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So, I was supposed to fly to Florida in April (Easter weekend, actually) for the wedding of one of my best friends, but for multiple reasons, a few of us have decided to drive. If you were around last year at about this time, you might remember that road trips and the prospect of visiting offbeat little spots make me positively giddy. Plus, with 24 hours of driving to do (twice!), we’re going to need some distractions to keep us going.
This is where you come in, dear mental_floss readers. I’m looking for quirky stops, greasy spoons and weird photo opportunities between Des Moines, Iowa, and Sarasota, Florida.
Here are the routes: Des Moines-St. Louis-Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta-Macon-Ocala-Sarasota on the way there.
The way home: Sarasota-Ocala-Columbus-Birmingham-Tupelo-Memphis-St. Louis-Des Moines.
I mean, we’re not stopping at all of those places. It’s just some of the bigger cities on our routes so you can see what we’ll be near.
A few oddities that are on my radar right now:
1. Tennessee Williams’ grave in St. Louis, Missouri.
2. The Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee, not too far outside of Nashville. The evil Bell Witch has reportedly been haunting the Adams area since at least 1817 and has inspired many movies and stories.
3. Johnny Cash’s grave in Hendersonville, Tennessee, just outside Nashville. I have a feeling I’m going to have to pick between the Bell Witch and Johnny Cash, because my travel companions will probably be eager to keep going instead of hitting up 18 spots in the Nashville area. Poo.
4. The Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. I understand that it’s a dry county, though, so I can’t expect any free samples. Sad.
5. The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. I am a hardcore Diet Coke addict. I just had a brilliant idea… I’ll get a bottle of Jack from Lynchburg and then mix it with Diet Coke from The World of Coca-Cola. It’ll be like the purest version of my favorite alcoholic drink. (I know it won’t actually taste any different, but I got a little excited nonetheless.)
6. The Whistle-Stop Café in Juliette, Georgia, between Atlanta and Florida border. This is where the café scenes for Fried Green Tomatoes were filmed. And, word is, if you visit the cemetery you’ll find gravestones for the fictional Buddy Theadgood, Ruth Jamison and Frank Bennett. The latter’s grave bears the inscription, “The secret was in the sauce!”
7. The Ringling Museum of the American Circus in Sarasota. It’s also an art museum. Interestingly, the nearby town of Gibsonton is apparently where circus performers go for the winter and a wide variety of interesting characters can be found throughout town. There’s even a short counter at the post office because the population of little people is so high.
8. The Mystery Spot in Fort Gaines, Georgia. Mystery Spots (also called Spook Hills and Gravity Spots) are a dime a dozen, but I’ve never been to one. In case you’re not familiar, they’re spots where your car will appear to roll uphill. In reality, it’s an optical illusion – the landscape manages to make a down slope appear to be an upslope, so when you leave your car out of gear or drop a ball on the ground, they appear to roll uphill.
9. William Faulkner’s grave in Oxford, Mississippi.
10. Graceland in Memphis. The ultimate tacky tourist spot. This is the only spot I’ve gotten my road trip buddies to agree to so far, although if I’m the one driving, they aren’t really going to be able to stop me from pulling over when I see one of those “places of interest” signs… hmm. Something to think about.
I seem to be lacking in things to do in that long stretch of Florida between Sarasota and the border, and I just have one stop in all of Mississippi and Alabama. We’re going right through Tupelo, which is where Elvis was born, but I’m not sure I can really take more than one Elvis stop per road trip.
Let me know what your suggestions are in the comments! I’ll definitely be writing up an Armchair Fieldtrip or two based on this little jaunt.
Comments (82)
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posted by Hannah on 2-20-2009 at 3:40 pm
Good places! I grew up about a mile from the circus museum at Ringling and went there all the time.
The art museum and Ca d’Zan, the Venetian-style winter home of John Ringling are beautiful. Be sure to check them out as well.
There’s a Spook Hill in my current hometown of Lake Wales, which is about 1 1/2 hour northeast of Sarasota. It’s also the place of Bok Tower Gardens, which is a beautiful place to visit (for $10) and it has a carillon tower that was built in the late 1920s. Concerts are played daily at 1 and 3 p.m.
I don’t work for them, but I just wrote a newspaper article on the landmark.
Enjoy your road trip!
