OT: Driving to Richmond, VA

[JL23]

Amtrak cancelled my train from MetroPark down to Richmond today so I have to drive. Two questions:

1. Best route down there (leaving from Monmouth County, close to 95)
2. Time to leave without hitting rush hour traffic

Thinking of 12:30 and hitting 95 to 495 but honestly have no idea what to expect

 

[DJ Spanky]

Don't think you have much choice outside of 95. Any other route (81, etc.) is going to be a huge detour and probably won't save you any time.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Amtrak cancelled my train from MetroPark down to Richmond today so I have to drive. Two questions:

1. Best route down there (leaving from Monmouth County, close to 95)
2. Time to leave without hitting rush hour traffic

Thinking of 12:30 and hitting 95 to 495 but honestly have no idea what to expect

There are a few slightly different options, but leave it up to google maps to make sure you miss traffic and accidents- also- no matter what, Maryland is a Speed trap for anyone 12+ MPH over the limit…

 

[tru2ru1]

There are a few slightly different options, but leave it up to google maps to make sure you miss traffic and accidents- also- no matter what, Maryland is a Speed trap for anyone 12+ MPH over the limit…

Exactly speed cameras every few miles on the interstates, don't try to make time on any road in Maryland

 

[T2Kplus20]

Amtrak cancelled my train from MetroPark down to Richmond today so I have to drive. Two questions:

1. Best route down there (leaving from Monmouth County, close to 95)
2. Time to leave without hitting rush hour traffic

Thinking of 12:30 and hitting 95 to 495 but honestly have no idea what to expect

Best route = whatever your phone/Google Maps says

 

[yesrutgers01]

It’s funny- I always go with google maps- except when I know it’s wrong.
But, 80% of tge time- your best option

 

[JL23]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

 

[yesrutgers01]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

Glad the trip went smooth. And yeah, area around Middletown is growing quickly. One thing that does suck here in Delaware- is that an EZpass from any other state gets charged almost double the tolls of an in-state EZ Pass. They just started doing this a couple of months ago- I am not sure if other states are doing this yet but I think Delaware is doing it as it is such a passthrough state.

The good thing about Middletown is that it is still an easy commute back into NJ, NYC, Phily, Balt, DC

 

[charliem24]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

Make sure you check the EZ pass schedule for your return trip. It changes from Northbound to Southbound around 11 am so plan to leave early. As you saw makes a huge difference.

 

[JL23]

Make sure you check the EZ pass schedule for your return trip. It changes from Northbound to Southbound around 11 am so plan to leave early. As you saw makes a huge difference.

Gotcha will do - what's the website for the schedule?

 

[Zak57]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

The EZ Pass lanes there are dynamic pricing and I've seen the tolls go pretty high depending on how far you're driving it can add up.

 

[RUPete90]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

I know it wasn't the purpose of your trip, but Fredericksburg is a good Civil War historical site to visit if you're in the area again and have time.

 

[JL23]

The EZ Pass lanes there are dynamic pricing and I've seen the tolls go pretty high depending on how far you're driving it can add up.

Ahh gotcha, thx!

 

[JL23]

I know it wasn't the purpose of your trip, but Fredericksburg is a good Civil War historical site to visit if you're in the area again and have time.

Great stuff, love history and it looked like a great town
Heading up to Baltimore this evening so can't go this time but will next time

 

[Knight Shift]

It’s funny- I always go with google maps- except when I know it’s wrong.
But, 80% of tge time- your best option

Google maps may be OK for driving, but totally whacked when it comes to mass transit.
Wanted to get to City Hall area (downtown NYC) from Metropark/Iselin. Told me to take NJ Transit train to midtown (Penn NYC), and subway all the way downtown. IMO, train to Newark Penn with a PATH from Newark to WTC station is much quicker and avoids the midtown crowds.

 

[e5fdny]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

Wish I saw this before you left because that would have been my suggestion too…as I know things.

It’s also nice in the Fall if you’re on it before all the leaves are gone.

 

[Hrdcorhays]

Exactly speed cameras every few miles on the interstates, don't try to make time on any road in Maryland

When did this start? I was down there a few times this summer, don't think I had an issue being ~15 over but good to know going forward.

 

[tru2ru1]

When did this start? I was down there a few times this summer, don't think I had an issue being ~15 over but good to know going forward.

