Discussion
I am going away to Orlando Florida in May and I intend on driving down to Miami beach for a couple of days too.
It is a ~2:45 driving down the Florida Turnpike but if I take the I95 down the East coast it adds around another hour on the journey.
The I95 looks a more coastal (scenic???) route, is it worth the extra hour?
Worth noting that I have a Dodge Challenger
on hire, so to me the extra hour of V8 burbliness would be worth it, but I need some reasons to convince SWMBO.
Also, any hidden or unknown "must see" sights in Miami, besides the obvious??
It is a ~2:45 driving down the Florida Turnpike but if I take the I95 down the East coast it adds around another hour on the journey.
The I95 looks a more coastal (scenic???) route, is it worth the extra hour?
Worth noting that I have a Dodge Challenger
on hire, so to me the extra hour of V8 burbliness would be worth it, but I need some reasons to convince SWMBO.Also, any hidden or unknown "must see" sights in Miami, besides the obvious??
Doing this in September in a Corvette convertible and having done a lot of research using Tripadvisor and the like have come up with this route (Turnpike - A1A - I-95) stopping off firstly at Blowing Rocks in Jupiter & then Palm Beach:-
http://goo.gl/maps/pa9PW
A longer route but we are not in any hurry.
http://goo.gl/maps/pa9PW
A longer route but we are not in any hurry.
There is an amazing place called 'The Dezer Collection' in Miami - it's a massive collection of cars from all ages and companies. There is American cars, film cars, British cars, a James Bond Collection, a Batman collection, micro cars, scooters, motorbikes, you name it they probably have it.
When the husband and I visited, we were almost the only people there, and we easily killed about 2-3 hours just wandering around! They also have a diner, but it was being refurbished when we went. My husband isn't really a 'car guy' but he still enjoyed it, so not sure if your other half will be the same?
When the husband and I visited, we were almost the only people there, and we easily killed about 2-3 hours just wandering around! They also have a diner, but it was being refurbished when we went. My husband isn't really a 'car guy' but he still enjoyed it, so not sure if your other half will be the same?
Four years ago we drove from Miami up to Orlando to watch the Space Shuttle take off, as I recall the I95 wasn't particularly scenic, there were a few good bridges and a lot of views of the back of coastal conurbations but not many sights of the sea.
It was nice cruising in the sunshine in a drop top Mustang, (just the V6 I'm afraid), but unfortunately as we were only in the States for five days in total we didn't have time to stop off and look at anything on the way.
If I did it again I would probably take a whole day for the drive and definitely stop off at places like Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, if only to be able to say I'd been there.
It was nice cruising in the sunshine in a drop top Mustang, (just the V6 I'm afraid), but unfortunately as we were only in the States for five days in total we didn't have time to stop off and look at anything on the way.
If I did it again I would probably take a whole day for the drive and definitely stop off at places like Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, if only to be able to say I'd been there.
Firstly I-95 is not a coastal route between SR528 (Beachline) and Miami.
Secondly I-95 does not add an hour to the journey time vs FL Turnpike, unless you hit Broward/Dade County at rush hour(s).
Coastal route is A1A and will add at least one hour to drive-time vs either 1-95 or the pike.
If you have time to squander and want to see rural, unspoiled 'Old Florida', take 17/92 from Orlando to Kissimmee (by the way, it's KissIMMee, not KISSimmee) and then SR500 (Irlo Bronson) south east to intersection with SR15 which takes you through the FL hammocks to Yeehaw Junction and follow 15 south to Okeechobee.
Lightsey's seafood restaurant in Okee is worth stopping at for lunch - then skirt the lake (largest body of fresh water in FL) and connect with SR 27 just south of Belle Glade. 27 is pretty much arrow-straight for miles and miles south toward Ft Lauderdale and not policed particularly heavily, so plenty of opportunity to let your Mopar stretch it's legs a little - if you speed on the Turnpike, you are at high risk of a pinch, pretty much anywhere.
A slightly different route, but perhaps a little less tedious than effectively sitting on a motorway for 3 hours.
Secondly I-95 does not add an hour to the journey time vs FL Turnpike, unless you hit Broward/Dade County at rush hour(s).
Coastal route is A1A and will add at least one hour to drive-time vs either 1-95 or the pike.
If you have time to squander and want to see rural, unspoiled 'Old Florida', take 17/92 from Orlando to Kissimmee (by the way, it's KissIMMee, not KISSimmee) and then SR500 (Irlo Bronson) south east to intersection with SR15 which takes you through the FL hammocks to Yeehaw Junction and follow 15 south to Okeechobee.
Lightsey's seafood restaurant in Okee is worth stopping at for lunch - then skirt the lake (largest body of fresh water in FL) and connect with SR 27 just south of Belle Glade. 27 is pretty much arrow-straight for miles and miles south toward Ft Lauderdale and not policed particularly heavily, so plenty of opportunity to let your Mopar stretch it's legs a little - if you speed on the Turnpike, you are at high risk of a pinch, pretty much anywhere.
