The City With Soul is Ready for You

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Trip Ideas Featured Communities Communities Trace Blog Mississippi Itineraries Attractions Blog

The City With Soul is Ready for You

The City With Soul is Ready for You

Ready for an authentic experience? Then it’s time to visit Mississippi’s state capital, Jackson the “City with Soul.”

Jackson abounds with cultural and historic attractions, the kind that are iconic in our nation’s history such as the Medgar Evers Home Museum and the Mississippi State Capitol. The Mississippi Freedom Trail, which spans the entire state and contains several sites significant to the civil rights movement, meanders through the city as well.

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is a lovely setting for the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, which offers hiking trails and an aquarium. Its lush green space is a nice compliment to the Natchez Trace Parkway’s sense of nature. You can also find fishing, picnic areas, nature paths, and 28 sites for tent and RV camping in the area.

Jackson’s museums are where it excels. You can explore many significant facets of American history through a local perspective. I began at the International Museum of Muslim Cultures, which links Islamic civilizations worldwide with the earliest enslaved Muslims who came to Mississippi plantations. The Mississippi Sports Hall of FameMississippi History Museum and Civil Rights Museum tell the stories that touch the heart and soul.

For those ready to dive into the culinary scene, Jackson is a city for foodies. You’ll be in heaven if you enjoy Southern comfort cuisine as much as I do. Many eateries have been around for years. Comeback sauce, a Southern favorite, is thought to have origins at the 1935 Greek-style eatery Mayflower Cafe. Both Big Apple Inn and Bully’s Restaurant are well-known for their pig’s ears sandwiches and award-winning soul food, respectively. But it’s not just dated restaurants. Parlor Market and The Iron Horse Grill serve contemporary cuisine in historical settings. The Fondren neighborhood’s Walker’s Drive-In is also popular local hangouts with excellent options.

Jacksonians are enthusiastic people with a winning attitude. You’ll feel right at home because of their intrinsic feeling of genuine welcome! Because of its attractions, award-winning chefs, unique restaurants, various exciting events, three historic cultural districts, the abundance of visual and performing and trendy nightlife, Jackson is the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Let’s See Some Blooms!

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Mississippi Attractions Blog Trip Ideas Communities Trace Blog Tennessee

Let’s See Some Blooms!

Let’s See Some Blooms!

Who’s ready for sunny days? We sure are!

During the spring months, the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway is set to bloom into full beauty as the sun peeks out and the temperatures rise. We are happy to announce that springtime is around the corner, and the dogwoods, redbuds, and blooming wildflowers are starting to pop up along the Trace! It’s the perfect time to get outdoors to enjoy this gorgeous spring scenery.

Natchez, Mississippi

From Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway is vibrant with wildflowers for all to enjoy. As you travel this 444-mile route, the flowering trees give the perfect opportunity to experience springtime. Whether your unhurried trip through time is by car, RV, bike, or foot, take a moment to appreciate the foliage’s natural charm and snap a picture or two.

See NPS’s list of common wildflowers and where to look for them along the Natchez Trace.

Travelers enjoying the scenery

You can even stumble upon a special site at milepost 275.2 called Dogwood Valley. This site entails a 10-12 minute walk through a valley where unusually large dogwood trees tower overhead, often revealing an array of bright blooms. While walking, you’ll encounter a short section of the original Trace and walk through footsteps of history.

Dogwoods in bloom on the Natchez Trace

But spring isn’t just meant for dogwoods and redbuds to come out and appreciate the sunshine. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreational activities like cycling, hiking, fishing, and camping. Bring your loved ones, friends, and the pups – all is welcome on the Trace!

Check out our Instagram photos and Pinterest board to see more spring flowers dotted along the way. And remember that not only is the Natchez Trace Parkway a National Scenic Byway, it’s also a historic one. Take the time to visit the interpretive sites and attractions to get a true feel of its culture and history.

