Carolinas, Georgia & South Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Alex Leviton [26]
Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum
Get primed on the Mississippi Delta blues. 901-205-2533; www.memphisrocknsoul.org; Lt George W Lee Ave & 3rd St, Memphis; adult/child $10/7; 10am-7pm;
Mississippi River Museum
Enjoy a natural history lesson on Mud Island. 901-576-7241; www.mudisland.com; Center St, Hannibal; adult/child $8/5; 10am-5pm Apr & May, Sep & Oct; to 6pm Jun-Aug, closed Mon;
Mud Island River Park
Paddle, cycle or stroll, then take a monorail back to Beale St. 901-576-7241; www.mudisland.com; 125 N Front St, Memphis; 10am-5pm Apr & May, Sep & Oct, to 6pm Jun-Aug, closed Mon;
River Road African American Museum
Details the harsh reality, heroes and triumphs of Louisiana’s African-American history. 225-474-5553; www.africanamericanmuseum.org; 406 Charles St, Donaldsonville; admission $4; 10am-5pm Wed-Sat, 1-5pm Sun;
Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
An old safe-house for escaped slaves depicts this dangerous, 19th-century humanitarian effort. 901-527-3427; 826 N 2nd St, Memphis; adult/child $6/4; 10am-1pm Mon-Sat;
Steamboat Natchez
Float the Mississippi on a steamboat, but skip the buffet. 504-586-8777; www.steamboatnatchez.com; Toulouse St, New Orleans; adult/child $19.50/10; lunch & dinner;
Vicksburg National Military Park
Stroll, pedal or drive through arguably the most strategically important Civil War battlefield. 601-636-0583; www.nps.gov/vick; 3300 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS; per car $8; 8am-5pm;
Eat & Drink
Abe’s
Don’t miss the slow-burning tamales and melt-off-the-bone ribs. 662-624-9947; 616 State St, Clarksdale; mains $3-12; 10am-9pm Mon-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat, 11am-2pm Sun;
Café Du Monde
Famous purveyors of greasy, sugary beignets. 504-525-4544; 800 Decatur St, New Orleans; 24hr;
Cozy Corner
A spectacularly delicious dive. 901-527-9158; www.cozycornerbbq.com; 745 N Parkway, Memphis; mains $5-16; 10:30am-5pm Tue-Sat, open later in summer;
Crabby Jacks
New Orleans’ best po’boys are served here. 504-833-2722; 428 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans; mains $6-12; 10am-5pm Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm Sat;
Doe’s Eat Place
The chili tamales are wonderful, and so are the steaks. 662-334-3315; www.doeseatplace.com; 502 Nelson St, Greenville, MS; mains $15-30; 5pm-9pm Mon-Sat
Red’s
The ramshackle environs may intimidate, but you’re welcome here. 662-627-3166; 395 Sunflower Ave, Clarksdale; cover $5; 9pm-late Fri & Sat
The Castle
Upscale continental cuisine is served on the grounds of the sensationally illuminated Dunleith Plantation. 601-446-8500; www.dunleith.com; 84 Homochitto St, Natchez; mains $18-34; 7:30-10am, 11am-2pm, 6pm-9pm Mon-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat
Under the Hill Saloon
A tremendously fun and historic bar that was once a favorite haunt of Samuel Clemens, riverboat pilot. 601-446-8023; www.underthehillsaloon.com; 25 Silver St, Natchez; 9am-late
SLEEP
Peabody Hotel
It’s been considered Memphis’ glamour girl since she opened in the 1930s, and they have had a morning duck procession through the lobby since day one. 901-529-4000; www.peabodymemphis.com; 149 Union Ave, Memphis; r from $245
Shack Up Inn
Grab one of the old sharecropper shacks. It has kitchens for self-catering. 662-624-8329; www.shackupinn.com; off Hwy 49, Clarksdale; r from $75;
W New Orleans
This fashionable, bustling hotel attracts a young, hip crowd, with a dash of business traveler. 504-525-9444; www.whotels.com; 333 Poydras St, New Orleans; d from $210
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.greatriverroad.com
www.experiencemississippiriver.com
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LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
39 Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway
40 Blues Highway
43 48 Hours in New Orleans
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Return to beginning of chapter
Return to beginning of chapter
TRIP 6
NASCAR’s Best Pit Stops
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WHY GO Witnessing the breathtaking raw power of a Ford Fusion pushing 200mph