DC hound driving to Charlotte, NC - Where should I eat?

[Cocinero Cubano]

I'm driving down to Charlotte next week for a meeting and want to make sure I hit as many good places - diners, bbq, road side stands - as I can. I'll have a leisurely drive on Tuesday morning. My route is 66 West from Northern VA, South on 81, then to 77 South.

I look forward to getting some great suggestions. I'm cross-posting this on the South board too.

Cocinero Cubano

[Jamie D]

don't forget the Mid-Atlantic board

[The Chowhound Team]

Since the poster is driving from DC through Virginia to North Carolina, the DC and South boards are the right boards on which to post, since Virginia, outside the NoVa area, is covered on the South board.

[Bob W]

have you considered taking 95 south to 85 south? I-85 in NC is one of the great chowhound roads in the US.

[Cocinero Cubano]

I thought about 95, but given the mess at the mixing bowl, near Occoquan, etc., I decided to forgo it altogether. I might be persuaded given a good list of places to stop into.

[PeterB]

BobW speaks the truth. Durham NC om I 85 is a worthy chowhound destination. There are some awesome taquerias right off I85.Check the South board for advice.