Springtime is the perfect time to get out and explore the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway! Please keep in mind estimated bloom times are difficult to predict due to the length of the Parkway and the variations in weather. Often times, the blooming of dogwood and redbud trees begin in mid-March on the southern sections of the Parkway and travel north, continuing through late April or early May.

Redbud trees along the Natchez Trace Parkway
Redbud trees along the Natchez Trace Parkway

Start planning your trip! Download your free Natchez Trace Visitors Guide.

Follow @TheNatchezTrace on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! #TheNatchezTrace

Explore Tennessee … Your Spring Road Trip

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Franklin Hohenwald Restaurants Restaurants Trace Blog Tennessee Attractions Communities Blog Leiper’s Fork Nashville Collinwood

Explore Tennessee … Your Spring Road Trip

Explore Tennessee … Your Spring Road Trip

Music, homemade biscuits, beautiful outdoor vistas, waterfall and hikes … ready to explore Tennessee?

The area features beautiful natural areas, remnants of early America and the legacies of some of the greatest artists and musicians in American history.

Visit the Wayne County Welcome Center in Collinwood for a hearty welcome to Tennessee, and learn about one of the undiscovered gems along the Natchez Trace. In Collinwood and Waynesboro, you can find deals in antique stores and an inviting downtown made to stretch your legs.  For outdoor enthusiasts, rent a pontoon boat and float the Tennessee River, go canoeing on the lovely Buffalo River or Shoal Creek, or inquire about hunting and fishing in the many rivers and verdant valleys.

Lewis County holds exhibits on early American settlements, the Meriwether Lewis monument/Burial Site, Civil War history and Gordonsburg mining. You can also find a 1960s commune, an Amish and Mennonite payment, General Store, two wineries along the Natchez Trace Wine Trail, working alpaca and horse farms, antique shops with small town prices, unique clothing, specialty restaurants, horseback riding trails and gift shops. Even the country’s largest natural habitat refuge explicitly created for endangered African and Asian elephants is located in Lewis County.

If Sunday morning had a hometown, it would be the quaint community of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. A unique fusion of scenic settings, culture and Southern cuisine can be found at this come-as-you-are treasure off the Natchez Trace Parkway just south of Franklin. You’ll discover the pinnacle of elegance with a side of BBQ and southern charm in Leiper’s Fork thanks to the community’s distinguished force of local artists and galleries, as well as landmarks such as the renowned Fox & Locke and its iconic open mic night stage. You’re likely to feel at home during any visit to Leiper’s Fork, whether you attend a play at the Lawnchair Theatre, sip local whiskey or unwind on a front porch by a fire pit.

Franklin is the ideal location if you want to unwind and experience southern refinement. You will become immersed in a new adventure in a lovely place, from locally-owned distilleries to their nationally famous, historic Main Street. Tennessee’s Franklin is located just south of Nashville. The 1864 Battle of Franklin was fought at this important American Civil War location, and the city is also home to the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, which also contains the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. There is a sizable collection of 19th-century furniture in the Lotz House from 1858. Main Street’s downtown is lined with art galleries, antique stores, and renovated Victorian structures.

Families of all ages may take an enjoyable road trip to Tennessee’s Natchez Trace section to learn about the country’s rich history and experience nature. Spring break and spring blooms are just around the corner, so let’s get to planning! Also, be sure to check out our friends at Nashville’s Big Back Yard for more in-depth stories and history on the area.

Tishomingo State Park Featured on 2023 Mississippi Tour Guide

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Tishomingo Attractions Trace Blog Mississippi Blog Trip Ideas Featured Posts

Tishomingo State Park Featured on 2023 Mississippi Tour Guide

Tishomingo State Park Featured on 2023 Mississippi Tour Guide

Tishomingo State Park, located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, is the featured cover image for Mississippi’s 2023 Tour Guide!  

Tishomingo County is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering caverns, canyons, a swinging bridge, a covered bridge, miles of hiking paths and streams that are ideal for canoeing, fishing and swimming.  The county also holds the highest point in Mississippi, Woodall Mountain, and has two award-winning state parks.

