After some indecision on which attractions to visit today, I decided to see the south end of the Great River Road. So, let’s get on with it. Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. South end of the Great River Road About 75 miles south of New Orleans lies Venice, the last town on Louisiana Highway 23. Although the road runs another five miles, it’s to service the oil field and fishing operations on the Gulf. There isn’t a sign that says “End of Great River Road”...
3 days ago • 1 min read
a switch in the direction of the road trip? Today started in Vidalia, LA, where I spent the night. The first part of the trip took me back to Mississippi. My first planned stop wasn’t open! Lesson to Roadtrippers: Unless your trip is short, you’ll find this happening occasionally. Just be ready to pivot to the next thing or a substitute. The Myrtles This one’s also part of a plantation from back in the day. It now operates as a hotel, restaurant, coffee shop, tour site, and more. They also...
4 days ago • 1 min read
As I said yesterday, I started the day in Memphis and ended in Vidalia, Louisiana. Here’s a brief summary. Waffle House This place is a legend in the south! Nothing fancy, just plain food. And you can get in, eat, and move on quickly if that’s your goal. Devil’s Crossroad Blues guitarist Robert Johnson emerged as a great player in the early 1930s. Because he seemed to go from average to “world class” so quickly, the legend grew that he met the devil at the corner of Highway 61 and Highway 49...
5 days ago • 1 min read
But two are music-related. Short drive today. Less than 100 miles from Blytheville to Memphis. (Takes a deep breath!) I did make a quick stop north of Blytheville to see the Arch indicating the border between Missouri and Arkansas. Johnny Cash Boyhood Home Johnny Cash moved to what was then known as the Dyess Colony when he was three years old. It was a New Deal program from the FDR administration during the Great Depression that brought them here. He lived here until he was eighteen, when he...
6 days ago • 2 min read
NON-Boring Day 2! Today started with the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton, IL. It’s in the St. Louis, MO, metro area. Here are a couple of pictures and a bit of info on each place. National Great Rivers Museum This museum, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, is located at Lock & Dam #27 in Alton, IL. If you get into the area, check it out. It packs a lot of information into a small space. Ste. Genevieve National Historic Park This park preserves historical buildings and artifacts...
7 days ago • 1 min read
These will be quick notes at the end of the day. I’ll send them “regularly.” Please excuse grammatical errors as I’m doing these on the fly! Today’s drive was boring! Nearly 600 miles of snowy fields, or fields bare of snow. Through southern Minnesota, eastern Iowa, and into northeast Missouri. Until near my destination, I found US Highway 61, which became the Great River Road. I didn’t plan on much today, so not a big deal. I’m positioning to my “real” trip starting tomorrow. My only...
8 days ago • 1 min read
I know you've heard this before! Tomorrow (Thursday) is the day. I'm headed out for this year's road trip. I'll likely be near St. Louis, MO, by the end of the day. My plans include most of the Great River Road I haven't seen, mostly in Louisiana and some in Mississippi. Plans also include 21 National Park units, both along the river and in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. And, there's more. My plan includes 100 "stops" along the way to see more attractions. I'll let...
10 days ago • 1 min read
Pack your bibs and put on your dancing shoes, because we’re heading to the heart of Acadiana! Deep in the misty, moss-draped lands of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, lives a resident who is a little bit "pinchier" than the rest. Welcome to the home of the Giant Crawfish Sculpture! 🦞⚜️ In the "Crawfish Capital of the World," the mudbugs aren't just a delicacy—they’re legendary. This oversized, crimson sentinel stands tall as a whimsical monument to the spirit of the swamp. With his massive claws and...
10 days ago • 1 min read
On February 26th, I'm headed out to cover the south end of the Great River Road Plus. As in plus more attractions in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. Here's a link to my preview post. If you want to follow along, here's a link to my "The Driveby Tourist" Facebook page. I'll be posting quick posts about the trip daily. And, I'll send "regular" updates to my email list. You can sign up on The Driveby Tourist website. Thanks to all for following me. Until next time.......
13 days ago • 1 min read