Went to Maryland game last year, speed cameras everywhere on the Interstate & all major roadways

 

[charliem24]

Gotcha will do - what's the website for the schedule?

Gotcha will do - what's the website for the schedule?

Sorry for the delayed response, just got back from golfing

Learn the Lanes | Express Lanes

www.expresslanes.com

 

[RU-Kidding]

When did this start? I was down there a few times this summer, don't think I had an issue being ~15 over but good to know going forward.

Certain counties in Maryland have had speed trap cameras for many years now. Consider yourself lucky.

 

[MrsScrew]

Glad the trip went smooth. And yeah, area around Middletown is growing quickly. One thing that does suck here in Delaware- is that an EZpass from any other state gets charged almost double the tolls of an in-state EZ Pass. They just started doing this a couple of months ago- I am not sure if other states are doing this yet but I think Delaware is doing it as it is such a passthrough state.

Totally worth it when the free side is bumper to bumper.
MrScrew & I will be using it in 2 weeks when we Head down to Wilmington North Carolina, not Delaware to around for some place to relocate/retire too.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Totally worth it when the free side is bumper to bumper.
MrScrew & I will be using it in 2 weeks when we Head down to Wilmington Delaware to around for some place to relocate/retire too.

If you are coming down this way- let us know- would love to do lunch as well as introduce you to our realtor who was great. We can give you the pluses and minuses as well

 

[MrsScrew]

If you are coming down this way- let us know- would love to do lunch as well as introduce you to our realtor who was great. We can give you the pluses and minuses as well

I don't know why that says Wilmington Delaware. Because we're going to Wilmington North Carolina.
I'm hoping MrsYes friends/family back home are safe

 

[charliem24]

I don't know why that says Wilmington Delaware. Because we're going to Wilmington North Carolina.
I'm hoping MrsYes friends/family back home are safe

I’m 10 minutes front downtown Wilmington, let me know if you have any questions about the area. Wilmington is a very cool town, lots going on and Wrightsville Beach a short drive away.

 

[Knight Shift]

I’m 10 minutes front downtown Wilmington, let me know if you have any questions about the area. Wilmington is a very cool town, lots going on and Wrightsville Beach a short drive away.

How long have you been down there?
We lived there 1990-92, worked at the Corning optical fiber plant on 132. Good times at Wrightsville Beach and booming downtown Wilmington with a lot of filming going on (Dawson's Creek), Carolco Studios, etc. Downtown scene was great back then. There was a great rock nightclub near intersection of Market and 132 called the Mad Monk. Saw Motorhead there. It burned down. We could have bought the small house we lived in as a rental in North Chase for $75,000 back then.

 

[Retired711]

I don't know why that says Wilmington Delaware. Because we're going to Wilmington North Carolina.
I'm hoping MrsYes friends/family back home are safe

I was wondering about that. I know of many people who have or are planning to retire to North Carolina, but I've never heard of anyone who wanted to retire to Delaware. Good luck in your search!

 

[charliem24]

How long have you been down there?
We lived there 1990-92, worked at the Corning optical fiber plant on 132. Good times at Wrightsville Beach and booming downtown Wilmington with a lot of filming going on (Dawson's Creek), Carolco Studios, etc. Downtown scene was great back then. There was a great rock nightclub near intersection of Market and 132 called the Mad Monk. Saw Motorhead there. It burned down. We could have bought the small house we lived in as a rental in North Chase for $75,000 back then.

Been here about 10 years, the place is growing like crazy. Still lots going on on in Wilmington, some great venues for music both big and small, including an outdoor arena on the Riverwalk that seats around 7500. Great place to live other than the heat and humidity of July and August, but that’s what the beaches are for.

 

[kupuna133]

Went with maps and it took me the scenic route down 301 over the Bay Bridge
Reminds me of Route 19 in Florida along the coast, I prefer that to 75 as I prefer 301 to 95 - less stressful of a drive

Passed Middletown where Yes lives, I can see why he moved there (getting built up and convenient to a lot of things)
Stopped by Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis as I hadn't been there since we played them in 07

Only weird part of trip was right around Fredericksburg, VA where 95 splits and gives express option, I have EZPass so I did the express and probably saved 45-50 minutes worth of traffic - I figured most people have EZ Pass yet I looked in the right lane and it was bumper to bumper traffic, not sure why more people didn't go express route to avoid that mess

Yea not sure why anyone doesn’t take the express option. Was driving to South Carolina a couple of years ago and came upon the express option. Stand still on non express saved over an hour.