Chief Tishomingo, the head of the Chickasaw people, is honored in the park’s name. The famed Natchez Trace Parkway, a modern picturesque parkway and the preeminent road in the early 1800s, passes through the park. Visitors to Tishomingo State Park today are awed by the same enduring natural beauty that long ago mesmerized the local Indians. Nowhere else in Mississippi can you find the vast granite formations and fern-filled crevices seen in Tishomingo. Hillside routes traveled initially by Native Americans are bordered by vibrant wildflowers and enormous stones covered in moss.

The park’s unique environment offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including disc golf courses, compass courses, playgrounds, hiking trails, multi-use fields, volleyball courts, lodge facilities and swimming pools. Rock climbing is by permit only. Bear Creek offers fishing and canoe adventures. Fishing is also allowed on the 45-acre freshwater lake known as Haynes Lake.

A trip to Tishomingo County offers a great escape into nature, a change to unwind and unplug.  And don’t forget your new Mississippi Tour Guide for some wanderlust reading!

Springing Into Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway

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French Camp Ridgeland Tishomingo Natchez Raymond Tupelo Trace Blog Mississippi Blog Trip Ideas Clinton

Springing Into Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway

Springing Into Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Parkway

Spring break is just around the corner, and it is the perfect time to start planning a fantastic seasonal road-trip through the Mississippi portion of the Natchez Trace, exploring the towns of Natchez, Raymond, Clinton, Jackson, Ridgeland, French Camp, Tupelo and Tishomingo.

The state features scenic nature sites, history and culture, outdoor recreation and roots laid by the best artists and musicians in American history.

Southern hospitably abounds in Natchez as it is perched high on the bluffs overlooking the magnificent Mississippi River. Natchez, MississippiWith a fascinating history spanning more than three centuries, Natchez easily blends the old and the new. It is home to an extraordinary collection of historical structures, residences and churches, as well as immaculately preserved antebellum mansions, four National Park sites, prehistoric Indian mounds and the stunning Natchez Trace Parkway.

Raymond, a small antebellum city, is 40 miles north of Port Gibson. Raymond welcomes visitors with its picturesque charm and Civil War history. A driving tour highlights the historic Hinds County Courthouse and the Dupree House. The Confederate Cemetery and the Civil War Battlefield include a walking trail, allowing visitors to see where history was made in 1863.

 

Clinton, just southwest of Mississippi’s capitol city, offers a variety of unique experiences for visitors of all ages. The numerous historical landmarks, as well as the robust visitor center, will appeal to history buffs. The museum room highlights the history of the Natchez Trace through Clinton, hosts monthly “Mississippi Old Time Music Society” jam sessions and has changing exhibits throughout the year. Numerous walking paths and activities are available at one of Clinton’s many parks. The charming brick streets of Clinton’s Olde Towne complement a variety of unique shops, restaurants and hotels.

Jacksonians have a triumphant spirit and are passionate individuals. Thanks to their innate sense of genuine welcome, you’ll instantly feel at home. Jackson is the ideal location for your next vacation thanks to its attractions, award-winning chefs, distinctive restaurants, countless entertaining events, three historic cultural districts, plenty of visual and performing arts and hip nightlife.

Ridgeland presents a surprising fusion of nature and style to discerning tourists. Boutique and upscale shopping, outdoor adventures, dining of all types and the Bill Waller Craft Center help Ridgeland maximize Mississippi’s pleasant climate by fusing the inside and outdoors. Visitors are greeted by the natural beauty and exceptional recreational options of the 33,000-acre Barnett Reservoir, whose north side skirts along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

French Camp’s Historic District sits directly on the Natchez Trace Parkway and offers a glimpse into the daily activities of early settlers. Set your watch back – to the 1800s – and stay a while as you a bed and breakfast, historic buildings and special attractions, such as the pottery studio, gift shop, restaurant and museum.

