natchez trace
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
My wife and I have ridden through most of the western and eastern parts of the country, and the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of our favorites. We have ridden it in both directions, several times. Technically, the south end is the starting point, since that is where the Kentucky and Tennessee farmers started their trek home up the Trace, after selling their goods and barges in Natchez. So, you are riding it in the right direction. Read several of the guides you can find online, or you will miss something interesting.
The Eola Hotel in Natchez is 1920's vintage and in great shape. They have rooms with views of the river and balconies. They will also let you park your bike right outside the door, in the covered driveway. The Pig Out Inn on Canal street has great BBQ. Bowie's tavern right across the street from the river is also good. Try the Southern Pecan Ale if you haven't had it.
In Tupelo, there is a great antique car museum near the Hilton Hotel, as well as the Elvis Presley birthplace and museum. Scottish Inn has clean rooms for $40, and the Hilton people are very friendly, with a great breakfast, but more pricey.
In general, though, in case you are not familiar with the South, talk to the locals at every opportunity. They will turn out to be the best part of your trip. Don't get in a hurry.
The Eola Hotel in Natchez is 1920's vintage and in great shape. They have rooms with views of the river and balconies. They will also let you park your bike right outside the door, in the covered driveway. The Pig Out Inn on Canal street has great BBQ. Bowie's tavern right across the street from the river is also good. Try the Southern Pecan Ale if you haven't had it.
In Tupelo, there is a great antique car museum near the Hilton Hotel, as well as the Elvis Presley birthplace and museum. Scottish Inn has clean rooms for $40, and the Hilton people are very friendly, with a great breakfast, but more pricey.
In general, though, in case you are not familiar with the South, talk to the locals at every opportunity. They will turn out to be the best part of your trip. Don't get in a hurry.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
Rode it a couple of years ago and it was a great, slow( the speed limit is usually 50 and 40 in some places) and they are very serious about it. I rode it during a weekday and I went for and hour or more at times without seeing another vechile. In fact after one of these stretches the park police had a checkpoint setup, checking licenses, insurance etc. There are historic sight on the parkway, but no place to stop, eat, buy gas etc. but there are many places to exit to a nearby town. I started in Natchez, several old mansion like hotels to stay in, actually more cute than comfortable, but still unique. The total mileage is something like 445 miles, it ends just west of Franklin, Tennessee and can be done easily in a long day.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
You mentioned that you were going to stop in Lynchburg, TN on the way down. When you get into town the first thing you want to do is go to the General Store on the square (its a tiny town) and ask the cashier if she can get you a reservation to eat at Miss Bobo's restaurant. Take the tour of the Jack Daniels distillery. These are the two best things to do while in Lynchburg.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 909
Likes: 29
From: Indiana
This is good information. I am riding around western TN for a week inearly July. We have 2 nights in nashville (July 3 &4) - ride the Trace into the corner of Alabama and then cut over to Corinth, MS for 2 nights. Use Corinth as a jumping off point for Shilo Battlefield and local sites. Then on to Memphis for 2 nights (30 year wedding anniversary !) Take 3 casual days to get back to northern Indiana. I can hardly wait!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
This is good information. I am riding around western TN for a week inearly July. We have 2 nights in nashville (July 3 &4) - ride the Trace into the corner of Alabama and then cut over to Corinth, MS for 2 nights. Use Corinth as a jumping off point for Shilo Battlefield and local sites. Then on to Memphis for 2 nights (30 year wedding anniversary !) Take 3 casual days to get back to northern Indiana. I can hardly wait!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, La.
This is good information. I am riding around western TN for a week inearly July. We have 2 nights in nashville (July 3 &4) - ride the Trace into the corner of Alabama and then cut over to Corinth, MS for 2 nights. Use Corinth as a jumping off point for Shilo Battlefield and local sites. Then on to Memphis for 2 nights (30 year wedding anniversary !) Take 3 casual days to get back to northern Indiana. I can hardly wait!
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