Natchez Trace

[Hodum]

The Trace is a wonderful trip for Airstreamers. I lived at Collinwood, TN for over 27 years and traveled the Trace almost daily on short trips and regularly on other trips to Nashville and sometimes Natchez. Now I live at Corinth, MS and love taking the trace with my Airstream. We recently got on the Trace at Tupelo and went to Natchez. What a relaxing trip, all laid back and fun. Just below Jackson the road has several places that are uneven enough to cause that rocking chair effect that alarms me. I know it is not good for my trailer. I avoided that section of the Trace on the return trip.
If you love a picnic there is a area called Glen Rock Branch about 10 miles north of Collinwood, TN that has proven to be a favorite of ours. It is all a great trip with no disappointments.

[gatorboy]

WoW! I envy you. I have done the Trace three times on a motorcycle.
Check with the MS. State visitors center in Natchez. The casinos often have great deals on rooms and terrific buffets for poco dinero.
Natchez Under-the Hill is a great place to have a bourbon and watch the sun set over the river. You should really spend a day in Natchez and tour a couple of the anti-bellum mansions that are open to the public. When Admiral Farragut steamed up the Miss. River, Natchez surrendered immediatly, thus saving some incredible architecture, unlike those Rebs in Vicksburg.
If you are not from the South, start eating lots of fried food now. Your digestive tract will thank you later.
A great photo opportunity at the Cypress Swamp.
I would recommend that you get off the Trace at MS522. This will take you through Alcorn, home of Alcorn State, one of the most kick-ass college marching bands in America. Ultimately, you will see a turn-off for Windsor Ruins, a ruined plantation whos only remains are some Greek columns. Really haunting.
After getting back on the Trace,
get off again on MS27 and follow the signs to Vicksburg NMP. Next year is the 150 anniv. of the fall of Vicksburg, so they will probably be gearing up, but you won't get the crowds. Definately worth the detour.
Get back on the Trace and get past Jackson ASAP.
Kosciusco has a Visitor Center and is the home of Oprah if you're interested.
Back on the Trace, check out French Camp, one of the old inns on the Trace.
Jeff Busby is a nice place to camp.
Next stop is Tupelo. Birthplace of Elvis. Need I say more? Get a T-Shirt for every kid you know. You will be Tres Kool!
Toshomingo State Park is a great place to camp.
Tenn has some great pull-outs. Especially the falls.
Not to be missed is Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark, not Martin and Lewis). This is where he met his maker under dubious circumstances.

This is a great time to de-compress. Don't rush yourselves.
Ask the NPS Rangers at the Visitors Centers for tips on things that interest you, and what they consider must-sees.

[HiHoAgRV]

Originally Posted by gatorboy

WoW! I envy you.... follow the signs to Vicksburg NMP. Next year is the 150 anniv. of the fall of Vicksburg, so they will probably be gearing up...

How about some Triva?...
V'burg fell on July 4th...
And so far, there has not been a celebration on July 4th...

I suspect it will be kinda quiet again this year...

For the 150th time...

In spite, the NMP is stunning! The brick streets downtown will still be cool...

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by gatorboy

If you are not from the South, start eating lots of fried food now. Your digestive tract will thank you later.

I've lived in New Orleans for the past 30 years. My digestive tract will NEVER thank me! Especially since I've developed diabetes. However, I have learned over 30 years of exposure to Southern cooking, that cholesterol is a GOOD thing. When I'm old and feeble, and my bones have succumbed to osteoporosis, my arteries will be hard enough to take up the load!

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

How about some Triva?...
V'burg fell on July 4th...
And so far, there has not been a celebration on July 4th...

I suspect it will be kinda quiet again this year...

For the 150th time...

Of course it will be quiet. Nobody likes to celebrate losing.

I work for the Corps of Engineers, and our Division office is in Vicksburg, so I'm pretty familiar with the town, though honestly I haven't done much touristy stuff there except visiting the battlefield park a couple of times.

[woodenicol]

We are camped here at piney grove campground on your recommend. We stay at Corp of Engineer campgrounds whenever we can. Nice campground.