In Tupelo, at the Natchez Trace Parkway headquarters, visitors may immerse themselves in the road’s vibrant and thrilling history through recently redesigned and improved exhibits that mix learning with fun. The chance to participate in tasks like crafting corn shuck dolls, weaving baskets, beading and working with leather is provided by living history demonstrations for both adults and children. The city of Tupelo offers a wide range of lodging options, the birthplace or Elvis Presley and award-winning culinary experiences.

Tishomingo Swinging Bridge
Tishomingo Swinging Bridge

Tishomingo County is home to Woodall Mountain, Mississippi’s highest point, two award-winning state parks and a national park. It is located in the Appalachian Mountains’ foothills. Caverns, canyons, a swinging bridge, a covered bridge, miles of hiking trails and streams perfect for canoeing, fishing and swimming make this an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Mississippi abounds in historic and cultural experiences, mouth-watering food, southern hospitality and a climate made for year-round outdoor enjoyment, so get to planning your Spring trip now!

Wrap It in Ridgeland! 🎁

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Ridgeland Attractions Restaurants Trace Blog Mississippi Blog

Wrap It in Ridgeland! 🎁

Wrap It in Ridgeland! 🎁

When the holidays come knocking, we all look forward to meaningful family time, lively get-togethers, and plenty of spirited cheer. In addition to dazzling light displays, fresh-baked gingerbread, Nutcracker performances, and cozy nights in, the start of the season also brings the start of the yearly gift-buying frenzy.
For many, gift buying has become a burden or simply a thing to check off a busy holiday to-do list. No matter how convenient, clicking “buy” on an Amazon order just doesn’t have the same charm as hand-picking the perfect gift for a loved one. 

This year, put the joy back in gift shopping by dedicating a weekend to the pursuit in a charming setting sure to bring on the holiday cheer. There’s no better place to find something for everyone on your nice list than Ridgeland, Mississippi. The Hallmark-esque Southern town is the perfect holiday shopping destination. The city’s Wrap It in Ridgeland promotion encourages visitors to create the perfect weekend itinerary complete with plenty of shopping, as well as delicious eats and spirited drinks to keep you joyful no matter how heavy your bags get. 

Shop til You Drop!

From your picky mother-in-law to your sports-obsessed nephew, Ridgeland’s lineup of local retailers and charming boutiques has everything you may need. Here’s where to shop for everyone on your list: 

For the Self-Care Slayers

Know someone who could use a little self-care? Have any ladies in your life who are always up-to-date on the latest skincare trends? For the self-care kings and queens, a spa experience at one of Mississippi’s premier pampering destinations is the perfect gift. Voted Mississippi’s best spa for the past 20 years, Aqua Day Spa is all about rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. The 6,000-square-foot spa offers massages, facials, scalp treatments, manicures and pedicures, body peels, hand and foot treatments, and more. Be sure to check out the Aqua’s holiday gift card specials to get even more bang for your buck. For the lash and brow lovers, opt for a gift card to Drench Day Spa and Lash Lounge.

For the Fashionistas

While it may not be Paris or New York, Ridgeland has more than its fair share of stylish boutiques stocked with the season’s hottest trends and styles. Head to Hemline for women’s designer apparel, accessories, and shoes from favorite brands like Love Shack Fancy, Nicole Miller, Citizens of Humanity, Diane Von Furstenberg, Show Me Your MuMu, Alice & Olivia, and more. We all know a shoe addict, and you can feed their addiction at Arco Avenue. From smart leather loafers to thigh-high boots and playful sneakers to sophisticated pumps, there’s something for everyone. Libby Story is a great place to pick up trendy tops and chic skirts for teens and young adults looking to dress to impress for a college tailgate, sorority event, or night out. And since everyone needs a great coat to rock once the temperatures drop, head to CoatTails to for something cozy, chic, or a bit of both. 

