OP here. Thanks everyone. Checked on flights -- for any nearby city it's $1200 for the family so it seems like driving would be a lot more affordable.

I know it's early to plan! It's cuz the extended family want to rent a house there and need our dates.

And yes I'm new to the area

the drive will be awful, particularly on Sunday. There's no way around that. But take 81. My in-laws once decided that they would drive from Charlotte to DC on 95 Thanksgiving Sunday. I warned them. They persisted. They spent 14 hours in the car and said "We should have listened to you."

You could also fly to Charlotte. A bit further from Asheville than Greenville, but larger and a major hub (United? I think). Although with the holiday, you'll be utterly screwed on prices.

81 definitely. Make sure you fill up on gas when you see a stop, and bring snacks in car. It's not like 95 where you can pull over every few miles. 81 can be awful in rain, so hopefully you will get clear weather. We always do it in one day, even with infants. It can take us up to 10 hours. If you are not inclined to drive, an alternative to Asheville airport is Greenville-Spartanburg airport (GSP). American is the carrier from DCA. You will need to rent a car obviously, but it's a super easy flight and the drive from GSP to Asheville is fine.

Western North Carolina is beautiful! Enjoy the trip.

Anonymous wrote:wait are you asking about november driving tips in july?

Maybe this is Marney and she just likes to plan ahead? I COULD NOT BE MORE SERIOUS.

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2009/11/26/awkward-family-story-the-thanksgiving-letter/

Take 81. Are you doing the drive in one day? If not, Wytheville is a good stop point (it's past Roanoke and has a cute hotel, the Bolling Wilson). Nice little breakfast place a block away, too. Otherwise, the Hampton Inn in Roanoke is fine.

If you need to stretch your legs en route, Natural Bridge isn't a bad choice.

Overnighting made the trip less stressful for us.

I'm with the anti-95 crowd. It always stinks

You'd be crazy to go 95.

Drive straight through, it's not that long of a drive. If you leave early Wednesday you will be fine.

As others have said Sunday sucks no matter when you leave .

actually Wednesday before thanksgiving has become such an easy day to travel. Most people are taking longer trips so Wednesday is considered late now.

On the return, you are screwed on Sunday.

are you new to the area? are you really asking about Wednesday and Sunday Thanksgiving travel and expecting any answer, other than, it will be horrendous? Leave on tuesday and saturday or if you must go, leave at 6am Wednesday and go 81, don't even contemplate 95. Know that Sunday night coming back will be completely and utterly horrible. Maybe you can leave Ashville in the evening on Saturday and stop in Roanoke Saturday night and then get up and leave by 9am.

wait are you asking about november driving tips in july?

I'd take 81. 95 is always a nightmare.

81. 95 is the worst

Traffic will be awful.

First time driving down to Asheville to visit family and wondering whether to take 81 or 95 down. Go all in one day or stop for a night in the middle?

How is the traffic on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and on the Sunday after, on those roads?

Were thinking about stopping in Durham (if thru 95) or in Blacksburg (via 81).

We have a 2 year old who hates long car trips.