miles on my '09 C2S in the last 9 months touring America. It's refreshing to sample people, places and food away from So. Cal. Pay attention to the developing weather cells be careful of the thunderstrorms and hail.
DFI carbon buildup thread
and here:
DFI oil consumption
.
04-01-2010, 03:41 AM
#28
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I just made the trip within the last six weeks. CA to Dallas, on through Memphis to Huntsville. Huntsville to Tallahassee to So Florida and the Keys. North to Savannah and the Carolinas, across to Huntsville, south to New Orleans, over to San Antonio and back to So Cal. on the 10. I recommend you stay short or long of El Paso. Either Las Cruces, short or Fort Hancock, long. Most of the up-scale lodging has active security in the parking lots and I passed on those that didn't. Enjoy your travels. I have 30k miles on my '09 C2S in the last 9 months touring America. It's refreshing to sample people, places and food away from So. Cal. Pay attention to the developing weather cells be careful of the thunderstrorms and hail.
04-01-2010, 04:35 AM
#29
Nordschleife Master
04-01-2010, 02:30 PM
#30
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