Hmm. I wondered why there was so much traffic for a Saturday in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area?
Not travelling southeast for a while, I'm asking this for general information.
Y'all are suggesting coming all the way over to I-75 in Cincinnati. Any reason why these routes aren't feasible from the Northeast?
1) I-81 all the way down to I-40. I-40 east to I-26 in Asheville. I-26 all the way down to I-95. (Is that too close to the hurricane/flood zone?)
2) I-81 all the way down to I-40. I-40 west to I-75 in Knoxville. I-75 down to Florida Turnpike. (Avoids NC completely. However, is there flooding in the Virginia mountains?)
BTW, while I'm here, a few tips about I-75 for those who don't travel it.
1) Take the bypass (I-475) in Macon, GA. No, it is not longer. I-75 actually juts into Macon then out again. I-475 is more a straight shot.
2) The Florida Welcome Station along I-75 has the same free orange juice as the Welcome Station on I-95. (At least, I think that's correct. I've never had the orange juice on I-95.)
3) You probably know to avoid the major cities (Cincinnati, Atlanta) during rush hour.
4) Cincinnati travel (something I know too well). If you're coming in from the Northeast, I'm assuming you're taking I-71 from Columbus. If you're not coming in during rush hour, I'd just take I-75 downtown and pick up I-75 there. If you are, take I-275 east around and pick up I-75 in Northern Kentucky. (Note: I-71 and I-75 are the same road for about the first 20 miles in Kentucky.)
5) Columbus travel. If you're heading toward NJ, Philadelphia, NYC; don't take I-70 directly to I-71. Take I-270 to connect between the two interstates. Follow the signs to Cincinnati (or Wheeling, WV; if you're going home).
6) While in the Cincinnati are, stop for lunch or supper at one of our chili parlors (Skyline, Gold Star, Camp Washington Chili...only one location, but it's the best). There's a Skyline or Gold Star Chili at nearly every exit between Kings Island and Florence, KY.
HTH. PM me if you have any questions.