THE ROAD BEST TRAVELED
BY DAN MILLER
10-24-06
I promise I'm not on the payroll of the Tennessee Tourism Department.
Lately it just seems that way.
I used to worry that my friends might be annoyed when I would talk on and on about a particular movie, restaurant, vacation destination or day trip.
Well -- now that I have no more friends -- I find this space useful for recommending things to you, the reader.
Last week, I was raving about Rock City.... one of the best day trips you'll find in Tennessee.
(Of course, if you're reading this in -- say -- Australia, it would obviously be a bit more than a day trip.)
Today, I'm reminding everyone here at home not to forget the treasure we have in the Natchez Trace Parkway.... especially this time of year.
Quite often, Karen and I toy the idea of taking a leisurely trip all the way down the Trace to Natchez, Mississippi.
I think it's 444 miles.
(Of course, with a speed limit of no more than 40 to 50 mph, that too might be a bit more than a day trip.)
While we still haven't actually followed the Trace all the way to Mississippi..... we did, as we often do, meander 30 or 40 miles down the magical road last Sunday afternoon.
I snapped the attached photos along the road, and -- though it's probably still a few days before the peak colors -- you can see the beauty that simply never lets up as you travel the Trace.
There's a lot to see along the main road -- or the clearly marked side excursions.
Things like panoramic overlooks, walking trails, horseback trails, waterfalls, farmland, a few historic buildings, and connecting roads that will take you to towns and communities.
There are plenty of well manicured picnic areas, with clean restrooms along the way.
If you're tired of fighting the big trucks and traffic jams on the interstates, and you want a relaxing day trip filled with beauty, the Natchez Trace is the perfect solution.
No commercial vehicles are allowed.... but great caution is needed for deer, wild turkeys and other critters (including joggers and bikers) who -- from time to time -- feel the need to cross the road.
The Natchez Trace is right there for all of us to enjoy.
Spend a few miles on it.... you'll thank me later.
And for whatever it's worth.... yes, I've gotten two or three emails from readers in Australia.
I guess you think it's purely coincidental that Nicole Kidman just happened to move to Nashville!!
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