Going to SFNE from Maryland: A possible way around the Big Apple?

I'm planning on making another trip to SF New England, like I did last year, with a few friends.

Last year a supposedly 5 and 1/2 hour trip, from the Baltimore Annapolis area, ended up being 7 hours, and that's not counting the rest stops and food stops we made! The problem was New York City. It was the first time I ever saw the city in person, but the I-95 route through Manhattan and the Bronx took us a little over an hour to complete.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to another route we can take to bypass our nation's largest city? I'm specifically looking for a route that will take us past the western end of the city in New Jersey, and then bring us east (possibly on 84?) to meet up with North 91 in Connecticut.

Thanks for any advice you can give! *** Edited 4/15/2005 10:12:55 PM UTC by go with gravity***

Coming from Philly, the way I typically do it is to take the jersey Turnpike up to the George Washington Bridge. Once across the bridge, immediatly get on 9A north, and take that to the Cross County Parkway. Eventually the Cross County turns into the Hutchenson, and when it gets to CT it turns into Route 15. As Route 15 gets close to Hartford, it ends and merges with I-91, which will take you right up to Springfield. There are signs on I-91 fro Six Flags. Remember on thing, the exit you get off of for the park is actually in CT, though the park is just across the state line in Mass.

I have taken this on weekends and average about four hours from North East Philly. If I hit any tie-ups, it is usually at the bridge, and even then it is minimal. It is a very nice, off the beaten path ride, but it is also still all highway so you make good time.

yes here is the way to go take jersey TPK north, take exit 11 to the garden state PKWY north, follow that to Tappanzee bridge rt.287-87. take the I-684 Brewster exit. stay on 684 and take the I-84 east to Hartford exit. Stay on 84 through Hartford to I-91 North. stay on 91 take exit 47w stay on rt.190 go over bridge and at the light take a right on Rt 159 for 6miles to SFNE. Total driving time around 2:45 from exit 11 on NJTPK. Its the fastest way a lot less traffic. Itravel it all the time when I got to SFGRADV. Hope this helps you.

If traffic is the issue just try to travel late enough or early enough.

go with gravity, listen to ajrides. That is the best way to go. I used to live in MA, now I'm in VA. That is the way I go when I have to drive up and down the east coast. Avoid the George Washington at all costs. Have fun at SFNE. Stop at Lake Compounce in CT if you have a chance...if it is open yet.

Actually, AJRides has the best way North to on 287 to the Tappan Zee Bridge take the Cross County Parkway and where I used to take 684 (Exit 9) I go an exit further for the Merritt Parkway and take that North to 91 North. I am almost sure that is Route 15 which someone else mentioned. I would avoid 95 and the GWB (Both of them) and take the Northern route. 91 qill take you right up to Agawam..

If you have time and want to sightsee, take the Palisades Parkway up to the Bear Mountain Bridge and enjoy the scenery, a great trip in the fall but about 45 minutes longer.

Ed

I was the pilot so to speak. We were traveling very late, due to me not being able to get off of work unitl 6pm. I don't think we hit the road until 7-ish. The George Washington Bridge was an absolute nightmare. I think it took somewhere around an hour to cross (I could be wrong), and it was probably 10-11pm at this point (I'm guessing).

I agree that Ajrides described the best route.

Ajrides has an excellent idea. However, from four years of taking my brother to school in Boston (from North Jersey), you end up saving a bit of time if, right after you cross the Tappan Zee Bridge, you take the Saw Mill River Parkway north to 684. It has a couple traffic lights, but it's basically the hypotenuse of the 287-684 triangle and should save you a bit of time.