The Southern Road Trip: From Calera to Spring Hill
Looking for a road trip that takes you through the heart of the South? Look no further than the journey from Calera, Alabama to Spring Hill, Florida! With plenty of scenic routes and charming towns along the way, it's sure to be a trip you won't forget.
The Routes
There are a few different routes you can take on this journey, depending on how much time you have and what sights you'd like to see. Here are a few of the most popular:
The Direct Route: If you're short on time, the quickest and most direct route is to take I-65 south to Montgomery, then I-85 south to Columbus, GA, and finally I-185 south to I-75 in Atlanta. From there, it's a straight shot south on I-75 all the way to Spring Hill. This route is about 650 miles and takes around 10 hours of driving time.
The Scenic Route: Want to take your time and enjoy the scenery? Head south on Highway 31 from Calera, which will take you through charming towns like Greenville and Georgiana before joining up with I-65. From there, take the Florida panhandle route, following I-10 to Tallahassee and then taking US-19 south to Spring Hill. This route is about 800 miles and takes around 12 hours of driving time, but offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and stopping at unique shops and restaurants along the way.
The Coastal Route: If you're looking for a truly coastal adventure, head south on I-65 and then take I-10 to Mobile, AL. From there, take the scenic Gulf Coast route, following Highway 98 through charming seaside towns like Gulf Shores and Pensacola, FL. This route is about 800 miles and takes around 13 hours of driving time, but offers plenty of chances to take in the sea air and soak up the sun.
The Drive Times
No matter which route you choose, you'll want to plan for plenty of breaks and rest stops along the way. Here are some estimated drive times for each route (not including stops):
- Direct Route: 10 hours
- Scenic Route: 12 hours
- Coastal Route: 13 hours
Recommended Stops
Looking for some fun stops along the way? Here are some of our favorites:
- Atlanta, GA: Take a detour off I-75 and explore this vibrant southern city, home to the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and plenty of great food and music.
- Montgomery, AL: Learn about the civil rights movement and visit sites like the Dexter Parsonage Museum and the Rosa Parks Museum in this historic city.
- Tallahassee, FL: Florida's capital city is full of charm and history, from the Spanish mission-style architecture to the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum.
- Gulf Shores, AL: Take a break from driving and enjoy some beach time at this popular resort town, known for its clear waters and white sand.
- Pensacola, FL: Explore the historic downtown and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, one of the largest aviation museums in the world.
Final Thoughts
No matter which route you choose or where you decide to stop along the way, a road trip from Calera to Spring Hill is sure to be full of southern charm and hospitality. Just remember to pack plenty of snacks, bring a good playlist, and enjoy the ride!