Wanting to travel a little of the road less travelled...
Dec 21st, 2012, 12:22 PM
#21
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Natchez and Vicksburg are nice places to visit in Mississippi if you like Civil War history. The Mississippi Delta is nice(Greenwood and Clarksdale) You could go by Greenwood or Clarksdale on your way to Memphis. If you are in Memphis go to the Peabody Hotel to see the ducks and the Redezvous restaurant for BBQ.
Dec 21st, 2012, 12:52 PM
#22
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The first loop you described is about 25 hours of driving, based on the shortest/fastest route. That is easily doable in your timeframe. Obviously, you'll take more time since you don't want to take the short/fast route.
Yes, Big Bend is out of the way. Adding it into the loop adds about 12-13 hours of driving (based on a route going from Dallas to Terlingua, then to San Antonio). Most of that route is off the interstate. Check google maps to get an idea of what both loops would look like.
Whether you can fit in Big Bend depends on how much time you want to spend everywhere else. It is certainly doable just based strictly on mileage and driving times.
Yes, Big Bend is out of the way. Adding it into the loop adds about 12-13 hours of driving (based on a route going from Dallas to Terlingua, then to San Antonio). Most of that route is off the interstate. Check google maps to get an idea of what both loops would look like.
Whether you can fit in Big Bend depends on how much time you want to spend everywhere else. It is certainly doable just based strictly on mileage and driving times.
Dec 21st, 2012, 05:21 PM
#23
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Streamwalker, I'm on a two week road trip right now myself, so it may be a bit before I get too many details back to you. In the meantime, for a road trip, you might want to go to www.aaa.com and use triptik. You can plug in the cities, and pull around the routes to get an idea of the hours of driving etc.
To get you started, here is a site for Wimberley with activities and information
http://www.wimberley.org/
Here is a visitors site for Fredericksburg: http://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/
'
I just noticed that off the site above there is info about visiting Luckenbach.
Actually, I think this might be a little better site: http://www.fredericksburgtexas-online.com/
Here is the site for Gruene: http://www.gruenetexas.com/, and you will want to check out Gruene Hall:
http://gruenehall.com/
And the Gristmill Restaurant: http://www.gristmillrestaurant.com/
And now I want to go visit again myself
To get you started, here is a site for Wimberley with activities and information
http://www.wimberley.org/
Here is a visitors site for Fredericksburg: http://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/
'
I just noticed that off the site above there is info about visiting Luckenbach.
Actually, I think this might be a little better site: http://www.fredericksburgtexas-online.com/
Here is the site for Gruene: http://www.gruenetexas.com/, and you will want to check out Gruene Hall:
http://gruenehall.com/
And the Gristmill Restaurant: http://www.gristmillrestaurant.com/
And now I want to go visit again myself
Dec 21st, 2012, 08:47 PM
#24
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want a real "off-the-beaten-path" experience, take the Natchez Trace north from Natchez, get off at Mississippi Highway 552, and go left into Alcorn. Visit the campus of Alcorn State University, a historically African-American school. Note the large iron staircase that leads to the chapel.
The staircase is from Windsor, at one time the largest plantation house in Mississippi. Windsor survived the Civil War, only to burn down in 1890 due to careless disposal of a lighted cigar (or cigarette) by a guest. All that remains are 23 huge columns, which are several miles north of Alcorn off Highway 552.
Also near Alcorn (west, in this case) is the "ghost town" of Rodney. It was a port city that basically was abandoned after the Mississippi River changed course, leaving it stranded inland. It was fascinating when I visited it many years ago, but from what I read online it seems to be about the same now as then.
Port Gibson, just up the road (and the Trace) from Alcorn, is a pretty old town, maybe best know for its First Presbyterian Church (whose steeple is topped by a gold hand pointing to heaven). Grand Gulf Military State Park, just north of Port Gibson, would make an interesting stop as well (it commemorates the Civil War battle fought in the town of that name, now vanished).
The staircase is from Windsor, at one time the largest plantation house in Mississippi. Windsor survived the Civil War, only to burn down in 1890 due to careless disposal of a lighted cigar (or cigarette) by a guest. All that remains are 23 huge columns, which are several miles north of Alcorn off Highway 552.