My Captcha was “the bride.” Is the universe trying to tell me something…or it’s ironic that this Quick 10 was spawned by a wedding.
posted by Shelly on 2-20-2009 at 3:42 pm
I’ve been to the Jack Daniels Distillery. Awesome place! I highly recommend it! The only bad thing was our tour guide had the thickest Tenn accent, so half the tour I didn’t know what she said. But non-the least, great place!
posted by Jamie on 2-20-2009 at 3:42 pm
I thought the World of Coke was disappointing and hardly worth the price of admission. The GA aquarium next door was one of the nicest aquariums I’ve been too though.
posted by Athos on 2-20-2009 at 3:44 pm
I drove Lincoln, NE to Jacksonville, FL in 2004 with many college friends. It was awesome. We were just excited to get to the beach and had some very time-oriented guys on the trip, so we didn’t do much poking around in cool little places, which was unfortunate. The most exciting part of the drive came as we passed through Atlanta–I was a nineteen year old in my parents’ minivan and the biggest city I’d ever driven in was Lincoln. I’m amazed I didn’t kill us.
However, Nashville has many amazing things to do, and make sure that your drive through western/central Tennessee takes place during the daylight, because it is amazingly beautiful! (Especially considering the landscape you are used to–I know me some Iowa topography!) :)
I’m really jealous of you and await the blog–a road trip through the South (without time constraints) is on my list of things to do someday!
posted by kate on 2-20-2009 at 3:46 pm
I logged in to point out a few spots in Polk County, FL but it looks like someone beat me to it!! Growing up around there I heard some creepy stories about Bok Tower at night too!
posted by Courtney N. on 2-20-2009 at 3:47 pm
I’m assuming you mean Gibsonton in florida for the circus folk.
posted by Hurricane on 2-20-2009 at 3:47 pm
The Goody Goody Diner in St. Louis…the best chicken and waffles!
posted by Stephanie on 2-20-2009 at 3:54 pm
@kate, I drove with three other friends to Florida over Spring Break in 2003, and we broke down in Paducah, Kentucky! We didn’t really make any (planned) stops on the way; we were just anxious to get there and then get home. This one isn’t too terribly leisurely, but I’ll be squeezing in a stop or two.
and @Hurricane – yes. That’s exactly what I meant. :)
posted by Stacy Conradt on 2-20-2009 at 3:54 pm
You *have* to visit Graceland Too outside of Memphis (in Holly Springs, MS). I think it’d be right up your alley. I’ve been twice so far and it never disappoints. Link is in my name.
posted by Morgan on 2-20-2009 at 3:57 pm
I strongly suggest the City Museum in St. Louis. According to the website: “the museum is an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects.” According to me: it’s mostly like a HUGE, mutant playground. Especially cool is the outdoor section, MonstroCity. (Get it?) Really like nothing else, anywhere.
posted by Fitz on 2-20-2009 at 4:00 pm
Oh, I second Fitz. That place is awesome! It would be great after spending so much time in the car.
posted by kate on 2-20-2009 at 4:02 pm
When I was visiting Vanderbilt, they pointed out that the World’s Largest Adult Bookstore is in Nashville. You could stop there.
Mammy’s Cupboard is a total tourist trap in Mississippi
posted by Fred on 2-20-2009 at 4:06 pm
The Jack Daniels Distillery now sells their wares in a gift shop but no on Sundays (blue laws). Be sure to smell the liquor steeping in the charcoal vats, it is heaven.
Stop by Hoover, AL just outside of Birmingham and see the statue of Will Pearson from Mental_Floss. He has made us all so proud.
posted by Big Jim on 2-20-2009 at 4:11 pm
World of Coke is just a big Coke commercial and I would not recommend it at all.
posted by E on 2-20-2009 at 4:11 pm
I would also strongly recommend the City Museum in St. Louis. It is one of the most awesome places ever (seriously)! It is pretty hard to describe except as a giant playground (for all ages, not just for kids).
I took my brother there once and he was so taken, he named his band after it, it’s just that awesome.
http://www.citymuseum.org
http://www.citymuseummusic.com
posted by David Miller on 2-20-2009 at 4:16 pm
Don’t go to Fitz. The food is horrible. If you want a good place to eat in the loop, I recommend Blueberry Hill. I 2nd The City Museum though. It is truly one of a kind.
posted by jennifer on 2-20-2009 at 4:18 pm
Silver Springs (.com) in Ocala has cheesy little river cruises. Other than that, just driving through Ocala is lovely. Not so great to live there though, as I did for a year!
posted by allison on 2-20-2009 at 4:22 pm
I travel Alot …. So here are my picks … 1
Best kept secret in Boise, Idaho.
World Center for Birds of prey. Not just zoo birds but a working preservationa and education center for birds of prey. If your lucky and hit a mid afternoon demo time correctly you can see a bird of prey in person from the distance of a couple of feet, or just inches. (they take them out on a leash and hold the birds with a gloved hand and show the public.)
