Natchez Trace 10-12 to 10-15

[Offroad]

I'm planning on riding next weekend.

Any tips on food and/or hotels?

I'll be starting in Nashville.

Anyone else headed that way, it would be great to share the ride!

Looks like cool weather is predicted. 30 degrees below today.I'm

[emptysea]

Loveless Cafe in Nashville has really good food and is, I believe at or close to the beginning/end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It's a little touristy and there can be a wait for a table, but I just ate there and it's really good.

[the Ferret]

Be sure and get a map of the parkway and watch your fuel level. There is only 1 fuel station on the parkway so you have to get off for gas.

There is one place to eat on the parkway as well.

I think you will enjoy the first and last 3 rds of the parkway, the middle third is kind of boring, but it's overall a real nice ride. We stayed in Jackson, Misissippi one night, and in Vidalia Louisianna one night. We toured an antibellum home in Natchez Misissippi, and a cool art museum in Jackson Misisspippi and the Grinder house where Meriweather Lewis met his death just off the parkway ( can't remeber where it was though) . We also ate at the Old Country Store in Lorman Misissippi which was featured on Alton Brown's Feating on Asphalt TV show ( supposedly the best fried chicken in the world). We had a great time on the Natchez Trace even though we were riding a 750 Nighthawk 2 up lol.

[Offroad]

Not sure I want ride it both ways....I might be looking for an alternative route back north to Nashville.

Any good roads anyone might suggest?

[emptysea]

If you’re interested in music, there are some interesting stops on or close to the parkway. I was looking to do this trip instead of our Smoky Mtn trip. I found these sites useful in planning that trip.

https://visitthedelta.com/the-blues?utm_...t=theblues

http://msbluestrail.org


Clarksdale, MS was on my route as was Memphis.

[4 Paws_imp]

Just got back from doing the Trace, we did it starting from the south. Spent the night midway in Tupelo at the Red Roof Inn (first place we found) and ate at The Lost Pizza Company, great.
No problems with gas, plenty of exits marked with fuel.
Lots of history in the area, enjoy it - that’s the reason for the road. Dang near all the visitors centers closed up. Meriweather Lewis memorial nice.
Natchez not exactly scenic, did ride into Louisianna just to say we did it - Viadalia waterfront park nice place.
We rode all backroads and 2 lane highways for the trip. Stopped in many small towns just to look around, talked with a lot of great folks. Slow peaceful ride.

[Offroad]

Tupelo is the half way point for my first day....just hope I make it there before dusk when all the deer are supposed to come out onto the road.

This will be my first time riding in 'cool' weather. Starting out about 40 going to 60 until Tupelo high is 70.
But this is on my bucket list, it's now out never. Lol

Matt did 431 change to Nashville or about the same the whole ?

[4 Paws_imp]

Remember, deer aren’t solitary creatures. When you see one crossing in front of you beware the followers.
Loveless Cafe is at the northern terminus of the Parkway, interesting place.
Nashville is a large, overly populated area; plan your transit time.

[emptysea]

431 is a little more congested but similar in Nashville. My advice is to avoid that area entirely after 1:30 on a workday.

[Offroad]

Thanks for the tip!

Only so many places to cross the Cumberland river. Now I see why the bridges were the first thing they would blow up during wars.

I might take 41 down to Clarksville or over to Ashland city....Not curvy roads by any means but I need to get there quickly so I can make my Tupelo hotel reservation that night.