 

[JL23]

Yea not sure why anyone doesn’t take the express option. Was driving to South Carolina a couple of years ago and came upon the express option. Stand still on non express saved over an hour.

In fairness work pays my EZ Pass so it didn't affect me from that angle, but either way, I'm not sitting in copious amounts of traffic to save a few dollars. Not worth it for the limited amount of sanity I have remaining

 

[kupuna133]

In fairness work pays my EZ Pass so it didn't affect me from that angle, but either way, I'm not sitting in copious amounts of traffic to save a few dollars. Not worth it for the limited amount of sanity I have remaining

Yea was coming through there at 7:00ish on a Friday night and it was insane. As I said traffic standstill. I had no idea the express lanes existed (they were somewhat new and Waze didn’t acknowledge) jumped on without knowing where and how far I could take it. Had wife do research while driving. I think it only added $6-8 to total and saved over an hour. Well worth it for mental health.

 

[MrsScrew]

I’m 10 minutes front downtown Wilmington, let me know if you have any questions about the area. Wilmington is a very cool town, lots going on and Wrightsville Beach a short drive away.

If I recall correctly, you live in Brunswick Forest? We are heading to a Builder Showcase there on the 14th then heading out with a realtor on Saturday to look in Leland and beyond. Maybe even down in Calabash where a friend moved last year.

We like Wilmington a lot. The Basics is my favorite spot to eat and C-Suite Lounge is a go to for fabulous cocktails.

Do you have a recommendation to eat dinner in Leland? Something not a chain? We went to the Farmhouse Kitchen for breakfast last time. That was good and our waitress was from Long Island.

 

[Hrdcorhays]

Certain counties in Maryland have had speed trap cameras for many years now. Consider yourself lucky.

There are certainly a ton in and around College Park. The only ones I've seen on 95 are the cars with the pop up camera pole things that everyone can see. The only ticket I've ever gotten was in DC on a fixed camera, that was very expensive.

 

[mdk02]

There are certainly a ton in and around College Park. The only ones I've seen on 95 are the cars with the pop up camera pole things that everyone can see. The only ticket I've ever gotten was in DC on a fixed camera, that was very expensive.

College Park. Get those out of state college college kids as a revenue source

 

[charliem24]

If I recall correctly, you live in Brunswick Forest? We are heading to a Builder Showcase there on the 14th then heading out with a realtor on Saturday to look in Leland and beyond. Maybe even down in Calabash where a friend moved last year.

We like Wilmington a lot. The Basics is my favorite spot to eat and C-Suite Lounge is a go to for fabulous cocktails.

Do you have a recommendation to eat dinner in Leland? Something not a chain? We went to the Farmhouse Kitchen for breakfast last time. That was good and our waitress was from Long Island.

Good memory, we do live in BF, was about 2,000-2500 homes when we moved here, now 6,000+. Other developments in this area are Compass Point and Magnolia Green.
Calabash has some really nice areas and growing like everywhere down here. Only thing Leland had over it is proximity to Wilmington, while Calabash is close to Myrtle Beach, which is not necessarily a plus…just my opinion.

Unfortunately, for as much as this side of the river has grown , it doesn’t have many really good restaurants. Cape Fear Seafood is solid, and Bridgewater Wines just opened a new place that has a good restaurant, along with good cocktails and great wines. If you’re in this area on a Thursday, New Day Cafe has really good food but not much atmosphere. Only open for dinner on Thursday, but really good breakfast everyday.
In BF, there’s Shuckin Shack- good for oysters and beer, shrimp tacos, lobster rolls, but nothing exceptional. There’s Pizzettas, pizza and Italian food, but just average. There also a Mexican place but I don’t recommend it.

Anything else, let me know.

 

[T2Kplus20]

I don't know why that says Wilmington Delaware. Because we're going to Wilmington North Carolina.
I'm hoping MrsYes friends/family back home are safe

But you can't leave DeLo's and that other average pizza place you talk about without the long line.