Traveling from Bradenton, Florida to Scotland Neck, North Carolina: A Journey Through the South

If you're looking for a road trip that takes you through the heart of the southern United States, heading from Bradenton, Florida to Scotland Neck, North Carolina is the perfect route. Not only will you get to see the natural beauty of the region, but you'll also get a chance to explore charming small towns and bustling cities along the way. There are few different routes to take depending on what stops you want to make and how much time you have, so let's take a closer look at the options.

Option 1: I-95 North (1,006 miles, 15 to 17 hours)

One of the most direct routes to take is I-95 North. This highway runs all along the East Coast and is a popular choice for those who want to quickly get from one end of the country to the other. However, if you have the time, it's worth making a few pit stops along the way.

If you're a fan of amusement parks, Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida is a great place to start. Once you're on I-95, you can stop in Savannah, Georgia, which has beautiful historic architecture and delicious Southern cuisine. Richmond, Virginia, is also worth a visit for its many museums and art galleries. If you want to make it to Scotland Neck quickly, though, it's better to keep driving and make rest stops along the way.

Option 2: US-17 North (885 miles, 17 to 19 hours)

For a more scenic route that will take you through smaller towns, consider taking US-17 North. While it's not the quickest path, it's a great way to see some of the sights that Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas have to offer.

First, stop in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the country and home to plenty of Spanish colonial architecture. As you continue north, stop in Charleston, South Carolina, a quintessential Southern city with lots of great restaurants and shops. If history is your thing, be sure to visit the historic district in Wilmington, North Carolina, and take a tour of the Bellamy Mansion Museum.

Option 3: I-75 North and I-85 North (900 miles, 13.5 to 15 hours)

Another option that takes you through bigger cities is to take I-75 North until Atlanta, Georgia, and then switch to I-85 North until you reach Scotland Neck. Along the way, you can stop in Atlanta and take a tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. If you're interested in the Civil Rights Movement, you might also be interested in visiting Birmingham, Alabama, and the Civil Rights Institute and Museum.

The Drive

No matter which route you choose, the driving time will be between 13.5 and 19 hours. It's worth taking breaks throughout the journey to stretch your legs and sightsee. Make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks, and keep a close eye on the gas gauge since some stretches of these routes can have long gaps between gas stations.

Places to Stop

Along the I-95 North route, you can stop in Savannah, Georgia for its historic district and Southern cuisine. If you'd like to add a beach day to the mix, stop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for some sun, sand, and seafood.

If you take the US-17 North route, you can visit St. Augustine, Florida for its Spanish colonial architecture and Jacksonville Beach, Florida for some surfing and swimming. Once you hit Charleston, South Carolina, be sure to visit its historic district and take a horse-drawn carriage tour.

Finally, if you opt for the I-75 North and I-85 North route, take some time to explore Atlanta, Georgia, and visit the Georgia Aquarium. Birmingham, Alabama, is also worth a stop for its Civil Rights Institute and Museum.

Conclusion

Driving from Bradenton, Florida to Scotland Neck, North Carolina is a long journey, but it's also a great opportunity to see some of the best cities and sights in the South. Whether you want to stick to the highways or take a more scenic route, there's plenty to see and do along the way. So pack your bags and hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.