But it’s not just women’s fashion that Ridgeland can help with. At Kinkade’s Fine Clothing, men are the stars, and the mission is to make every man look dapper no matter the occasion. From office wear to casual fashion and even wedding attire, Kinkade’s has it all. The store’s team of fashion consultants can help you pick out your husband’s new favorite shirt, your father’s new lucky tie, or the best pair of pants your brother has ever worn. 

For the Active Adventurers

Because we all know someone who just can’t seem to sit still, this is the category for them. Whether they’re running a half marathon, hitting the slopes, or catching a wave, Ridgeland’s sports stores have them covered. Fleet Feet specializes in running shoes for every type of runner, from ultramarathoners to trail runners and those just getting into the sport. In addition to their huge selection of shoes, you can also pick up other athletic apparel and accessories that will keep them fully outfitted and ready for adventure. Sportique is all about two extremes: sunny sand and surf and frigid slopes. Head to this outfitter for top-of-the-line ski gear and apparel, as well as a huge selection of swimsuits perfect for catching some rays. 

For the Treasure Hunters

There are those special people in our lives who are too unique to be put in a box. And often, you have no idea what to buy them until the moment you see it. For the eclectics who seem to march to the beat of their own drum, as well as any antique or vintage lovers, your digging will best be done at Repeat Street or Antique Mall of the South. Repeat Street offers 17,000 square feet of hand-selected furnishings and fashion. Explore the booths of dozens of vendors displaying gifts, food, clothing, furniture, and much more. Antique Mall of the South is the perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind home and décor items. From collectible china to vintage furnishings, you’ll definitely experience the thrill of the hunt while perusing the megastore’s many aisles. 

For the Home Chefs

Whether it’s your grandma who specializes in comforting homemade casseroles or your sister-in-law who’s recently been inspired by the “Great British Bake Off,” Ridgeland has your home chefs covered. The Everyday Gourmet has everything you could possibly need for the kitchen, including common tools, tableware, cutlery, gadgets, and even cookbooks. For the home cook who has it all, inquire about one of the shop’s private or public cooking classes. Your favorite foodie can take time to sharpen his or her skills while learning to make a new recipe. 

For a gift of the edible variety, look no further than J. Olive Fine Oils and Balsamics. Specializing in top-quality oils and balsamic vinegars, your loved one will be forever thankful for the way these bottles of magic will elevate their dishes. While truffle, harissa, or wild Fernleaf olive oil—if you can dream it, J. Olive probably makes it. 

Once you’re sufficiently starving from a long day of shopping, it’s time to wine and dine! Here’s where to go for dinner, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or late-night cocktails. 

Refueling in Ridgeland

Similar to Ridgeland’s shopping scene which has something for everyone, the town’s dining scene is just as diverse. If you prefer a casual atmosphere but intend to make no concessions for the quality of food, Walk-On’s or Crab’s Seafood Shack are ideal. At Walk-On’s, Drew Brees’ lively restaurant and sports bar, experience a taste of the Big Easy with traditional Cajun and creole dishes like duck and andouille gumbo, crawfish etouffee, catfish Atchafalaya, and bayou pasta. Talk about soul-warming food and spirited good times! If you’re looking for more of a picturesque vibe for post-shopping supper, don’t miss Crab’s Seafood Shack. Located on the Reservoir, Crab’s Seafood Shack offers dinner and a view. It’s all about the seafood at this waterfront eatery that boasts the “best legs in town” and offers a huge menu of fried, steamed, and grilled fish, oysters, crab, and more.  

If you’re looking to celebrate a successful day of shopping with a little more fanfare, trust chef Derek Emerson to make your dinner plans. His upscale restaurants Caet and Local 463 are both excellent choices for chef-driven food and expertly paired drinks. At Caet, opt for fresh seafood or a decadent steak. At Local 463, the Dr. Pepper-Braised Beef Short Ribs or a specialty burger are the way to go.  

