My wife and I are planning (on short notice) a trip from:
San Antonio> Arkansas (pig trail?)> St. Louis> Nashville> Memphis (graceland?)>down through Alabama>Louisiana> then back to SA. Having not traveled this area, was hoping to get some expert advice on sights to see, must-do rides, good hotels on a budget, cool bars/restaurants, and any other info that would make trip more interesting. Maybe even certain weather patterns in those areas if known. Thanks in advance for the info. Would be cool to meet some HD Forum peeps along the way.

 

hey there....good old SATX...I grew up there...back when 1604 was a two lane road and the intersection of 281/1604 was a four way stop!

I have been thru all those states fairly recently and Arkansas will be the best riding. Any chance you can fit a small part of Oklahoma into your plans?
That Talemena (sp) skyway goes into Mena, Arkansas from Oklahoma...its pretty nice ride.

Coming back from Memphis how about the Natchez Trace? Its starts up there in TN. and ends in the middle part of MS. right on the LA border. That's an overlooked ride I think.
Plenty of casino's in LA by the Texas border if your looking for something to do before the end of the ride.

You will see a bunch of mom/pop restaurants and hotels and im thinking that's your best bet....summer crowds will be all over I-40.

Im in Houston...your in SA so we both know the weather...hot.

Enjoy...be safe

 

there are a couple of other threads about AR rides and arkansas.com has a pretty good page of suggests. Agree with talimena vote. Eureka springs is a great stop thru with any road in that area fun, main road over to Harrison maybe not so much. Mt View would be interesting headed for Memphis. Music on the square is very cool. Blanchard Springs cave and the springs are neat.

Weather.. summer thunderstorms or not. Fall offers the longer stretch of great riding days, but weather has been crazy this year

 

Here's a suggested route which is a loop out of Eureka Springs. It was a fairly short loop, but it was gorgeous. You won't regret it.

http://txharleyrider.com/ark1013/ark1013-day-3/

Also, the Harley store in Rogers has a satellite store in Eureka Springs that sells clothing. It's just around the corner from their restaurant and bar called the Rockin' Pig Saloon. We didn't eat there but we did try out some of their cold beer. I think they have a full menu.

Anyway good luck and ride safe.

 

We really enjoyed the Jack Daniels Distillery tour down in Lynchburg, Tn. ( been drinking JD Honey ever since) lol