Load the Nissan NV and leave immediately after church service with breakfasts/lunches/snacks packed at home; this avoids fast food on Day 1 and minimizes stops. Pack ready-to-eat sandwiches, bottled water, fruit, and snacks for the group.
Long continuous interstate driving to cover the first ~10 hours with minimal stops; plan one brief fuel/bathroom stop only. Staying on I‑10/I‑40 keeps navigation simple and maintains speed for an efficient push east.
Short 10–20 minute stop at a highway exit for fuel and restroom break — keep it under 20 minutes to stay on schedule and to maintain the 'as few stops as possible' goal.
Expect to arrive late in the Lubbock area (or nearest town chosen on your route). Book a hotel that allows late check‑in and offers adjoining rooms/suites for groups (Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, La Quinta). Most hotels have 3:00pm standard check‑in but will accept late arrivals if reserved — call ahead to confirm.
Because dinner time will be late, use the packed food prepared at home or groceries from an earlier Kroger run; many sit‑down restaurants will be closed this late. If you need groceries and Kroger is open late (many stores 6:00am–11:00pm), plan to shop earlier or shop first thing next morning.
Get everyone up and back on the road early to complete another ~10‑hour driving block; leaving 5:00am avoids most city traffic and keeps you on schedule toward Ohio.
Use the hotel’s free breakfast (most midscale hotels serve ~6:00–9:00am) if timing allows; otherwise feed the group with the packed breakfast/groceries bought at Kroger. This keeps a single quick stop for food instead of multiple restaurant stops.
Another long interstate push toward Columbus area — limit stops to one brief refuel (10–20 minutes) and one short leg‑stretch/bathroom break so you maintain the plan of minimal stops and fastest progress.
Shop at a Kroger near your Columbus‑area hotel for fresh sandwich fixings, drinks, milk and snacks for the final day; many Kroger stores open 6:00am–11:00pm but check the specific store nearest your hotel. This keeps daytime stops minimal.
Check in and get kids settled. Choose hotels near I‑70/I‑71 with family rooms or multiple connecting rooms (Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn). Confirm late check‑in policy if you arrive after front desk hours.
For a large group, pick a family‑friendly sit‑down restaurant (Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, local family diner) that can seat you quickly; many of these operate until 9–10pm. If you prefer minimal stops, use the Kroger groceries to assemble a quick in‑room meal if the hotel room has a microwave or kitchenette.
Pack the vehicle for the last 8‑hour leg, confirm arrival directions for Minford, and let kids wind down so you can depart on schedule the next morning.
Leave after a quick hotel breakfast or packed breakfast from Kroger; starting early reduces time spent in urban traffic and finishes the trip in the afternoon. Final day driving estimated at ~8 hours.
Complete the final Interstate and state‑route drive to Minford with one brief fuel/bathroom stop (10–20 minutes) to keep everyone comfortable while minimizing time off the road.
Unload luggage and gear, get kids settled, and check any directions to final lodging or residence. If you need extra groceries, a local Kroger or market will be available depending on the hour.
Either prepare a simple arrival meal from the groceries you purchased or eat at a nearby family restaurant; many local diners operate through the afternoon and evening.