When you’re ready to toast to a fairytale holiday weekend in Ridgeland, raise a glass at Dogmund Tavern or E.A.T.S. Diner. Both offer their own distinct vibe, but each offers just as much fun. Dogmund Tavern is known for its craft beer selection and commitment to creative cocktails in a kitschy atmosphere complete with board games and science fiction references galore. If you like a sweeter drink, the Sugar Pony, made with Irish cream, blue curacao, banana liquer, lemon and cotton candy, should do the trick. For something a little stronger, the Mister Tall Hat packs a punch with habanero-infused bourbon, sugar, and bitters (perfect for warming you up on a chilly winter’s evening!). In search of a bit of nostalgia? Step back in time at E.A.T.S. Diner, a classic diner serving up the best burgers and dogs, blue plate specials, and breakfast offered all day. At the E.A.T.S. bar, order from a list of old-school cocktails and five frozen drinks. For the most festive way to celebrate, try the Poinsettia (cranberry and champagne). 

Ready to plan your holiday shopping weekend in Ridgeland? Visit www.visitridgeland.com/wrapit for more information. 

Holiday Fun in Tupelo, Mississippi

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Tupelo Trace Blog

Holiday Fun in Tupelo, Mississippi

Holiday Fun in Tupelo, Mississippi

One of the wonders of the Natchez Trace that make it so special are the featured communities along the parkway. Tupelo, Mississippi, is one of those amazing communities. Not only is Tupelo important to the Natchez Trace but it is a lively city in northeast Mississippi with plenty of attractions, events, restaurants and shops for everyone to enjoy. 

The city of Tupelo is located in the middle of the parkway and is home to the Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters and Visitor Center at milepost 266.

Known at the birthplace of Elvis Presley, visitors may tour his home, a museum that chronicles his life, and the church he attended. An Elvis’ Tupelo Driving Tour or Self-Guided Bicycle Tour takes you to 14 places, including the Birthplace, that were an important part of his formative years in Tupelo.  

Tupelo is more than just Elvis, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Travel through a herd of buffalo and visit over 260 exotic animals at the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo.

Explore the city’s three distinct shopping districts including Downtown Tupelo which is home to many unique, local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and more. 

Listen to live music in the birthplace of an international icon. It will be easy to find a great artist at one of Tupelo’s many live music venues throughout the week. 

There is always something fun to do in Tupelo. Listed below are some of the upcoming events we think you should check out. 

Public Ice Skating at Cadence Bank Arena – select dates November 25, 2022 – January 14, 2023
Ice skating at the Cadence Bank Arena throughout the winter. Skate rentals are included with entry fee.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Cadence Bank Arena – December 8, 2022
Celebrate the season with this holiday spectacular in Downtown Tupelo. Tickets are available at cb-arena.com.  

Tupelo’s New Year’s Eve Party – December 31, 2022
Held in a safe, secure environment, the event has something for all ages to celebrate at the start of 2023. KidsFest kicks off the night and the fun continues with live music, fireworks, and a countdown to midnight from the Fairpark Stage.

For more information on these events and more visit https://www.tupelo.net/.

Tupelo Heritage Trails

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Uncategorized Attractions

Tupelo Heritage Trails

Tupelo’s heritage trails preserve Tupelo’s rich history through the interpretation of major sites on the Chickasaw Native American Trail, Civil War Trail and the Civil Rights & African American trail. Each distinct trail explores the specific people, places and events that shaped Tupelo’s story during that time.  For more information, visit www.tupelo.net.

French Camp Pioneer Day

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French Camp Attractions Attractions Mississippi

French Camp Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day, etc 198
Local artisan, Susan Donald, demonstrates mosaic work. Susan is also the potter at French Camp Academy’s Children of God Pottery Studio.

The whole family will find plenty of fun things to do and see on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Pioneer Day in French Camp, MS. Activities start at 9:00 and wrap up around 4:00. Admission to the festival is free.

You can step back in time as you wander through the Natchez Trace Historic District, where the air will be filled with invigorating sounds of music and tantalizing aromas of food. Artisans, showcasing their crafts will welcome you to watch, or maybe try your hand, at pottery, chair caning, wood carving, quilting, basket weaving, and more.

