Driving directions HELP PA and OHIO

elliemom

elliemom

Cathlete
As most of you know we are going to Toledo Ohio this weekend to see the Cardiac Specialist for my 5 yr old son. We live in SJ and are trying to find the best route and a good half way point.

We plan on leaving Saturday and sleeping overnight and driving the rest on Sunday. Our appt is Monday at 11:30 am. I need to be near exit ramps and places to stop for help in case my son has trouble during the trip.
I also will have my 8 yr old with me.

Any suggestions, ideas would be GREATLY appreciated
Mapquest and Google give me 12 hour driving time. Does that seem right??? Also is the PA turnpike really rural out there? I'm not great with long drives and am not really fond of the turnpike, but I have never taken it that far!!!!

Thanks
ellie
 
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Hi Ellie,

I did a general mapquest, and it looks like they do give the best directions. I would think Pittsburgh would be your best bet for a halfway point, since there will be a ton of hotels and restaurants around. Although don't venture too far away from the freeway, Pittsburgh can be really confusing if you don't know the area.
Unfortunately, the PA turnpike is pretty rural. You will also drive through several mountains :0 Once you get a little ways into Ohio though, there is more civilization around, and I think the rest stops get a bit closer together. Oh, and there are a TON of tolls on the PA turnpike, so make sure to bring some cash!
 
Oh, then there's Nazareth PA where you'll find a loving home (albeit dirty) with friendly kids, a lady who loves to cook and hang out, and an open door.

I'm super excited for you and your family, Ellie!!! Call me to chat, you can stay with us if you would like/need.

Gayle
 
Bumping for a few more responses!!!!

Thank you Trixie for the info. I am afraid to be out in the middle of nowhere!!

ellie
 
Ellie, you KNOW that without a GPS I couldn't tell this road from that road. However, for what it's worth...from my house to your house, I take the PA Turnpike into Philly, over the bridge to Jersey and then to your house. To get from my house to Ohio (specifically, Lorrie's house) I take Interstate 80 for 300 miles from here right to the Ohio border.

Does that help AT ALL??? How about your GPS? Can you plug in the directions and go from there? Or what about a travel agency (like AAA, I'm not sure if that's a world-wide thing or not, lol) and they can give you a trip-tick with all the routes, etc.

Just some random thoughts.

Gayle
 
I went to school in Bowling Green, Ohio, 20 miles south of Toledo and home was in Lancaster, PA. It took me 9 hours to go from Lancaster to Bowling Green. That should give you some idea of how long it will take you. I had very few stops and drove pretty fast, though (hey I was 20!).

I would mapquest the route as suggested, then look at the exits around the half way point for something you are comfortable with. I drove cross country 4 times (I don't recommend that!) with a dog and two cats (REALLY don't recommend that!) and just pulled off the highway and found hotels. Most exits have hotels close by, but by doing the research ahead of time and making sure that you know where you would like to stop - you can make sure the exits have the facilities you need. I would also check along the way for any services you may need just in case - so if you have need of them while you are driving, you will know where to go.
 
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andtckrtoo,

Thanks, I am trying to research it now. That gives me a little better time reference from Lancaster. I really apreciate your help.

As much as I am looking forward to seeing the Dr., I am NOT looking forward to such a long drive!!!!!

ellie
 
Ellie, can you get a AAA triptik? It's free to members, I think. It's a customizable itinerary-turn by turn directions, maps, restaurants, etc. You can get one online, but I don't think it's as detailed as having one from the AAA office.

Good luck and Godspeed!

ETA: http://www.aaa.com/aaa/sem/sem.htm?redirectto=http://www.aaa.com/?area=JoinSEM&skin=JoinSEM&gcid=S15141x146&keyword={keyword}
 
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