Also near Alcorn (west, in this case) is the "ghost town" of Rodney. It was a port city that basically was abandoned after the Mississippi River changed course, leaving it stranded inland. It was fascinating when I visited it many years ago, but from what I read online it seems to be about the same now as then.
Port Gibson, just up the road (and the Trace) from Alcorn, is a pretty old town, maybe best know for its First Presbyterian Church (whose steeple is topped by a gold hand pointing to heaven). Grand Gulf Military State Park, just north of Port Gibson, would make an interesting stop as well (it commemorates the Civil War battle fought in the town of that name, now vanished).
Dec 22nd, 2012, 08:46 AM
#25
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I second the suggestions for central Texas -- Gruene (definitely eat at the Grist Mill-and if there during the evening, check out the Dance Hall), Fredricksburg (Nimitz Museum), Wimberley. I also second the suggestion for traveling Hwy. 281 to get from Dallas area to central Texas.
Not too long ago, we went on a BBQ junket and ate in Lockhart (BBQ capital of Texas) at Smittys. It was great. Lockhart is east of the San Marcos area.
http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/vis...taloftexas.asp
Also, heading east from San Antonio area is Schulenburg, Tx, home of the painted churches. (off I-10, and SE of Lockhart by way of backroads). Worth a look-see.
http://www.texasescapes.com/CentralT...urchesTour.htm
Brenham, Texas is home to Blue Bell Homemade Ice Cream. Along Hwy. 290 between Austin and Houston
http://www.bluebell.com/
There is a TV show called Texas Country Reporter that covers interesting people along the backroads of Texas. Check out their website to see if anything "floats your boat."
http://www.texascountryreporter.com/
If you have time in your research, this guy also does a good little fun show about daytrips around Texas.
http://thedaytripper.com/category/food/
Texas Highways magazine is good for more Texas Research.
http://www.texashighways.com/
Have fun and come back with any other questions. Us Texans are mighty proud of our state!!
And, by the way, our state flower, Bluebonnets, ought to be in full bloom around the time you plan on travelling.
Not too long ago, we went on a BBQ junket and ate in Lockhart (BBQ capital of Texas) at Smittys. It was great. Lockhart is east of the San Marcos area.
http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98/vis...taloftexas.asp
Also, heading east from San Antonio area is Schulenburg, Tx, home of the painted churches. (off I-10, and SE of Lockhart by way of backroads). Worth a look-see.
http://www.texasescapes.com/CentralT...urchesTour.htm
Brenham, Texas is home to Blue Bell Homemade Ice Cream. Along Hwy. 290 between Austin and Houston
http://www.bluebell.com/
There is a TV show called Texas Country Reporter that covers interesting people along the backroads of Texas. Check out their website to see if anything "floats your boat."
http://www.texascountryreporter.com/
If you have time in your research, this guy also does a good little fun show about daytrips around Texas.
http://thedaytripper.com/category/food/
Texas Highways magazine is good for more Texas Research.
http://www.texashighways.com/
Have fun and come back with any other questions. Us Texans are mighty proud of our state!!
And, by the way, our state flower, Bluebonnets, ought to be in full bloom around the time you plan on travelling.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 09:42 AM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
oh man... i can't believe all of these responses. nig/wherearewe/toucan2/cranachin/jill_h - thank you all soooo much! all of this info is helping to shape what i think is going to be an unforgetable trip!
Cranachin - We watched "the ghosts of mississippi" and few days ago. There is a scene that takes place amongst the columns you talked about. They're going on our list.
I've checked out a few of the websites you folks have recommended,and wow - sooooo helpful! i'm sure i'll have more questions once i've had a chance to carefully look at them all.
Bluebonnet question - if we're lucky and they happen to be blooming when we're there, is there a place in particular that would be best to see them? We have bluebells here, i wonder if they're similar?
again, thank you all soooo much... i'm so looking forward to meeting friendly folks like you in person!
p.s. this trip is my christmas present to my wife. it's becoming a bit of a tradition. Last year we flew to Vegas, rented a car for two weeks, drove to the northwest corner of oregon and then drove down the old coast highway to san fran, and then back to Vegas. We had two weeks in all. The year before, we flew to Vegas and headed south east through Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Idaho/Colorado. Both trips were so wonderful - we saw so many interesting/beautiful things and places and met so many great people. I'm very much looking forward to our next trip down there...
