LA to Orlando Roadtrip

[adpiucf]

I'm driving cross country with another sister at the beginning of June from LA to Orlando. Any recommendations for what route to take, and what sites to see along the way?

When I moved out to the West Coast 2 years ago, I came from Orlando and went straight across the South mid-west. I'd love to try something a little different this time.

Thanks!

[Tom Earp]

How about I-70 East thru KC. Then to St. Louis, South through Nashville!

That is just part of the trip much to see along that route. Have to see you to explain what there is!

[AlphaSigOU]

Most direct route is east through I-10, then I-75 to the Florida Turnpike. Be warned... I-10's a hell of a long drive!

Places of interest on the way:

On I-10: Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Pensacola.

Longest stretch: 891 miles from the Texas/New Mexico state line to the Sabine River, the Louisiana/Texas state line. (Texas... it's like a whole other country!)

Shortest stretch: about 66 miles through the Alabama panhandle.

Try to time your drive to avoid Phoenix, Houston and New Orleans during rush hour... traffic's murder there!

Unusual site and a little off the beaten path... the Titan Missile Museum just south of Tucson on I-19. Last of 54 Titan ICBM missile silos (the other 53 were deliberately destroyed as part of the START nuclear arms control treaty). Holes were deliberately cut on the missile and the 100-ton silo closure was left partly open to keep the Russkies happy.

Mostly stretches of desert between wide spots on the road such as Phoenix, Tucson and El Paso; notice the scenery begin to change as you get closer to San Antonio.

Three time changes to worry about: it's Pacific time through California and Arizona (AZ does not observe Daylight Saving Time, though it is in the Mountain time zone), Mountain time through New Mexico and part of Texas, then Central through the rest of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and much of the Florida panhandle to just west of Tallahassee, when you get to the Eastern time zone.

[smiley21]

adpiucf- can you clean out your pm box

[ZTAngel]

No matter what route you take, make sure to hop onto the Florida Turnpike and take that to I-4 or 408 and take that into Orlando!!!! Come see the UCF campus. I'm not sure when you were there last but so much has changed. I think you'd be amazed by how much growth we've had and all the new buildings. Plus, the whole UCF area and Waterford Lakes has quadrupled in size in the last year. You see Greek Park. A lot of the houses have made a few changes in the last 3 years. ZTA got their addition, TriDelta got a new addition last year and now a new wing is under construction (it's HUGE!), and Kappa Sig finally paved their dirt lot.
Then, when you're done hanging out in Orlando, hop onto State Road 520 and take that to I-95 back to South Florida.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Two words: New Orleans.

[lauralaylin]

After you decide where you're going along the way, I recommend getting a triptik from AAA. They tell you the best route to take (like keeping you away from high traffic areas), and it also tells you where the construction is along the way, so you can plan for/expect it. They tell you where the tolls are too. I've used them when I drive from Boston to FL, and they are a big help.

[adpiucf]

Thanks for all the great ideas! Smiley, my PM box is clean!

ZTAngel, I was on campus right before NYE this year with a Pi Kappa Phi alum. We drove around UCF for about 30 minutes, and we just kept reminiscing and gawking at all the great changes. I'm so proud of our school!

AAA TripTik sounds like a great way to go, and I love Tom's suggestion to take the 70. On my initial move we did AAA's triptik and hit Tampa, Mobile, New Orleans, Plano, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon before getting into Hollywood.

Ahhh, I can't believe I am leaving the West Coast. What an incredible experience this has been!

Keep the ideas coming. And again, thanks so much for all your input!

[mmcat]

el paso is a great wide spot in the road to stop, get some true mexican food, get a taste of the border and roll on.

[decadence]

Originally posted by ZTAngel:
No matter what route you take, make sure to hop onto the Florida Turnpike and take that to I-4 or 408 and take that into Orlando!!!! Come see the UCF campus. I'm not sure when you were there last but so much has changed. I think you'd be amazed by how much growth we've had and all the new buildings. Plus, the whole UCF area and Waterford Lakes has quadrupled in size in the last year. You see Greek Park. A lot of the houses have made a few changes in the last 3 years. ZTA got their addition, TriDelta got a new addition last year and now a new wing is under construction (it's HUGE!), and Kappa Sig finally paved their dirt lot.
Then, when you're done hanging out in Orlando, hop onto State Road 520 and take that to I-95 back to South Florida.

adpiucf, make sure you see the UCF campus like ZTAngel suggests! It's a beautiful gorgeous campus, the student union building (with their Greek Unique store and bars etc) is really impressive too. I visited in September but I didn't see Greek Park - guess I have an excuse for another visit someday!

[adpiucf]

Thanks Decadence! I spent 4 great years there, and when I visited the campus in December, I was so amazed at all the great changes! I'm very proud of the way the school has grown, and how it continues to evolve!

Thanks again, everyone for the suggestions. Has anyone ever done a drive from Vegas? What route did you take?

ETA: I'd love to do an Orlando GC get-together the week of June 9, if anyone is in the Central Florida area!

[ZTAngel]

Originally posted by adpiucf

ETA: I'd love to do an Orlando GC get-together the week of June 9, if anyone is in the Central Florida area!

I am! I am!