Our First Road Trip
I’d like to start out saying we are just a couple Tennesseans trying to enjoy this life where and when we can. And we have pledged to do something once a month for the whole year. Whether that is a short day trip to a historic town, an overnight road trip, or several days depending on our destinations and/or what we would like to do this trip or save for another visit. January was South Carolina which was a four day trip, flew there and back with family and had a blast. February was a day trip to Nashville to check out some of its history. March was our first road trip, two days, TN-MS-TN.
Day One
Our first day, destination was Tupelo, MS.. Roughly two hours into our drive we were on Natchez Trace Parkway. We drove 111 miles of the 444 miles it has. We did start out in the dark but as the sun rose, we sure were greeted with the beauty. Made a couple stops along the way to read the information provided and take pictures. If you do anything, take the drive down the parkway. It is worth it!!
At the end of our 111 mile stretch on the parkway, was Tupelo. Which gives us several things to do. Started out at the Tupelo NBM. Couple cannons and a handful of graves with so many stories to tell. Our next stop was the Oren Dunn City Museum. It is a tiny place but full of Tupelo history. The front of the building displays lots of walk through exhibits. Like “The Davis House”, an old dinner, and a couple old brick silos with so much more. The museum host was very knowledgeable and gave use a walking tour that took maybe 15-20 minutes.
At the very back of the building, is a WWII Museum. It is the owners personal collection, and boy is it a collection. Mr. Tony was a fabulous host as well, with a wonderful personality. He took his “Do Not Touch” sign off his old jeep and told us to hop up there. Personally took our picture. Told us about his dads fight in the war, how and where he got some of his collection. He had far more information than we could soak up in one visit. Either from himself or with the pieces he had to offer. Worth multiple visits.
Elvis Presley – It all started here
You can not visit Tupelo without visiting Elvis Presley’s Birthplace. It is pretty fascinating seeing what his normal was like. The house does have some original pieces but some are also replicas. all of which are still interesting pieces with the stories that come with them.
The Church Comes with a tour from a fabulous, straight to the point, but super funny lady who really enjoys what she does. Its roughly 30/45 mins. with a neat setting and laughable moments.
The ground itself has a couple things to check out also. A replica of what they believe is the vehicle Elvis and his family used on their move. The Becoming statues on top the hill, just grab you a map and get to trekking. Just kidding, they’re short walks. Enjoy!
We hit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the way to our last stop of the day. It was a quick visit for us, as it was pretty windy and crisp out. there was several things we snapped a picture of, that was just beautiful or neat to see in person. Our next stop was also a quick one. Brices Cross Roads NB had a monument and a decent size graveyard. We did spend several minutes checking out the graves and ages of the people. If i recall correctly, the oldest was around 1802. We ended the day with some Wendy’s and the ID channel as we drifted off in our hotel pillows.
Day two
The beginning day two of our road trip we grabbed us free breakfast and then packed our things and headed out to our next stop, Corinth civil War Interpretive Center. Which is part of the Shiloh National Military Park. It presents interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations on the Battle of Shiloh and Corinth. It also has a stone water fountain representing the birth and growth of the US, the accompanying rise of sectionalism, key events leading to the Civil War, and a symbolic representation of four years of war. The National Park Rangers where absolutely amazing. Their knowledge and personalities made the experience even more fun and memorable.
We also stopped at the Corinth Contraband Camp. There was a nice little walking path with statues along the way with a short description on each. It was pretty and serene.
Road Trip to Shiloh
Let me just tell you, this place is huge. With so much to see. We started out at the bookstore. Learned about a drive through tour and then started walking the grounds near by to get a grasp of the place. Visited some of the graves. Tried to understand placement and organization while enjoying the view of the Tennessee River.
The Drive Tour was pretty amazing. 20 plus stops, most had a pull off for the ones who did wanna stop and study it a little more. We got out at the Church and another building along the way, but for the most part we drove on through. Roughly 2 hours this tour took and probably could have spent a whole lot more. Another road trip back is definitely in our future.
We ended out trip in Savannah, Tn at the Veteran’s Park. An acre and a half lot that serves as a salute to our veterans. It has a walking trail, US & State flags and flags of each branch of the armed services. Along with monuments and parking. It was beautiful and a must see.
On our way out of town, we grab some lunch at Bubba’s Smoke Shack. Its family owned and operated, and we could definitely tell. The service was wonderful and the food was great. The restaurant itself has the best vibe and the owner treated us so well.