Cranachin - We watched "the ghosts of mississippi" and few days ago. There is a scene that takes place amongst the columns you talked about. They're going on our list.
I've checked out a few of the websites you folks have recommended,and wow - sooooo helpful! i'm sure i'll have more questions once i've had a chance to carefully look at them all.
Bluebonnet question - if we're lucky and they happen to be blooming when we're there, is there a place in particular that would be best to see them? We have bluebells here, i wonder if they're similar?
again, thank you all soooo much... i'm so looking forward to meeting friendly folks like you in person!
p.s. this trip is my christmas present to my wife. it's becoming a bit of a tradition. Last year we flew to Vegas, rented a car for two weeks, drove to the northwest corner of oregon and then drove down the old coast highway to san fran, and then back to Vegas. We had two weeks in all. The year before, we flew to Vegas and headed south east through Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Idaho/Colorado. Both trips were so wonderful - we saw so many interesting/beautiful things and places and met so many great people. I'm very much looking forward to our next trip down there...
Dec 22nd, 2012, 03:21 PM
#27
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
P.S. about the bluebonnets -- it's illegal to pick them. I don't think they're related to bluebells.
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/re...id_image=10623
Any roads, especially in the central Texas area will be good viewing areas. Seeds are dispersed every year but the weather determines how well and when they'll bloom.
http://www.wildflower.org/gallery/re...id_image=10623
Any roads, especially in the central Texas area will be good viewing areas. Seeds are dispersed every year but the weather determines how well and when they'll bloom.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 03:40 PM
#28
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually, it is NOT illegal to pick bluebonnets (or any other wildflower) in Texas. That is an urban legend. It is, however, considered to be poor form to do so (they should be left for others to enjoy).
Bluebonnets are lupines and unrelated to bluebells.
The Texas Department of Transportation maintains a website that lists good viewing routes for bluebonnets and other wildflowers. They also have a toll-free telephone number (listed on the website). They will become "active" when flowers start appearing. http://www.txdot.state.tx.us/travel/...conditions.htm
Another enjoyable place to see and learn about wildflowers is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (http://www.wildflower.org) in far south Austin.
Bluebonnets are lupines and unrelated to bluebells.
The Texas Department of Transportation maintains a website that lists good viewing routes for bluebonnets and other wildflowers. They also have a toll-free telephone number (listed on the website). They will become "active" when flowers start appearing. http://www.txdot.state.tx.us/travel/...conditions.htm
Another enjoyable place to see and learn about wildflowers is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (http://www.wildflower.org) in far south Austin.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 03:59 PM
#29
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Other Texas places to consider:
The town of Hamilton on US 281 seems like it has not changed much in the past few decades (or at least the area around the courthouse square). Dublin, northeast of Hamilton, is that way as well. Dublin's claim to fame is that the soda Dr Pepper is bottled there using cane sugar instead of corn syrup. You can buy it at the soda fountain at the Dr Pepper bottling works.
If you like the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, you should visit the Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University in Waco. (There is also a Dr Pepper museum in Waco.)
Be on the lookout for kolaches (ko-LAH-cheez) while in central Texas. They are Czech pastries, available in both sweet and savory varieties, that can be found in towns where Czech immigrants settled.
The town of Hamilton on US 281 seems like it has not changed much in the past few decades (or at least the area around the courthouse square). Dublin, northeast of Hamilton, is that way as well. Dublin's claim to fame is that the soda Dr Pepper is bottled there using cane sugar instead of corn syrup. You can buy it at the soda fountain at the Dr Pepper bottling works.
If you like the poetry of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, you should visit the Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University in Waco. (There is also a Dr Pepper museum in Waco.)
Be on the lookout for kolaches (ko-LAH-cheez) while in central Texas. They are Czech pastries, available in both sweet and savory varieties, that can be found in towns where Czech immigrants settled.
Dec 22nd, 2012, 04:28 PM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You may know this from previous trips, but each State will have a welcome center, usually right inside the border on the Interstate Highways.
They will all have information on traffic conditions in their state and publications for the major sightseeing locations.
It's the only reason we take an Interstate Hiway when we are roadtrippin' . . then we get off of it as soon afterwards as possible
They will all have information on traffic conditions in their state and publications for the major sightseeing locations.
