Driving from Atlanta to NYC

[FoodFanNYC]

Plan on driving down from NYC to Atlanta and wanted to know if anyone had some not-to-miss places to eat along the way. i95 to i85 (connecting past Richmond, VA through NC and SC to Atlanta).

Anyone have some epic food spots not too far off the beaten path?

[GraydonCarter]

If you've never had NC BBQ, view this as an important culinary educational experience, because it is not at all like Yankee BBQ. Some may recommend their favorite restaurants, but along any route you are sure to see a place that has a BBQ sign, and unless it is a chain restaurant, they will serve the familiar vinegar-based pork barbeque. Get the shredded pork sandwich with slaw on top.

[edwardspk]

And since you also have to drive through SC, if you're doing the BBQ tasting thing, be sure to try some SC BBQ as well. Very different from NC BBQ in that the sauce is mustard based, and unlike anything you're likely to find anywhere else.

[GraydonCarter]

FoodFanNYC, I recall this advice from Chow Tour Redux' "Tips for chowhounding in the South":
• If you’re from New York City, one possible reply to those who ask, “Where are y’all from?” (a question carrying more baggage than carousel six at O’Hare), is that you’re from Seattle. I tried this just once, with good results. Seattle, I think, is the new Canada. Utterly neutral.

[wench31]

I will be driving from NJ to Atlanta as well in the summer. Does anybody have any recs? Thanks@

[bobstripower]

unless you have to take I-95, the best route is I 81--the truck traffic on 95 is incredible

[David11238]

I second I-81. Being a veteran driver of the NYC - The South route, I-95 is just a horrid interstate. I-81 is a bit heavy before Hershey, but after that it's pretty much smooth sailing as well as prettier scenery. I guess I would make any reputable place in Penn Dutch a first stop. All of my faves are way off the path.

[Foody4life]

Third the I-81 to I-77 to I-85 route! Much more scenic and less stressful than I-95.

A great hidden gem is the Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, Dobson, NC (a couple miles off I-77 exit 93 in scenic North Carolina wine region). The restaurant has excellent cuisine and dining on their veranda overlooking the rolling vineyards is a great experience.

Their wines are also surprisingly good and they own what's probably the best Hampton Inn & Suites in the US - also just off the I-77 exit 93. Yep, built in 2007, it's very Tuscan / Napaesque in design and has won annual awards. Not your typical cookie cutter Hampton. I've used it as a great overnight stop along the route.

http://www.sheltonvineyards.com/defau...

[David11238]

I'm noting Harvest Grill. I have to drive to Durham, NC in April, and I'm heading back through Asheville, NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dobson doesn't seem that far off the I-40W.Especially if I detour a little to the I-73 (?).