Do you know the way to San Hose? How about do you know the way to Emerald Isle?

When we lived in Clinton NC many years ago before there was an I-40 if you wanted to get a debate going bring up which road or roads offered the easiest, best, or fastest paths to Raleigh. Ditto for when we lived in Lumberton NC about which way was the best for a trip to Raleigh. So it is when bringing up the best road plan in getting to just about anywhere.  So do you know the best and fastest way to Emerald Isle? Lots of people in the Triangle area visit these shores on a regular basis so without hesitation here is the absolute best route to Emerald Isle. 

When we began making trips to our place on the western end of Bogue Banks we had suggested to us several ways to get there from the Triangle area.  The most popular was US 70 to NC 58 in Kinston then the two lane to Emerald Isle. We also had suggested US 70 to a cut through road at New Bern over to US 17 then to NC 58 and on to Emerald Isle. Both of these use a good portion of NC 58 that is two lane and can be frustrating on busy days or almost any day.  Even US 70 can be a hassle especially on weekends due to high traffic levels and numerous traffic lights at busy intersections.  However the route we now use was never suggested by anyone and after trying all the routes our conclusion is that I-95 when needed to I-40 East then to NC 24 exiting at exit 373, then NC 24 using the Kenansville bypass and Jacksonville bypass through Swansboro to NC 58 bridge to Emerald Isle is the best route.  Mileage might be a bit more, but not much. But the ease of the trip using all four lane roads makes the trip time the least and the driver and passengers much less stressed.  The stoplight count on this route is the lowest as well and most of the stoplights are at intersections where traffic is light and mostly green on arrival.  The real difference here is the new Jacksonville bypass that makes that getting around that city a breeze. 

There is also the simple fact that I-40 has less traffic and NC 24 for most of the route to Jacksonville has much less traffic helping you make excellent time.  We suppose this posting might very well make the traffic increase, but we suggest if you are going to the western end of Emerald Isle give this route a try.  Of course Governor Perdue is not going to be happy with this info, so write it down before she forces this blog post down.  LOL

A couple of stopping points for those interested. A good point to stop for gas and refreshments is at the BP station right off I-40 getting on and off the NC 24 Kenansville bypass. The station is easy in and easy out due to the light traffic as well. This point is just under half way as well and gives you a break after some long interstate road miles.  For a full meal or burgers Arnolds Restaurant in Richlands has a cafeteria style country cooking line or burgers and ice cream at a good price and is family friendly.  This stop is about 45 minutes out from Emerald Isle. Richlands and Beulaville both have Hardees and McDonalds along the road path as well. 

 Just for the record 23 traffic lights in all from I-95 not counting the one at Emerald Isle turn.   If I counted right 25 traffic lights going the highway 58 route. 

If you find another route that is better let us know. Not one of the those we already know are not better.