If you're going to TV south of 466, cut the corner on 25. If you're notrth, continu straight across 42, the northern edge of TV.

We've done the drive many times and were fans of 301 to 24 to Gainesville, catch 75 there and take it to exit 329 (Wildwood). Now we are back to the rural route of 42 to 19 to 40 to Ormond Beach and then I-95. It is more relaxing by far to us. 19 is one of the nicest stretches of road around IMO.

Is Ocala Forest only good during daytime?
 

We hv also tried a couple of routes going north, 75>rte24> waldo>301 north>10 and 301 all the way to 10.
have also tried (south to TV) driving through the Ocala National Forest at midnight. This was way way to scary ( I thought my wife who was freaked out by the darkness was going to.....) ((sorry I digress)).
My question is: Is this the best way if you are leaving or entering TV during normal (somewhat) daytime hours?[/I]thanks. I do like going north early, in the morning, up 75 to Gainsville 24 to 301 north in waldo. I do not bother going this way heading south, I just stay on 301 cause it is late, dark and I am tired.

Since you'll be heading to Belvedere Village, a suggestion would be to take 42 and continue taking it west of 441. Instead of heading south on 441.

You could take 42 to Buena Vista and go south on BV to CR 466. Turn right and go west on 466 a few blocks ... and then turn left on Belvedere.

Have a safe trip.

Another Vote for I-75
 

Yes Waldo is known world wide as being the speed trap capital of the world. That is basically the town's only source of income. Also Baldwin going in the other direction is just as bad.

Army Guy

I have made the trip at least 30 times over the last six years and have tried them all. I like 301 to I-10 to 295 to I95. From the Dunkin Donut on 466 to I-10 takes me two hours. From I 10 to Exit 14 in Ga. is one more hour.

Just go the speed limit on 301 especially Waldo, Starke and Lawdy. Those three towns give tickets. I know!!

Thanks, PJ.
Considering the late hour that we'll be arriving, I think I'm going to opt for the shortest distance and the better lit roads then just be careful down 301.

Also, because this will be our last trek down - I'll be officially retired by then (WOO-HOO!!) -- this will be our last time driving to/from Delaware since flights are so cheap.

See ya in a month!!

Some statistics
 

Chris and I drove down from NJ last week, arriving on Wednesday. We got off I-10 at Rt. 301 South at 11:33 AM, and we religiously followed the speed limits all the way down to TV. At 12:33 PM we were at the intersection of Rt. 301 and Rt. 20, having traveled 51 miles on 301. An hour later (1:33 PM) we were on 27/441 at Del Webb's Spruce Creek - 95 miles so far. We arrived at the intersection of Morse Blvd and 27/441 at 1:43 PM having driven 101 miles since exiting I-10 onto Rt. 301. Traffic was light to moderate - basically not a factor, and wonder of wonders, we mad no health stops during this stretch. When we exited I-10 onto Rt. 301, our GPS had our arrival time estimated at 1:21 PM. We actually arrived at 1:47 PM.

Bottom line - 101 miles, 2 hours and 10 minutes to Morse Blvd. Perhaps next time we drive down we can document the "stay on I-10 to I-75" route. Of course, personal driving preferences play a huge role in deciding which of the many alternatives to take, but I thought it would be helpful to document the mileage and time. No matter which route you may take, please arrive safe and sound.

George

My wife and I travel to the Villages frequently from North Carolina. I prefer I-75. I take Rte 121 (2 exits past 301) off I-10 pick up Rte 236 that takes you to I-75 at the High Springs exit. Only two small towns and the drive is very easy.

Chris and I drove down from NJ again last week. This time we stayed on I-10 all the way west to I-75, then came south on I-75 to Exit 341, whereupon we wound our way east to 27/441 (via routes 484, 475 and 42, passing the northern end of Buena Vista) and south to Morse. This route took us 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel 159 miles, cruising along at about 75 MPH until we left the interstates.

In an earlier posting I documented the time and distance when we took the 301/27/441 route from I-10 to Morse Blvd. That route took us 2 hours and 10 minutes over 101 miles, and, yes, we passed 7 local constables in the Waldo/Lawtey/Starkey area.

There was no question in my mind that the I-10/I-75 route was considerable longer than the 301/27/441 route, but I had hoped that the much faster driving speed would equate the drive times. Not so for us. I suspect that we will take 301 from now on until we can get down here full time. Chris will just have to continue to point out all of those speed limit changes along the way.

George