[Barefoot]

I know that this has been discussed previously many times. But each time the question is asked, someone offers a new suggestion, or there is a new highway or by-pass that has opened, and I learn something new.

On our trip home to Canada from The Villages, we took a new route that had been suggested by a member of TOTV, through the Ocala Forest and Ormond Beach to Jacksonville. We loved it.

Now we are anticipating our return from Canada to The Villages. We are planning our route. When driving from Canada, we usually take the 79/77/26/95 route (as opposed to 75). We prefer a more "scenic" drive which may take a bit longer, but to us it is a more pleasant trip.

Question: Is it still a good idea to take the 9A east bypass around Jacksonville over the busier 95 route through Jacksonville?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[SteveFromNY]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Question: Is it still a good idea to take the 9A east bypass around Jacksonville over the busier 95 route through Jacksonville?

If you are going down 95 to Ormond beach and across 40 (as you went home) the answer is Yes, 9A is a nice ride. It's approximately 2 miles longer, but less traffic.

If you are looking for a shorter route (Time wise - 30 minutes less) check out 295 west to 10 west to 301 south to Waldo to 24 to 75 south. Then 75 south down to the Villages. It'll save time, but the ride through the forest is prettier.

Have a nice trip!

[784caroline]

The ride through the forrest is also less hassle with speed traps and stop lights through the small towns...I stay away from 301 when possible ...its well worth the extra 30 minutes or so.

[Barefoot]

Thanks Steve and Caroline. We've tried 301 and found it to be very busy.
We much prefer the longer, but more relaxing trip through the Forest.

Just wondering if anything new is happening around the Jacksonville by-pass.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Thanks Steve and Caroline.
Just wondering if anything new is happening around the Jacksonville by-pass.

I believe 9A, soon to be designated I 295, is now completed around the eastern side of Jacksonville. If you are going to to Ormond then I would think 9A would be better than 295 around the western side of Jax.
However, the Ormond route is miles out of your way. You can shave a few miles off that by taking US 1 south of St. Augustine then at Bunnell take a right on CR 11. Then it is a pleasant 18 mile drive to Rt. 40 and you seem to be familiar with the remaining trip. Our daughter lives in St. Augustine Beach and that is our route.
We moved here from Jax and go back there a lot. We prefer the I 10/US 301 route to Belleview. Once in Belleview continue on 301 or follow US27/441 depending where your destination is in The Villages.
Watch the postage speed limits on 301. 45 MPH means just that!!!
Have a safe pleasant trip.