{"id":16867,"date":"2017-02-20T15:27:56","date_gmt":"2017-02-20T15:27:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=16867"},"modified":"2020-08-20T21:32:44","modified_gmt":"2020-08-20T21:32:44","slug":"springtime-southern-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/springtime-southern-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"A springtime Southern road trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

Note<\/strong>: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions\u2014please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was updated on August 20, 2020.<\/em><\/p>\n

The South is full of history, intrigue and charm so unique it\u2019s 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\u2019ve partnered with Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com<\/a> to provide some insight on this interesting region of the country.<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Southern

Photo by: Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.com<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\"Southern\n

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.<\/p>\n

In Vicksburg there are some wonderful Bed and Breakfasts in large Antebellum homes to choose from. If you\u2019re into Gaming, the AmeriStar Casino<\/a> is a good choice.<\/p>\n

Things not to miss in Vicksburg:<\/h4>\n