Take 321 up and 421, I-77 down. See new things both ways.

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:44 am

Google maps is giving me roughly the same drive time from Concord by taking Hwy 321 or I-77. Can someone compare/contrast the routes for me? Don't know which one I should take. Thanks!!

I-77 is a highway which puts you on 421, also a highway for the most part. Your last 25 minutes of that drive will be picturesque as you cross into the Blue Ridge Pwky, with the rest looking like a normal drive on the interstate. Hwy 321 will get you into the "mountain roads" a little quicker and you come in on the Blowing Rock side of Boone. Also has a good view or two along the way. I don't really prefer one or the other in good weather. The I-77 to 421 is probably the easier of the two drives. You climb the mountain in a 2-3 minute span and you're done. The other route feels like more of a constant climb to me, also more curves.

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:44 am

Google maps is giving me roughly the same drive time from Concord by taking Hwy 321 or I-77. Can someone compare/contrast the routes for me? Don't know which one I should take. Thanks!!

Both will be very similar, both have the same types of "obstacles" in the way - some minor traffic lights as you approach the foot of the mountain. Coming into Boone on 321, you will go through Hickory/Lenoir at the base of the mountain, then through Blowing Rock, which is a very pretty little mountain town. You'll also pass through the main commercial (built up) part of Boone on 321, which could be helpful if you need to stop for gas, doughnuts, or groceries. 77 to 421 you pass Wilkesboro at the foot of the mountain, then come into Boone a little further north (like two miles north - not a huge difference). There's not quite as much in the way of commerce there, but still grocery stores, gas, etc. Both roads essentially lead you to the same place, which is the center of town and campus.

If you're coming on Friday afternoon, I'd probably recommend 321, as 77 north tends to be a log jam during rush hour. I'd check google for traffic when you set off from Concord to see if it recommends either over the other.

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:44 am

Google maps is giving me roughly the same drive time from Concord by taking Hwy 321 or I-77. Can someone compare/contrast the routes for me? Don't know which one I should take. Thanks!!

321 will have less traffic and be more scenic. 77 is an Interstate.

I always take 321 when I go to Charlotte, but I hate Interstates.

Great advice, thanks guys!

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:44 am

Google maps is giving me roughly the same drive time from Concord by taking Hwy 321 or I-77. Can someone compare/contrast the routes for me? Don't know which one I should take. Thanks!!

I would recommend 321. Just a note, some other folks said you will go thru the town of Blowing Rock, while its true the you will go thru Blowing Rock, the actual down town isn’t on 321. Several folks recommended seeing Blowing Rock. Just didn’t want you to drive down 321 and think that was it. You could run into the Town of Blowing Rock on your way into Boone. If your coming in at lunch or dinner you could stop at Woodlands BBQ on 321 in Blowing Rock. You want get anymore local than Woodlands.

proasu89 wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 26, 2019 5:42 pm

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Tue Nov 26, 2019 1:23 pm

Cajun fan here so be nice.
Me and another buddy are making the trip next weekend and need advice on where to eat/drink Friday night and Saturday. We are staying in an AirBnb walking distance to the stadium. Looking for the best combination of local food plus a good atmosphere to watch other games. Any help is appreciated.

I refuse to participate in this thread until I know who’s hosting

Carolina Pizza Company on king street

Going back, construction on 77 from Just north of Lake Norman/Mooresville area through Charlotte is atrocious. I would take 321 just because 55mph constant beats the hell out of stop and go for an hour on 77.

Appster99 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 5:44 pm

Going back, construction on 77 from Just north of Lake Norman/Mooresville area through Charlotte is atrocious. I would take 321 just because 55mph constant beats the hell out of stop and go for an hour on 77.

321 is 70 mph in places

Mjohn1988 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 5:47 pm

Appster99 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 5:44 pm

Going back, construction on 77 from Just north of Lake Norman/Mooresville area through Charlotte is atrocious. I would take 321 just because 55mph constant beats the hell out of stop and go for an hour on 77.

321 is 70 mph in places

Even better!!

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:44 am

Google maps is giving me roughly the same drive time from Concord by taking Hwy 321 or I-77. Can someone compare/contrast the routes for me? Don't know which one I should take. Thanks!!

One caveat to the advice about going up 321. Are you flying in to Concord? If so, what time? Getting to 321 could be brutal after 4 pm on Friday. (West of 485, is standstill). If you are coming in early morning/lunchtime, you should be fine.

WASU 93 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 6:47 pm

RaginCajunsAllDay wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:44 am

Google maps is giving me roughly the same drive time from Concord by taking Hwy 321 or I-77. Can someone compare/contrast the routes for me? Don't know which one I should take. Thanks!!

One caveat to the advice about going up 321. Are you flying in to Concord? If so, what time? Getting to 321 could be brutal after 4 pm on Friday. (West of 485, is standstill). If you are coming in early morning/lunchtime, you should be fine.

The stretch between Hickory and Lenoir is also pretty bad during rush hour.

We are landing at concord at 2pm

They take virtually the same amount of time. i-77 will be the interstate route, more miles, easier drive. 321 is less miles but more stop lights. i think it is a bit more scenic, but thats my opinion. The real key is what time you get into Concord. From that side of Charlotte, getting to 321 could take days, where a quick back road will get you to i-77, which is always crowded but moves fairly well.
Short answer: depends

In all honesty i would map it with your phone once you get your car. I live on the south side of Clt and that's what i do

Hopefully someone else will confirm this. I would think from Concord you take I-85 south to Gastonia and then US 321 N. to Boone

wncapp78 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 7:40 pm

Hopefully someone else will confirm this. I would think from Concord you take I-85 south to Gastonia and then US 321 N. to Boone

Yes, you can go that way but there are others too. Back road shortcuts that on a Friday may not be shorter at all. I would check google maps on your phone for best routing. You can take the other way back if you like. Traffic on Friday afternoon is gong to be bad either way. I would get away and on the road ASAP. Agree that 321 is probably more scenic, while 421 is probably slightly faster. All depends on timing and traffic.

wncapp78 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 02, 2019 7:40 pm

Hopefully someone else will confirm this. I would think from Concord you take I-85 south to Gastonia and then US 321 N. to Boone

That is the easier way for someone who has never gone to Boone, I guess.

Ok, guys, here are my recommendations. Mcadoos on King Street in downtown. Red Onion for a little nicer. tAPP room college bar. Just be nice!

If you use the Waze app I think it would give you the best route utilizing current traffic once you arrive at Concord. (So my original suggestion of 85 to 321 might not hold up to Waze).