The Log Cabin Gift Shop will be stocked with Children of God pottery and beautiful handcrafts by local artisans. The Council House Café will serve up their famous sandwiches and desserts. (Proceeds are used to support FCA students.)

French Camp, MS, is located at the crossroads of MS Highway 413 and the Natchez Trace Parkway, about halfway between Jackson and Tupelo.

For updates on Pioneer Day, visit our website www.frenchcamp.org/historic. If you are interested in being a vendor or demonstrator, call Brittany Henderson at 662-547-6482.

Casa Grande

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Restaurants

Casa Grande

Proud to provide you with superior service with 10 years experience in Mexican dining, Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant offers a festive real Mexican atmosphere, an outstanding menu array of fresh foods, bar, and is family friendly. From start to finish, you’re sure to enjoy exceptional fajitas, pollo delicia and many more. Relax in style and enjoy a cozy setting with all of your favorite people at Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant.  Located 196 Perkins Plaza, Hohenwald.  Call 931-796-1670.

Buffalo Canoeing & Campground

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Attractions

Buffalo Canoeing & Campground

With traditional Christian values and an alcohol free campground, if your church group, youth group, Scout troop or other organization is interested in a safe, family oriented location to experience the joys of canoeing and camping the Buffalo River, then Buffalo Canoeing & Campground is the place for you.  Offering canoeing, kayaking and tubing adventures on the Class I and Class II river.

The campground is located at the end of a hidden valley, bordered on one side by the beautiful Buffalo River, and along the other side flows a quiet stream that children love to play in.  Each campsite is on the river, in shade with tables, charcoal grills and firepits.

Facilities for groups from 2 to 200.  A bathhouse with restrooms and hot showers and a small camp store with snacks, drinks, ice and firewood for sale.  We support and practice “Leave No Trace” wilderness ethics.

Contact us at 931-796-2211 or www.buffalocanoeingofhohenwald.com.

 

River Rat Grill

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Restaurants

River Rat Grill

River Rat Grill
Great dining with chicken, spaghetti, steaks, and a lunch buffet. Open Thursday thru Tuesday 11 am until midnight. Located at 35 N. Maple St. Call 931-796-4330.

New Bed & Breakfast along the Natchez Trace Parkway: Kickstand Cottage

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Lodging Trace Blog Mississippi Communities

New Bed & Breakfast along the Natchez Trace Parkway: Kickstand Cottage

New Bed & Breakfast along the Natchez Trace Parkway: Kickstand Cottage

Summertime is officially here, and there isn’t a better time to get out and enjoy the Natchez Trace Parkway! If you’re setting your sights on the numerous opportunities for recreation along one of the country’s greatest scenic byways, you’ll be sure to have fun no matter how you choose to spend your day. However, when the sun sinks down below the oaks and pines, even the most intrepid of travelers will probably start to wonder where they can find some well-deserved rest.
Luckily, not too much has changed on the Trace during the last few hundred years. Just like the traders and woodsmen of days past, the modern traveler can find a cozy bed and great food at a wealth of local bed and breakfasts scattered along the trail.
The newest of those retreats is the Kickstand Cottage Bed and Breakfast in Baldwyn, MS. Located near Tupelo, the small B&B is a family-friendly operation which welcomes all guests, but offers special amenities which may prove extra useful to those traveling by bicycle or motorcycle. Particularly for those peddling down the Natchez Trace, Kickstand Cottage offers a shuttle service to and from the Trace, along with safe and secure overnight storage of bicycles and gear. You can find more information about offers and amenities HERE.
If you’re looking for quiet place to recharge along the Trace, Kickstand Cottage will fit the bill. The B&B is only fifteen minutes from Tupelo, MS and four miles from the Natchez Trace itself. Still, it is just enough off the beaten path to insure that you’ll enjoy a quiet evening around the fire pit and the farm-fresh breakfast awaiting you in the morning. So next time you go adventuring along the Trace, be sure to check out the byway’s newest B&B, the Kickstand Cottage in Baldwyn, MS.
To join the conversation about the things to do and places to visit along the Parkway this summer, “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace!

