Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated on August 20, 2020.
The South is full of history, intrigue and charm so unique it’s called Southern hospitality. The South is unlike other parts of the country, with its distinct cuisine, Antebellum architecture, and angelic Spanish moss-covered Cypress trees. For some Southern road trip ideas, we’ve partnered with Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com to provide some insight on this interesting region of the country.
In the spring of 2016, I flew to New Orleans where I rented a car for a southern road trip loop around the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. I spent 10 days learning about Civil War history, touring palatial Antebellum homes, trying lots of Southern food and listening to some soulful Blues music. I came away from that trip with an entirely new appreciation for the region. I found the people to be utterly charming, some of the scenery completely unique and a revived passion for Civil War history.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
In 2015 I had toured the upper part of the Mississippi Delta, but never made it as far south as Vicksburg.The legendary Blues Highway 61 runs right through the heart and soul of Vicksburg, so that was my first destination on this Southern road trip loop. One could argue that Highway 61 rivals that of Route 66, if not for its historical importance, certainly for the musical significance.
Spring is the perfect time for a southern road trip as the weather is quite sunny with mild temperatures. By the time summer rolls around, the heat and humidity make it uncomfortable for those not used to it.
From New Orleans, I headed up Interstate 55 toward Vicksburg. As soon as I could, I veered off onto highway 98, which cuts west across the Homochitto National Forest near Natchez where I picked up the Natchez Trace Parkway north. I had been on this parkway through Tennessee a few years earlier and would consider it on my top-20 list of most scenic stretches of road in the country. Just north of Port Gibson, the Natchez Trace Parkway intersects Highway 61, which leads straight into Vicksburg.
In Vicksburg there are some wonderful Bed and Breakfasts in large Antebellum homes to choose from. If you’re into Gaming, the AmeriStar Casino is a good choice.
Things not to miss in Vicksburg:
- National Military Park has 1350 monuments and 1800 spectacular acres to explore.
- LD’s Kitchen for some local live Blues Music.
- The Attic Gallery for an eclectic mix of local artists.
- The Old Courthouse Museum where General Grant gave his Civil War victory speech.
- Bottleneck Blues Bar at the AmeriStar Casino, a refined Blues venue.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
Restaurants not to miss in Vicksburg:
- ROCA, Euro-influenced menu with a Southern flair. Golf course views and live music.
- Bourbon’s Restaurant, fine-dining experience overlooking the Mighty Mississippi.
- Beechwood, a local institution.
- Rusty’s Riverfront Grill…great seafood!
- 10 South Rooftop – Amazing venue with outstanding river views and some tasty grub.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
Vicksburg makes a great home base to explore the southern region of the Blues Trail and the Mississippi Delta. A southern road trip simply would not be complete without a stop in Vicksburg as history and Southern hospitality are hallmarks.
After Vicksburg I headed east toward Jackson before heading south on Hwy 49 toward Hattiesburg, a city with roots as deep as its oaks. I spent but a short time here grabbing some lunch and strolling around a bit before continuing south toward Mobile, Alabama. I skirted DeSoto National Forest, which was named for the 16th-century explorer, Hernando DeSoto, whose presence is felt throughout Mississippi Delta. When I reached Mobile I needed to continue south toward Mobile Bay and the route took me along a number of bridged roadways that I found quite interesting. I guess the idea of traveling over bayous on an inter-connected road system was a bit of a novelty for me.
