<p>I’m considering a ijustgottagetoutofhereforafewdays trip during our school’s spring vacation. One idea is to drive the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville to Natchez. I’ve never been to Mississippi (I live in Kentucky), the weather would be warm, and I like to drive. Are there any CC’ers who have driven this, have any suggestions, tips, comments, etc.? I’d be going by myself.</p>
<p>I haven’t driven the Parkway, but I did visit Natchez last summer. It is a charming town, with (I believe) the largest number of Greek Revival homes in the U.S. The downtown area is nice for walking, right on the river, and we found good food and music. The Nat’l Park Service’s Melrose estate must be one of the most well preserved pre-civil war properties in the south. It was owned by the same family for most of its history is furnished with original floor clothes, furniture and china. Unlike most homes from the period the kitchen was never moved to the main house. I remember thinking that it would be wonderful to visit Natchez when the azaleas were blooming.</p>
<p>I personally love the Trace, and have travelled on it for most of my life. I love its quiet beauty, but many people find it boring. Keep in mind that it is 400 miles from Nashville to Natchez, and the speed limit is strictly enforced at 50 mph. It is totally devoid of any commercial enterprises, advertising, or commercial vehicles, but you do have to be aware it is only two lanes, and you need to be careful of deer. There are stops every few miles explaining the history of the Trace, and there is even a tape/CD available that acts as a guided tour of the Trace, pointing out all the historic sights milemarker by milemarker.
As for weather, and spring blooms, you never know in Mississippi. Despite having record low temps for most of the winter, shrubs are beginning to bloom here a month early. I don’t know the effect that will have on the azalea blooms that are always a big part of the Natchez pilgrammage, that begins in March. During this time many antebellum homes will be open that aren’t open year round. It is the busiest time of the year in Natchez, so advance reservations would be a necessity.
Please feel free to PM me with any specific questions.</p>