End of Summer Road Trip: Weekend Stops You’ll Love

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End of Summer Road Trip: Weekend Stops You’ll Love

End of Summer Road Trip: Weekend Stops You’ll Love

As summer winds down and back-to-school season slowly approaches, there’s still time for one last escape– and the Natchez Trace Parkway is the perfect place to explore. Stretching 444 miles through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, the Trace invites travelers to enjoy the Southern charm while exploring small towns, nature, and flavor. Whether you’re planning a whole weekend or a quick day trip, you will find some unforgettable treasures at these stops.

Friday Afternoon: Kick off in Florence, Alabama

Start your road trip in Florence, an Alabama city that blends soulful music, riverfront scenery, and small-town charm.

Must do:

  • Muscle Shoals Sound Studio– Book a tour and walk where legends like Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones once created hits. FAME recording studio has sold over 350 million music copies in the last 50 years. For a full day of music tours, visit https://www.visitflorenceal.com/music/music-tour/.
  • Tom’s Wall– As the largest mortared rock wall in the U.S. and the largest memorial to a Native American woman, this is truly a sight to see. The trip is emotional and inspiring, as you see the dedication one young man had to honor his ancestors.

Dinner Stop:

  • Odette– A neighborhood eatery in downtown Florence serving American dishes with Southern and international influences.
  • Rays At The Bank– Serving elegant Southern cuisine in the Historic Sweet Water District of Downtown Florence. Be sure to catch their live music on Friday nights!

Places to Stay:

  • Renaissance Shoals Resort and Spa– Experience a hotel that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities.
  • Joe Wheeler State Park– Located on Wheeler Lake, this is a resort lodge with cottages right on the water, cabins on the bluff overlooking the Tennessee River, hotel rooms with lakeside views, and campsites hidden in the towering pines.

Saturday Morning: Explore Tupelo, Mississippi

The next stop is Tupelo, Mississippi, where history, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly attractions await.

Must Do:

  • Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum– Tupelo’s most significant modern-day landmark, a modest 2-room house which was home to the King of Rock’ N’ Roll, Elvis Presley, grew up. The home is a centerpiece of the 15-acre Elvis Presley Park, which also includes a museum, an Elvis statue, Elvis’ childhood church, and so much more!
  • Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo– Stretching 210 acres and housing more than 260 animals, this is a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages. The park is home to the U.S.’s tallest giraffe, Tall Boy, and the world-famous Oliver, a capuchin monkey whose 2 escapes in 2077 made newspapers worldwide.

Lunch Stop:

  • Brick and Spoon– A casual dining experience featuring hearty breakfast, brunch, and lunch options along with unique cocktails and made-to-order Bloody Marys.
  • JOBOS Surf & Turf– Located in Hotel Tupelo, offers a laid-back setting featuring fresh seafood from the Mississippi Gulf.

Places to Stay:

  • Hotel Tupelo– A hotel on Main Street that gives big city boutique hotel vibes to Tupelo, inspired by the King of Rock’ N’ Roll.
  • Trace State Park– The park offers 76 full RV camping sites, 16 tent sites, 4 cabins, and 3 cottages. Trace Lake offers 565 acres of fresh water fishing and water sports.

Bonus:

  • #MyTupelo is more than a city, it’s an experience for all. Download the mobile passport (instantly delivered to your phone via text and email), certain locations around Tupelo will be shown, check in at each location visited, and after visiting each location, go to the Tupelo Visitors Center to redeem your prize. (Each Experience includes a different prize!)

Saturday Evening: Relax in Ridgeland, Mississippi

Cruise along the Trace into Ridgeland, a modern city with waterfront vibes and big personality.

Must Do:

  • Barnett Reservoir– Ridgeland is located on the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir. The Rez offers multiple activities from fishing and watersports to picnicking and taking a relaxing stroll; the adventures are endless. It is also featured as one of the stops on the Mississippi Crappie Trail.
  • Ridgeland Virtual History Room– Immerse yourself in the history of Ridgeland through a digital exploration experience. The exhibit features a collection of historical activities that share the stories of Ridgeland’s 1st families, providing insight into the city’s origins and development. The space also has a “share your story” feature, which allows the community to contribute their memories.

Dinner Stops:

  • Anjou– From romantic dinners to brunch with friends, this French-inspired bistro offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Fratesi’s– A cozy eatery serving Italian cuisine with a Mississippi Delta influence. With checkered table cloths and a candle-lit dining room, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a group party!

Places to Stay:

  • AC Hotel by Marriott– A beautiful hotel featuring elegant design and comfort for all travelers.
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton– Located right off County Line Road, this peaceful hotel is minutes from local attractions and offers free breakfast as well as a free evening social from Monday- Thursday.

Sunday: Wrap Up in Natchez, Mississippi

Finish your trip in Natchez, where centuries of history meet stunning Mississippi River views.

Must do:

  • Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge– A 24,442-acre wildlife refuge in southwest Mississippi. The refuge is open to the public year-round with activities like fishing, hunting, birdwatching, and hiking. There is also a 3-mile nature trail located near the headquarters.
  • Longwood– Tour the crown jewel of the historic properties of Natchez. Immerse yourself in southern history at this antebellum home through the Natchez Pilgrimage Tours historical tour experience.

Lunch Spots:

  • The Camp Restaurant– Right along the bank of the Mississippi River, enjoy fresh, quality food while enjoying amazing views of the river.
  • Rolling River Reloaded– Located in downtown Natchez, customers are offered a variety of simple southern classic dishes with creative twists.

Places to Stay:

  • Beaumont House– A historical 1930s home in the heart of downtown Natchez, providing guests with some of the most luxurious and convenient accommodations.
  • Denleiht Historic Inn– A pre-Civil War mansion with luxury accommodations that once housed Natchez’s most esteemed residents. Also home to The Castle Restaurant and Pub, a dining experience in an original 1790s carriage house and stables.

Ready to Roll?

This weekend road trip itinerary blends music, food, nature, and Southern charm, all connected by the Natchez Trace Parkway. Whether you’re chasing one last adventure before school starts or just need a weekend away, the Trace offers countless experiences with every stop.