Airline travel is becoming more inhuman by the week. Computer malfunctions, toilet backups, cattle car seating are just the most notorious stories. We used to fly back and forth to South Carolina from Connecticut, but we are doing that less and less (We lament the loss of Independence Air, which seemed to be doing almost everything right except making money). It's too much work to find a seat at a halfway decent price, and no price is worth the inconveniences.
For others who travel between homes north and south, or who vacation at southern golf resorts, driving isn't the worst option. There are essentially three major routes south that we have used, and they all have their positives and negatives. For convenience, I refer to them as: The Inland Route; The I-95 Route; and the Ferry Route.
The Inland Route is along Interstate 81 through central Pennsylvania and relatively short drives through small swatches of Maryland and West Virginia before the interstate moves through the states of Viriginia and North Carolina. The positives: generally clear sailing and nice views of the mountains. The I-95 Route is the traditional one most folks take to Florida. It is the most direct when you can avoid traffic in Baltimore, Washington and Richmond. That's a big if; many veterans of the trip drive through the night to limit the chances of a two-hour stoppage (that's happened to us too many times during midday drives). The most services -- restaurants, gas stations, etc. -- are along the I-95 corridor.
The ferry and Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a nice option but, like I-81, will cost you a few hours. But what you lose in time you more than make up for in lack of stress. The ferry from Cape May, NJ to Lewes, DE -- and vice versa -- will give you an hour to unwind outside your car. And side benefits are that both Cape May and Lewes are charming seaside towns with cafes and shops that will provide a nice diversion if you are early for your ferry crossing. There is also something to be said for the drive across (and under) the Bay, a $12 adventure that also chops off a good piece of geography on the road south.
I head south on the I-81 route today. In the coming weeks, I'll offer some ideas about golf courses and other attractions along these routes, each of which offer benefits and downsides. Weather and traffic permitting, I may even get in a round of golf today in Virginia.