It's the only reason we take an Interstate Hiway when we are roadtrippin' . . then we get off of it as soon afterwards as possible
Dec 22nd, 2012, 04:58 PM
#31
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want to see the Hill Countr up close, we found this little BnB a few years ago . . It's about 2/3rds of the way from Dallas to San Antonio just off of 281
http://www.wenmohsranch.com/Bunkhouse.htm
http://www.wenmohsranch.com/Bunkhouse.htm
Dec 22nd, 2012, 05:07 PM
#32
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 10,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jill, I am so glad you included the info on the painted churches. I haven't actually seen them myself but would like to one day. I just couldn't remember exactly where they were.
What a great trip they are going to have!
What a great trip they are going to have!
Dec 22nd, 2012, 05:35 PM
#33
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Assuming you return to Dallas from Memphis via Arkansas, you might want to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park. It's the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public, and you can keep what you find!
http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com
http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com
Dec 23rd, 2012, 05:14 AM
#34
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 657
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good advice re Dripping Springs, Wimberly etc. Fredricksburgs is good as well. Follow the BBQ.
Not mentioned, but perhaps the most interesting and unique area of the entire trip is Southwest Louisiana - Cajun Country. Another food, music, and language bonanza and much of it is unchanged from years past. Coming from Texas, I'd jump off I-10 at Lake Charles and go south, taking Hwy 14 over as far as Abbeville then north up thru New Iberia and on to Lafayette. Base there for a couple of days and hit Breaux Bridge, Opelousas, Henderson [for food], Eunice, etc. Then I'd drop back down and head to New Orleans via Morgan City, Houma, and Thibodeaux.
For my money, Cajun country, off the interstates, is among the top two or three experiences in the US.
Not mentioned, but perhaps the most interesting and unique area of the entire trip is Southwest Louisiana - Cajun Country. Another food, music, and language bonanza and much of it is unchanged from years past. Coming from Texas, I'd jump off I-10 at Lake Charles and go south, taking Hwy 14 over as far as Abbeville then north up thru New Iberia and on to Lafayette. Base there for a couple of days and hit Breaux Bridge, Opelousas, Henderson [for food], Eunice, etc. Then I'd drop back down and head to New Orleans via Morgan City, Houma, and Thibodeaux.
For my money, Cajun country, off the interstates, is among the top two or three experiences in the US.
Dec 23rd, 2012, 10:07 AM
#35
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the New Orleans "area" is Avery Island where they make Tabasco Sauce. Haven't actually been there myself, but next time I'm through that region, I will visit.
http://www.tabasco.com/avery-island/our-home/
http://www.tabasco.com/avery-island/our-home/
Dec 23rd, 2012, 10:15 AM
#36
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cranachin -- you've just made me question everything my Momma ever told me; what else has she been lying to me about. If it's not illegal to pick bluebonnets, then are you telling me there isn't an Easter Bunny or Santa Claus?
Dec 23rd, 2012, 10:20 AM
#37
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the New Orleans "area" is Avery Island where they make Tabasco Sauce. Haven't actually been there myself, but next time I'm through that region, I will visit.
We visited Avery Island earlier this month. If you like Tabasco Sauce, it is fairly interesting to learn about its history and manufacture.
Before buying tickets for Jungle Gardens, inquire if birds are in residence or if alligators are making an appearance. They weren't during our visit.
HTtY
We visited Avery Island earlier this month. If you like Tabasco Sauce, it is fairly interesting to learn about its history and manufacture.
Before buying tickets for Jungle Gardens, inquire if birds are in residence or if alligators are making an appearance. They weren't during our visit.
HTtY
Dec 23rd, 2012, 03:28 PM
#40
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Avery Island is just 8 miles south of New Iberia, a good ways from NO.
Important point. We visited the place in conjunction with a stay in Lafayette--not while we were in New Orleans.
Sorry to burst your bluebonnet bubble! But you will search in vain to find a Texas law that says "don't pick the wildflowers".
Right: http://www.snopes.com/legal/bluebonnets.asp
HTtY
Important point. We visited the place in conjunction with a stay in Lafayette--not while we were in New Orleans.
Sorry to burst your bluebonnet bubble! But you will search in vain to find a Texas law that says "don't pick the wildflowers".
Right: http://www.snopes.com/legal/bluebonnets.asp
HTtY
