Driving to NMB from NJ via I-95 and then what???

First off, I just signed up w/ this forum and I%26#39;ve seen a lot of info on NMB/MB, and want to thank all for the useful info.

I%26#39;m taking the family for the week of 8/26, and I%26#39;m just wondering what the best (ie, fastest and most direct) route would be to get to Rte9 and N. Ocean Blvd area.

Google maps takes us down 95 to US-74 (past Lumberton) eventually to Rte 9, while AAA gets us off much sooner at US-40 and then down US-17.

I%26#39;ve seen some suggested alternate routes, but wonder why no one has listed these routes from Google/AAA.

I%26#39;m hoping to start this run at 3am on Sunday. Consequently, I%26#39;m not concerned about scenery. Just looking to get there easily and quickly. Without missing the turnoffs that might not be labelled on the road as the online mapping services indicate (this has happened to us before).

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Driving to NMB from NJ via I-95 and then what???

Google maps takes us down 95 to US-74 (past Lumberton) eventually to Rte 9, while AAA gets us off much sooner at US-40 and then down US-17.

I%26#39;ve seen some suggested alternate routes, but wonder why no one has listed these routes from Google/AAA.

We came from NJ 2 weeks ago and on the way down took route 9 from Dillon SC so we could go to South of the Border. It was very easy no traffic. However my husband thinks we went a bit out of our way. There was a suggested route from the person who we got the beach house from for the way home, going the routes you mentioned above. It was a bit faster and if you dont care about going to South of the Border you may just want to go that route which should be fine.

Driving to NMB from NJ via I-95 and then what???

Hi

We come down I-95 to US-40 which will take you to Wilmington. I think it is just a nice drive and not so busy and avoids the traffic into MB.

Hi Ginger9708, your trip report and assorted posts have been very helpful.

Did you return via US-74 to 95 or Rte 17 to US-40 to 95? And do you recall the start time and duration of your return trip? Just curious since the return won%26#39;t be as early in the AM...

At this point, because of our planned departure time (3am), I think we%26#39;re gonna skip the side trips like SoB. But if we change our minds, was SoB worth the extra time/distance?

Also, if there%26#39;re any more tips/info you%26#39;ve recalled that you haven%26#39;t already mentioned, I%26#39;d like to know them. We have an active 11-yr-old daughter and 10-month-old daughter, who will be as active.

Thanks again!

I don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s faster but it%26#39;s pretty direct.

You take 95 south to Dillon (south of the border) and then that is 9 and will take you all the way there.

When I am on vacation I don%26#39;t necessarily take the fastest route. I am relaxing enjoying the trip. And sometimes you might find out the fastest route is also the most congested as well.

Stay on Hwy 9 thru Little River follow signs to Hwy 17 over the Intracoastal Waterway, then from there you can take first exit which is Cherry Grove exit, (SeaMountain Hwy) turn right and this takes you straight to Ocean Blvd or make any number of left turns off Hwy 17 depending on where you are staying.

otter964

Sorry about my information oops!!

I go I-95 to I-40 then use the I-140 bypass around Wilmington, NC and then you take US-17 down to NMB. Saves me from looking at all those Pedro South of the Border signs. I don%26#39;t rush things, but I get from southern NJ to MB in 11-12 hours.

Looks like I%26#39;ll go AAA%26#39;s way: 95 to 40 to 140 to 17 (tanx Moose4/teambuilding). Hopefully I%26#39;ll be able to get there in 10 hrs (since leaving so early) unless 17 becomes a parking lot because of other travelers.

Are there a lot of lights on Rte 17?

Not to ignore everyone else%26#39;s feedback...

thanks all!

typical man...

I know...

looking for the quickest way to the end zone!

Hwy 17 from Wilmington thru Little River, not alot of lights, you will encounter several in Little River but they change frequently they are not on the 5 min or more timers like most of the other lights here. Once you cross over the Intracoastal on Hwy 17 then YES lots of lights. You are coming in on a Sunday, it really won%26#39;t be too bad. Sunday is actually good day to get to beach, much better then Saturdays.