[tophcfa]

As many other Villagers are aware, there is no real good and easy way to drive to I-95 North of Jacksonville. Most GPS tell you to take 301 to 10 to 295 to 95. We have gone that way a couple of times and I will never go that way again, between the traffic lights, slow speed limits, and speed traps, 301 is an absolute nightmare. We once tried to go 301 to 75 to 10 to 295 but that adds a lot of miles and 75 and 10 are notorious for traffic. Our go to route has been to go 42 to Altoona, then take 19 north through the Ocala National Forest to Palatka, then cut across 207 and catch 95 near St. Augustine, take 95 to the 295 east loop around Jacksonville and get back on 95 north of Jacksonville. This is a nice scenic route, but it is slow and there is constant construction on the 295 loop making for a stressful section of driving. I am thinking of trying a new route, again taking 42 to Altoona and taking 19 north to Palatka, but then continuing on 19 north of Palatka to 17 north to 10 to 295 to 95.

Has anyone taken the route I am thinking of trying and if so, how was it? Also, can anyone recommend a different and better route than the options I have already listed? I am always open to trying something different, but am interested in getting from the Villages to north of Jacksonville as fast as possible, since it is the first leg of a nearly 1,400 mile drive.

Thanks : )