A slightly different route, but perhaps a little less tedious than effectively sitting on a motorway for 3 hours.
Matt Harper said:
Firstly I-95 is not a coastal route between SR528 (Beachline) and Miami.
Secondly I-95 does not add an hour to the journey time vs FL Turnpike, unless you hit Broward/Dade County at rush hour(s).
Coastal route is A1A and will add at least one hour to drive-time vs either 1-95 or the pike.
If you have time to squander and want to see rural, unspoiled 'Old Florida', take 17/92 from Orlando to Kissimmee (by the way, it's KissIMMee, not KISSimmee) and then SR500 (Irlo Bronson) south east to intersection with SR15 which takes you through the FL hammocks to Yeehaw Junction and follow 15 south to Okeechobee.
Lightsey's seafood restaurant in Okee is worth stopping at for lunch - then skirt the lake (largest body of fresh water in FL) and connect with SR 27 just south of Belle Glade. 27 is pretty much arrow-straight for miles and miles south toward Ft Lauderdale and not policed particularly heavily, so plenty of opportunity to let your Mopar stretch it's legs a little - if you speed on the Turnpike, you are at high risk of a pinch, pretty much anywhere.
A slightly different route, but perhaps a little less tedious than effectively sitting on a motorway for 3 hours.
This^Secondly I-95 does not add an hour to the journey time vs FL Turnpike, unless you hit Broward/Dade County at rush hour(s).
Coastal route is A1A and will add at least one hour to drive-time vs either 1-95 or the pike.
If you have time to squander and want to see rural, unspoiled 'Old Florida', take 17/92 from Orlando to Kissimmee (by the way, it's KissIMMee, not KISSimmee) and then SR500 (Irlo Bronson) south east to intersection with SR15 which takes you through the FL hammocks to Yeehaw Junction and follow 15 south to Okeechobee.
Lightsey's seafood restaurant in Okee is worth stopping at for lunch - then skirt the lake (largest body of fresh water in FL) and connect with SR 27 just south of Belle Glade. 27 is pretty much arrow-straight for miles and miles south toward Ft Lauderdale and not policed particularly heavily, so plenty of opportunity to let your Mopar stretch it's legs a little - if you speed on the Turnpike, you are at high risk of a pinch, pretty much anywhere.
A slightly different route, but perhaps a little less tedious than effectively sitting on a motorway for 3 hours.
plus if you are to do Florida properly and drive the A1A you just have to get the CD A1A by Jimmy Buffet, just makes it all feel so right
Although I95 isn't a very scenic route, if you are just looking to get to Miami as quick as possible, it's the one to go for.
I did this route a few years ago and the average speed on the I95 is much higher than you would expect. Even the 'big rigs' hurtle along at a good rate. The only time the pace drops is when there are troopers on the road, it's very obvious as the traffic will back up slightly as everyone reduces their speed.
I did this route a few years ago and the average speed on the I95 is much higher than you would expect. Even the 'big rigs' hurtle along at a good rate. The only time the pace drops is when there are troopers on the road, it's very obvious as the traffic will back up slightly as everyone reduces their speed.
The turnpike is faster (and more direct - less miles) than the Interstate - and FL Highway Patrol (State Troopers) are on both ALL day every day, with bi-directional scanning radar (and no median guardrail on most of I-95, so being nicked by a trooper coming in the opposite direction is very common).
Lots of great tips here guys.... nice one
With regards to prepaid cash cards, anyone have any experience with Caxton Dollar cards???
They look the biz, but anything I should be aware of? I like the idea of preloading it with a day or so of budget and then negating the issue of coming back with a pocket full of dollars and having to get it changed back to GBP
With regards to prepaid cash cards, anyone have any experience with Caxton Dollar cards???
They look the biz, but anything I should be aware of? I like the idea of preloading it with a day or so of budget and then negating the issue of coming back with a pocket full of dollars and having to get it changed back to GBP
We use Fairfx cards which I imagine are similar! It's handy to have, as long as you keep an eye on the balance! And generally if you have some left over you can just draw it out on a Uk cash machine if you wish. I would recommend you leave some in there as it keeps the card active if you decide to go again!
SickFish said:
Lots of great tips here guys.... nice one
With regards to prepaid cash cards, anyone have any experience with Caxton Dollar cards???
They look the biz, but anything I should be aware of? I like the idea of preloading it with a day or so of budget and then negating the issue of coming back with a pocket full of dollars and having to get it changed back to GBP
I've got a Caxton card that I am taking to NY tomorrow, so I will let you know how I get on With regards to prepaid cash cards, anyone have any experience with Caxton Dollar cards???
They look the biz, but anything I should be aware of? I like the idea of preloading it with a day or so of budget and then negating the issue of coming back with a pocket full of dollars and having to get it changed back to GBP
pincher said:
SickFish said:
Lots of great tips here guys.... nice one
With regards to prepaid cash cards, anyone have any experience with Caxton Dollar cards???
