Buffalo to Tampa area

[Johnpi21]

Hi, planning to travell to Tampa from Buffalo over the next few weeks. Aproximate Routing shows I90, I 79, US 19, I95, I 75 etc. I plan about 5 hours of driving per day, first time going south. Any ideas, suggestions or pitfalls with the route. Any suggestions of places to stay at and visitor the way south? I would likel to stay somewhere near Tampa. Anyone know anything about Sun R Resorts, sounds noisy near a highway and about 30 miles from the ocean. We plan to travel through Florida, spending about 2 weeks to a month each time, leaving our motorhome and flying home the rest of the time. We are mostly ocean people and like staying where we can get to nearby restaurants, shopping etc, preferably walking. Thanks for your input....John.

[wny_pat1]

ferndaleflyer wrote:
Funny peoples different tolerance levels. But I have jumped out of planes, driven my race cars over 175mph, went to Vietnam and wasn't in the military so my attitude about travel is far different than someone that is timid---and that is OK.

Yep, like being flown into the middle of a B52 bomb strike in Vietnam. Never forget that day watching those bombs falling all around us. Seeing, hearing and feeling the concussion as they exploded on the ground below us. And hearing one frantic pilot screaming into the radio! I was a truck driver who was very familiar with I-79 and Rt 19 and my wife's dad was also a driver who ran that way when it was just 2 lane. But no way can I get my wife to even consider it. But she is fine running down old 29 through Virgina and North Carolina. Go figure.

[ferndaleflyer]

Boy there is one I can agree with-----Mama takes a plane 1/2 the time!!!!!!

But I have dragged my 32ft trailer behind my 38ft DP down the route I discribed and don't remember much in twists and turns and steep grades that were hateful. But thats me. And trust me Waldo Wally is for real on 301 in Fl, not 1 mile over the speed limit and he gives no warnings.

Funny peoples different tolerance levels. But I have jumped out of planes, driven my race cars over 175mph, went to Vietnam and wasn't in the military so my attitude about travel is far different than someone that is timid---and that is OK.

[wnytaxman]

Yep Pat, as we both know, if mama ain't happy then it just becomes a very, very long ride!

Ed

[wny_pat1]

wnytaxman wrote:
My wife doesn't like the I-79/77 route because of the twists and turns.

Ed,
My wife agrees with your wife 100%, and you forgot to mention the big drop offs on I-79 and 19. If I want peace in the family I go your way, but she has allowed me to go all the way down I-77. Its under a hour difference and the milage is very close no matter which way one goes. I've tried them all.

[powderman426]

I have done both and think 75 is a little easier. If going down 77 instead of going to 95, I went on 301. Its a little slower but an easy drive. Just be careful going through Waldo a its considered a speed trap. The Oceola National park near Lake City is nice and cheap if you have a geezer card. Also a nice place is Silver Dollar Resort near Tampa if you like to play golf.

[tropical36]

wnytaxman wrote:
My suggestion of using I-75 instead of the I-79 corridor is based on the original poster stating that he or she only plans on driving 5 hours a day. That tells me, perhaps erroneously, that the OP may not be comfortable with the winding up and down of I-79/I-77.

I agree that the other way is shorter, but both ways have the same exact tolls from Lackawanna to the NY Line. Fuel is cheaper in VA and SC and Atlanta is almost as much fun as chewing on a razor blade, but proper timing can lessen the pain of Atlanta. My wife doesn't like the I-79/77 route because of the twists and turns. Either way will get you there....only difference is the degree of pain that may or may not be incurred.

Ed

There's twists and turns on Interstate Highways :@

[wnytaxman]

My suggestion of using I-75 instead of the I-79 corridor is based on the original poster stating that he or she only plans on driving 5 hours a day. That tells me, perhaps erroneously, that the OP may not be comfortable with the winding up and down of I-79/I-77.

I agree that the other way is shorter, but both ways have the same exact tolls from Lackawanna to the NY Line. Fuel is cheaper in VA and SC and Atlanta is almost as much fun as chewing on a razor blade, but proper timing can lessen the pain of Atlanta. My wife doesn't like the I-79/77 route because of the twists and turns. Either way will get you there....only difference is the degree of pain that may or may not be incurred.

Ed

[tropical36]

Johnpi21 wrote:
Hi, planning to travell to Tampa from Buffalo over the next few weeks. Aproximate Routing shows I90, I 79, US 19, I95, I 75 etc. I plan about 5 hours of driving per day, first time going south. Any ideas, suggestions or pitfalls with the route. Any suggestions of places to stay at and visitor the way south? I would likel to stay somewhere near Tampa. Anyone know anything about Sun R Resorts, sounds noisy near a highway and about 30 miles from the ocean. We plan to travel through Florida, spending about 2 weeks to a month each time, leaving our motorhome and flying home the rest of the time. We are mostly ocean people and like staying where we can get to nearby restaurants, shopping etc, preferably walking. Thanks for your input....John.

Near Tampa, try Fort Desoto on the water, Hillsborough River State Park or Lazy Days, just 10mi away at Seffner.
Heading south about 150mi along the coast, try Imperial Bonita Estates in Bonita Springs and what's known as the gateway to the gulf. This popular park is on the Imperial River, just 5mi from the beach and between Ft Myers and Naples for the best of everything.
I've stayed at Sun Resorts on occasion and have no complaints. Here's the FL list....

Arbor Terrace RV Resort
Blueberry Hill RV Resort
Buttonwood Bay RV Resort
Club Naples RV Resort
Grand Lake RV & Golf Resort
Groves RV Resort
Gold Coaster RV Resort
Indian Creek RV Resort FL
Lake San Marino RV Resort
Naples RV Resort
North Lake Estates RV Resort
Orange City RV Resort
Rainbow RV Resort
Siesta Bay RV Resort
Tampa East RV Resort
Three Lakes RV Resort
FL Sun Resorts

[ferndaleflyer]

Here we go once more----I-90 to I-79 to US-19 to I-77 to I-26 to I-95 to A-1A over to US-301 South to just North of Ocala (I think its rt 326)and jump over to I-75 right on down to Tampa......Last time I stayed in that area I stayed at the Clearwater Travel Resort....Nice place close to everything including water. There is no better route from where you are and once out of NY you are done with tolls. Cheapest fuel is in VA and SC. I have also traveled this route a few times. Don't go near I-95 any more than you have to and by going to Columbia, SC you avoid Atlanta---Happy travels and check the weather before you depart....

[labguy1963]

I agree on avoiding I-79 near Pittsburgh, it can get a little crazy with the winding road and traffic. It is bad enough in a pickup.

[darsben]

Gas is good price in Girard, Pa also

[wny_pat1]

Ed is giving you good advise. Gets you out of snow country quicker and better roads.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?authuser=0&vps=5&ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=208323729886372463...

[wnytaxman]

John,

Heading to Tampa may be easier by going west on I-90 to I-271 outside of Cleveland to I-71 toward Columbus and Cincinnati. Then take I-75 directly to Tampa. I-79 is somewhat mountainous and crooked. US 19 has some speed traps around Somerville. I-77 through Charlotte can also be quite a hassle. I think your easiest is to get over to I-75 and take your time heading south.

Possible snow tonight so it looks like you're getting out while the getting is good! Safe travels.