My next home base for a few days was Point Clear, on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. As I got close to Fairhope, the scenery became stunningly beautiful, even idyllic. The streets were lined with massive Oak, Cypress and Maple trees each woven with a confetti of ivy and Spanish moss. The sun had a difficult time piercing through the denseness that blanketed the trees, but when it did, the sun-flares sparkled in a way that made me feel like I was driving through a scene straight out of a fairy tale storybook.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
The coast was dotted with docks and boathouses, one right after the other. The homes are finely crafted in a style that could best be described as southern cottage. The look of the area was unique to me, so much so that I had to wonder if it was indigenous to the Gulf Coast. I was so enamored of the unique beauty that I could not wait to explore further, but first, I needed to check into my hotel. I stayed at the Marriott Grand Hotel, a property that encompasses 550 pristine beachfront acres and dates back to 1847. The resort juts out into Mobile Bay, providing stunning views in either direction.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
The next day I went exploring down Highway 1 South until it ended at Pelican Point, at the mouth of Weeks Bay. The Weeks Bay Reserve is over six thousand acres of coastal wetlands and water bottoms that provide a diverse habitat for a variety of rare plants, fish, crustaceans and shellfish. There is also an estuary (where a river meets the sea) and is an important site for scientific research on the ecology of the area. The reserve is a wonderful place to watch foul in such a rich habitat.
Things not to miss in the Fairhope/Point Clear area:
- South Beach Park – Winding footpaths that meander through the park with a bubbling brook that forms a pond for ducks to play.
- Relaxing on any number of beaches.
- Punta Clara Kitchen – A sinfully decadent candy shop.
- Knoll Park – Perched on a knoll just above South Beach is a spot of land left in its natural state, which I discovered is a popular spot for bird watchers.
- Mullet Point Park – Fantastic place to watch the sunset!
- Page and Palette, a well-known third generation bookstore and coffee shop.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
Places to eat in Fairhope/Point Clear:
- Wintzell’s Oyster House – A local staple for southern seafood.
- Panini Petes – Fantastic sandwich shop located in the French Quarter of downtown Fairhope.
- Saltwater Grill – Delicious seafood with gorgeous bay-front scenery.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
From Fairhope I headed west along the Gulf Coast of Alabama, before crossing the border into Mississippi. As I entered Biloxi something caught my eye. It was the unmistakable architecture of Frank Gehry. I expect to see Frank Gehry’s work in L.A., Chicago, Prague and Paris, but not Biloxi, Mississippi. I quickly got out of my car to explore. The sight before me was the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. The museum is situated on a four-acre campus, set within a grove of ancient Oak trees—Frank Gehry designed a series of six small pavilions woven among the trees and connected by an open brick plaza.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
My southern road trip continued along the coast, stopping in Gulfport for lunch, but didn’t have much time to explore. Gulfport is, however, well known for its off-shore big fishing, pristine golf and coastal casinos. As I continued west toward Louisiana, I stopped at a rest area in Westonia to use the bathroom. It was a lovely day and, surprisingly, a scenic rest stop. I had my camera in tow when I noticed this scraggly old-man trying to get my attention. At first I tried to ignore him, wondering what he wanted with me, but then it became apparent he worked at the facility. For some reason I am a naturally suspicious person, always assuming when someone is trying to get your attention that they want something. In the South, however, people are just genuinely friendly. This older gentlemen saw my camera and just thought he would point out something I might want to photograph. When I turned the bend and saw what he was talking about, I was so grateful for his direction and almost felt ashamed for being so suspicious.
Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com
I don’t know how I missed seeing it on my own, but at the Westonia, MS rest stop there is an exhibit that attracts people from all over. Mounted on a set of stilts is a Lunar Lander trainer from the Apollo 13 mission. Quite an attraction for a rest area I thought, but again, was happy that the southern gentleman directed it my way.
After 9 days and about 700 miles, my southern road trip came to an end as I drove up to the New Orleans airport to drop off my rental car. I had been to New Orleans before, and while I would love to return, I just didn’t have the time on this trip.
If you know of some highlights in this southern road trip region, please leave a comment below and share with other readers.
Mike Shubic
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There is no such place as Westonia, Ms. What the gentleman saw was part of the outdoor exhibits of the Infinity Space Museum which also serves as the Visitors Center for the Stennis Space Center. Stennis Space Center tests rocket engines for NASA.
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