They look the biz, but anything I should be aware of? I like the idea of preloading it with a day or so of budget and then negating the issue of coming back with a pocket full of dollars and having to get it changed back to GBP
I've got a Caxton card that I am taking to NY tomorrow, so I will let you know how I get on With regards to prepaid cash cards, anyone have any experience with Caxton Dollar cards???
They look the biz, but anything I should be aware of? I like the idea of preloading it with a day or so of budget and then negating the issue of coming back with a pocket full of dollars and having to get it changed back to GBP
I've just got back from two weeks in Kissimmee and travelled down to Miami for a few days. I went along the 192 Irlo Bronson to the Florida Turnpike for approx 180 miles, then on the I95 for a little stint close to Miami.
We stayed in the Art Deco area, just behind Ocean Drive, and had a really good time in a hotel/bar called the Clevelander. They had live entertainment, a decent band, samba dancers, DJ etc. The drinks and food were quite expensive, but seeing as you are hiring a Charger, I think you'll be okay
. I had a Toyota Corolla!
I also had a Caxton Dollar card, and didn't have any problems using it anywhere, but the only place I wasn't charged for a cash withdrawal was Wallmart.
On one of our early evening strolls along Ocean drive, we stumbled across a crime scene being investigated/photographed, just before you get on the beach. Seemed pretty serious as I over heard (what I presume was a local), saying 'someone got stumped out for talkin' s
t' eek!
We stayed in the Art Deco area, just behind Ocean Drive, and had a really good time in a hotel/bar called the Clevelander. They had live entertainment, a decent band, samba dancers, DJ etc. The drinks and food were quite expensive, but seeing as you are hiring a Charger, I think you'll be okay
. I had a Toyota Corolla!I also had a Caxton Dollar card, and didn't have any problems using it anywhere, but the only place I wasn't charged for a cash withdrawal was Wallmart.
On one of our early evening strolls along Ocean drive, we stumbled across a crime scene being investigated/photographed, just before you get on the beach. Seemed pretty serious as I over heard (what I presume was a local), saying 'someone got stumped out for talkin' s
t' eek!Edited by AndyT77 on Sunday 13th April 23:56
AndyT77 said:
I've just got back from two weeks in Kissimmee and travelled down to Miami for a few days. I went along the 192 Irlo Bronson to the Florida Turnpike for approx 180 miles, then on the I95 for a little stint close to Miami.
We stayed in the Art Deco area, just behind Ocean Drive, and had a really good time in a hotel/bar called the Clevelander. They had live entertainment, a decent band, samba dancers, DJ etc. The drinks and food were quite expensive, but seeing as you are hiring a Charger, I think you'll be okay. I had a Toyota Corolla!
I also had a Caxton Dollar card, and didn't have any problems using it anywhere, but the only place I wasn't charged for a cash withdrawal was Wallmart.
On one of our early evening strolls along Ocean drive, we stumbled across a crime scene being investigated/photographed, just before you get on the beach. Seemed pretty serious as I over heard (what I presume was a local), saying 'someone got stumped out for talkin' st' eek!
All sounds good.... Getting really excited now!We stayed in the Art Deco area, just behind Ocean Drive, and had a really good time in a hotel/bar called the Clevelander. They had live entertainment, a decent band, samba dancers, DJ etc. The drinks and food were quite expensive, but seeing as you are hiring a Charger, I think you'll be okay
. I had a Toyota Corolla!I also had a Caxton Dollar card, and didn't have any problems using it anywhere, but the only place I wasn't charged for a cash withdrawal was Wallmart.
On one of our early evening strolls along Ocean drive, we stumbled across a crime scene being investigated/photographed, just before you get on the beach. Seemed pretty serious as I over heard (what I presume was a local), saying 'someone got stumped out for talkin' s
t' eek!Edited by AndyT77 on Sunday 13th April 23:56
Hmm sounds great about Walmart being free to withdraw cash too as we are staying only 1.5 miles from a walmart... can jog there and back in the morning I think (as long as I am not crossing some crazy 8 lane freeways!
)Back now and can confirm that the Caxton card was (almost) flawless - was accepted in all the shops and restaurants we went in.
Chip and pin doesn't really seem to have travelled over the Atlantic as I only ever had to sign electronically, which turned out to be a good thing as it turns out I had forgotten the PIN when I had a couple of goes at a cashpoint- ended up with my card being frozen and declined in the restaurant at JFK. My own fault though, so no biggie.
Loading was easy via the app and there is always a text service as a backup in case that doesn't work.
In in all, I would recommend - I will probably get a € card for the summer hols as well as you can keep a close(r) eye on your spending.
Chip and pin doesn't really seem to have travelled over the Atlantic as I only ever had to sign electronically, which turned out to be a good thing as it turns out I had forgotten the PIN when I had a couple of goes at a cashpoint- ended up with my card being frozen and declined in the restaurant at JFK. My own fault though, so no biggie.
Loading was easy via the app and there is always a text service as a backup in case that doesn't work.
In in all, I would recommend - I will probably get a € card for the summer hols as well as you can keep a close(r) eye on your spending.
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