driving from DC to Cape Cod this weekend - where to stop?

[Anonymous]

We need to be in Cape Cod at 7am Sunday morning to catch a ferry to Nantucket. Should we leave DC Saturday morning and overnight somewhere in Connecticut? Suggestions. DD is 8 and DS is 4. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I would not chance it. I would drive all the way to the Cape on Saturday since a 7 am ferry is mighty early. Even eastern CT is still 2.5-3 hours away and you need to be at the ferry early.

Are you going from Hyannis? There are lots of hotels/motels in Hyannis. None are particulary nice and I don't like Hyannis generally but for an overnight it's fine.

We drove up this past Saturday and it was fine. Took 9.5-10 hours with lots of bathroom stops for children and dog but no extended stops (we ate lunch in the car). Various backups along the way but nothing unusual.

[Anonymous]

OP - Thanks. Good advice.

[Anonymous]

The Cape Codder in Hyannis is family friendly and has campfires, a playground and indoor and outdoor pools, and more. And a spa for mom! They are turning it into a destination waterpark with condos, so it will be new and grand if it is not already. At Christmas, they turn it into a gorgeous winter wonderland with Santa and elves and more. And they don't shut down because of snow - imagine that!

I doubt you could get a reservation for this weekend, but you could try and see if there is a cancellation.

Shhh...don't tell anyone. They are friendly, happy and pleasant in CC and do not tolerate people from this area (antagonistic miserable sour puss faces) who stare at others without being friendly, happy and pleasant. They try to find something wrong with you here to desperately try to make themselves look better - there, they try to find something right with you (because they are happy) We don't want it to turn into another OBX. Ick!

I agree with PP that you should definitely arrive in Hyannis (assuming that is your departure ferry) by Saturday and not chance it.

Enjoy - you will LOVE it!

[Anonymous]

For folks who have driven to CC recently -- did you take Merritt or 95 through Connecticut? I know most people recommend Merritt, but I heard there was construction earlier in the summer that made it slow as molasses.

[Anonymous]

Drive all the way. They have a few hotels right across from the ferry (Hyannis Harbor Hotel, moderately priced; Hyannis Holiday Motel, cheap cheap cheap).

I took 95 one way and the Merritt the way back. Didn't notice any delays.

Have fun.

[Anonymous]

Don't know if you have been on mapquest lately, but they have a great feature on righ side that will show you, for example, all the Hampton Inns, on you route, with how many miles into the trip and how many miles left.

Used it for our recent 10 hour trip to SC.

[Anonymous]

Be there by Sat. Evenning, sleep there and just hop on the ferry.. no time to take risks and besides.. what time would you need to wake up and the kids
after whole day trip to travel additinal distance Sunday Morning to make it on time.

[Anonymous]

Any updates on construction? We are driving this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any updates on construction? We are driving this weekend.

I drove up to NH two weeks ago on a Saturday and I took the long way through PA. It was about an hour longer, but no traffic and no tolls. I went over the Tappan Zee and took the Merritt - there was some bridge contruction, but it was not backed up. Last Saturday we drove back from Cape Cod. Took 95 the whole way - no problem through CT at all, some traffic in NY, and a huge back up on 95 in NJ (exit 8A). We ended up getting off 95 and taking a road that cut through Princeton - more lights, but we were moving. All in all the trip took us 11.5 hours with stops for lunch, gas, and bathrooms.

[Anonymous]

SOOOOOOO worth it! Jealous! Hope to get up there by September