See some beautiful scenery on your Nashville Vacation!
Taking time to travel the Natchez Trace Parkway is the perfect way to complete your Nashville Vacation. This 440 mile-long road extends from Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi.
The two-lane non-commercial road follows the approximate location of the original trail used by native Americans, early European explorers, outlaws, and settlers.
Parts of the original trail are accessible in variouslocatons along the parkway.
Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, met his mysterious end while traveling on the Trace. Lewis had stopped at Grinder's Stand near current-day Hohenwald, Tennessee for rest.
Distraught over finances and jilted love, it is believed he took his own life and is buried there.
No matter it's history, the Natchez Trace is one of America's most beautiful byways.
A nice way to enjoy it is to have breakfast at the Loveless Cafe right next to the parkway's entrance. After agreat southern breakfast, take a liesurely drive down the Natchez.
This two lane road is commercial free; you are most likely to have the road to yourself.
You are most likely to encounter other travelers like yourself or some bicycle riders - a favorite spot for bikers.
Stop at the rest area just six miles in (each mile along the route is marked). Take a stroll across one of America's finest architecturally designed bridges and gaze out at the beautiful landscape. The bridge crosses route 96 which will lead you to Franklin, TN.
There you can shop in it's small quaint downtown, stroll the quiet streets, and treat yourself to an ice cream cone.
Continue on to Hwy 65 which will lead you back to downtown Nashville.
Donna's Corner
I am really lucky to have some great friends in Nashville. My friends Dave and Mary recently took a drive down the Natchez Trace. Dave wrote this page and took this video. Thanks Dave, it's great.