Boone to Myrtle Beach

Rob/Bud - you were so helpful on last route question here is another

(any other particpants welcome to voice opinion)

Looks like no direct route to Myrtle Beach and once again AAA and Mapquest differ

Both have me going Rt 321 to around Charlotte - then

AAA - has me on lots of routes

whereas

Mapquest basically has me I-77 to I-20 to 501

Leaning towards Mapquest so I don%26#39;t have to look for so many route signs - what do you think?

Also how is Route 321 - major road?

would it be better to backtrack out of Boone via 421 to I-77 and than head down to Charlotte area

Not sure if it matters - plan on leaving Boone around 6:00/7:00AM on a Friday

Suggestions greatly appreciated

Boone to Myrtle Beach

There really is no good way between Boone and Myrtle. Yikes.

US 321 still has several 2-lane stretches between Lenoir and Blowing Rock. There is currently widening construction going on in that stretch to upgrade it to four lanes. When construction hits peak, I%26#39;ve heard they actually shut the road down and detour traffic onto even smaller roads.

Avoid the risk and just take 421 to 77 on down to CLT. At least you%26#39;ll be guarranteed multilane highways for most of your trip (with the exception of much of US 501 in Myrtle Beach...why they%26#39;ve never built an interstate to Myrtle I%26#39;ll never know.)

I%26#39;ll give you another warning too..try to time your trip right. Morning commute traffic on weekdays going into Charlotte on 77 from the northern suburbs can be Hell. So avoid that time of day there.

Boone to Myrtle Beach

I always take 321 to Boone. I live in Gaston County and it%26#39;s a straight shot. Unless there is major construction I have no problems- I can make it in less than 2 hours. The only bottle neck is 321 and 85 in Gaston County...and it moves, just slowly. Leaving at 6:00 am will put you in Charlotte%26#39;s rush hour - I%26#39;d leave Boone about 8:00 and give people time to get to work!

There is no good way to Myrtle Beach! LOL. I%26#39;ve been countless ways and wouldn%26#39;t begin to try to give you a route - pick one and enjoy the rural SC scenery! LOL.

Best wishes.

Oh yes - NCDOT webiste has road construction updates - check that to help decide your routes.

Thanks guys - will leave around 8 or 9 to avoid rush hour

321/85 is the fastest route from Boone to CLT. Only a few miles of two-lane road between Blowing Rock and Lenoir. That stretch usually closes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon to 2pm for blasting.

From CLT to MB, take your pick. I have done the intertstate (through Columbia) and the the back roads (through Darlington). My route depends on my mood. I have made it to MB faster with the interstate route (even though it is longer mileage-wise), but sometimes the back roads are a lot more enjoyable, especially at night.

I live in Myrtle Beach but I have friends who go to ASU in Boone NC. I drive back and forth about twice a month and have tried MANY routes.

The fastest route from Boone NC is to take 421 to 77 to 20 to 95 Spur to 501 BUT HERES THE KEY: then LOOK FOR Hwy 22 off of 501 and take 22 to 31 to Myrtle Beach. By taking 22 you avoid ALL of the 501 traffic, lights, and 45mph areas which can add an additional hour on to your trip since EVERYONE comes in on 501.