Hello,

Posted this originally on Metro and Mid-A but thought maybe someone from Del Val can also chime in on this:

I'm going to DC for a visit (probably next weekend) and was wondering if any of you have taken the backroads from NY to DC. I have made this trip about a dozen times but I am thinking of not taking the NJ turnpike this time around and maybe see some interesting things along the way. Maybe there is a east coast version of the Route 66? Any suggestions? Thanks.

-Mike

 

I've got NO good suggestions to get from NYC to The Delaware Memorial Bridge at Wilmington, DE unless you wanted to go down the Garden State Pkwy and then work your way back up Rt 40 to the bridge...... but that would add a good 50 miles to your trip

After that bridge you might consider Rts 13 & 1 South to Rt 299 East. Then to Rt 301 at Middleton DE. Then follow 301 South and West across the Bridge to Annapolis and on into Washington via Rt 50. When I was into sailboat racing we found this part of the route the fastest way to get to Annapolis from South Jersey.

You're not going to see much that I would consider "interesting" that way but it would be a change and the roads are good. Traffic can be a nightmare on weekends.

Watch your speed on RT 301..... the cops can be numerous and unforgiving.

 

the only way i know and take to the delware memorial bridge is 295.
there are plenty cops on that route.
you'd still take the turnpike tho but get off early

 

I second trapper's suggestion through Del and into the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Lot of nice little towns in Md too and Annapolis is a nice town to drive through and have lunch or dinner.

 

You can cut through North East PA through the Allentown/Kutztown area for some nice back roads that will lead you to Amish Country (Lancaster), then you can head south through Lancaster County and it'll take you to 95 South.