Battle of Iuka

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Attractions

Battle of Iuka

September 19, 1862

As part of a larger Confederate offensive move into Kentucky, Confederate General Braxton Bragg ordered Major General Sterling Price, former governor of Missouri and victor of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, to march into Iuka to prevent Union Major General William S. Rosecrans from moving into Tennessee to reinforce a Union garrison at Nashville, thus potentially threatening Bragg’s forces.

Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant, commanding the Army of the Tennessee, feared that Price was moving to reinforce Bragg’s forces in Kentucky. Grant devised a plan to catch Price’s forces in a pincher movement in Iuka. Grant ordered Major General E. O. C. Ord to advance on Iuka from the west. Rosecran’s forces were to advance on Iuka from the southwest and make a coordinated attack on Price. Ord arrived on time but Rosecrans was delayed. Grant ordered Ord to await the sound of fighting between Rosecrans and Price before engaging the Confederates. Rosecrans arrived about mid-afternoon atop a ridge near Iuka and immediately engaged the Confederates.

Price posted two divisions north of Iuka to oppose Ord and was surprised by Rosecrans’ sudden appearance in his rear. The Confederates launched an attack and captured a six-gun Union battery while Rosecrans attacked from atop the ridge. Price reported that he had “never seen such fighting.” The battle raged even after darkness fell.

The Battle of Iuka was one of the bloodiest battles up to that time, with Union casualities of 782 out of a force of 4,500 and Confederate casualities of 1,516 out of a force of 3,200. Confederate Brigadier General Henry Little was also killed in action at the Battle of Iuka. Remarkably, neither Ord nor Grant heard the sounds of the battle due to what is known as “acoustic shadow.” Price’s army was able to escape during the night to join Major General Earl Van Dorn at Ripley. Union forces occupied Iuka and mounted an unsuccessful pursuit of Price.

Union forces carried the day but failed to capture or destroy Price’s forces. Price and Van Dorn in October 1862 launched an assault on Corinth which also resulted in a Union victory.

Glenrock Branch

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Attractions

Glenrock Branch

Glenrock Branch along the Natchez Trace Parkway is located at milepost 364.5. It’s only a short walk down a trail to the creek and limestone bluff.

glenrockbranch96_n

Harvest Festival: French Camp, MS

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Harvest Festival: French Camp, MS

French Camp Harvest Festival

Saturday, October 12, 2013.  French Camp, MS.  Features a grand auction of homegrown and handcrafted items beginning at 9:30 AM in the French Camp Academy gymnasium. Quilts, pottery, woodcrafts, produce, artwork, and jewelry are some of the items for auction.  The Country Store features more of the same already priced. Concessions are available. At noon the auction stops for dinner on the grounds behind the FCA dining hall, and resumes at 1:00.

The Natchez Trace Historic District will feature craft demonstrators, musicians, and concessions, also.

French Camp is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 181, the intersection with MS Hwy 413.For more information visit www.frenchcamp.org or call (662) 547-6482.

 

Much To Do at French Camp Harvest Festival
Much To Do at French Camp Harvest Festival

Redbud Springs Park

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Redbud Springs Park

Located on the original Natchez Trace, this park was created during America’s Bicentennial year, 1976.  Several points of interest in the park: dirt mound with dirt taken from Krakow, Poland, Daughters of the American Revolution marker, and statue of General Tadeusz Kosciuszko. 

Statue unflawedEnjoy a quite morning or afternoon at this park while watching the gazing pools and taking a look back in history.

Oprah Winfrey Road

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Oprah Winfrey Road

Oprah Winfrey Road runs North of Highway 12 past Oprah’s first church, her family cemetery and the site of her birthplace.  Drive by only.