The first time i went i didnt think it was going to be a big deal. But it was really cool.
posted by cra451 on 2-20-2009 at 4:25 pm
I visited the Cash grave in 2005. It happened to be on his birthday, though I hadn’t planned it that way. While my friend and I were there, his daughter Kathy showed up briefly. I didn’t realize that’s who it was at the time, but pieced it together by looking at pictures of his family. I made a rubbing of his headstone’s bronze plaque which still hangs on my wall, and took several pictures of the surrounding (Carter) family graves.
I’ve been to Bell Witch and Lynchburg, too. Depending on how you’re inclined, I would consider the Cash grave a much more valuable visit than either. The distillery is pretty cool, though.
posted by Dave on 2-20-2009 at 4:27 pm
Graceland is overrated. Go to the Larmain, Sun Records and the Rock and Soul Museaums instead.
Makers Mark distillery in KY
DO NOT I repeat DO NOT park under the overpass at the Arch.
Unfortunatly you wont be close to it, but the Carter Family Fold is awesome. I have seen both June Carter and Johnny Cash play there.
posted by Andy on 2-20-2009 at 4:30 pm
Idea #2 …
If you can go through yellowstone …nuff said
–snip–
on the highway between yellowstone and boise there is a interesting history of tv technology musiem that you have see —but i dont have a link at this moment.
and for eclectic there is a spent 2 tonnne shell that was test fired from i believe a famous battle ship gun while it was in developement and they dug it out of the mountain it was loggged in. ITs mounted on the outside of the tv musiem.
posted by cra451 on 2-20-2009 at 4:30 pm
So I went to the coke factory while I was in Atlanta last summer and it was interesting. I tried the 64 kinds of pop that aren’t sold in the U.S. then I felt like I was going to throw up. But, if you are stopping in Atlanta I would also recommend the Olympic Park where the summer games were in ‘96, its nothing amazing, but it was nice to walk around in etc.
posted by paige on 2-20-2009 at 4:31 pm
If you are looking for more stops in Mississippi, I would suggest a visit to Clarksdale, MS. There are a number of interesting Delta blues tourist sites (Morgan Freeman owns a jukejoint downtown), but my favorite is the Robert Johnson crossroads. Legend says that this is where Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his talent. Tennessee Williams also spent time in Clarksdale and based a number of his characters on local townsfolk. There’s a lot of southern history bang for your buck.
posted by Amanda on 2-20-2009 at 4:32 pm
in denver this place was my favorate as a kid
posted by cra451 on 2-20-2009 at 4:32 pm
If you have time, Merrimac Caverns outside of St. Louis is pretty darn cool.
posted by Merinda on 2-20-2009 at 4:34 pm
Atlanta: Varsity is a MUST
Birmingham:Milo’s makes THE best hamburgers & of course there’s Dreamland Barbeque
Highlights for me on any road trip are the food stops!
posted by TC on 2-20-2009 at 4:36 pm
The World of Coke is pretty awesome. Might I suggest that you pass up Graceland, and go to Sun Records instead. It is in Memphis also, and offers much more history and nostalgia than Graceland.
posted by QuincyK on 2-20-2009 at 4:45 pm
If you want good food on your way between Memphis and Atlanta, stop in Decatur, AL for some World Champion BBQ at Big Bob Gibson’s on 6th Ave/US Hwy. 31. Recommend it to anyone!
posted by Bob on 2-20-2009 at 4:46 pm
#7 – I believe the appropriate term is “little people” or dwarf. Many little people are offended by the term midget.
posted by bzzyb on 2-20-2009 at 4:48 pm
That is hilarious to me that the Jack Daniels Distillery is in a dry county.
posted by Bryan on 2-20-2009 at 4:48 pm
In Atlanta — I second the recommendation of the Varsity. Try the orange dessert-thingie.
Also, there’s Margaret Mitchell’s house (author of Gone with the Wind).
Stone Mountain is very cool — take the tram to the top for a look at the view.
The CNN Center is a neat look at the sets and whatnot for CNN and Headline News.
In Memphis — Mud Island in the middle of the Mississippi is very cool. Along with a 1/2 mile long model of the Mississippi River, they have a museum of the river’s history.
In Florida — Crystal River, on the Gulf of Mexico north of Tampa, is a major winter spot for manatees and there are tours.
posted by Lindsey on 2-20-2009 at 5:00 pm
Memphis: The Stax Soul museum is super, and Sun Studio is worth a visit.
Tupelo: The Elvis birthplace.
posted by nycheeshead on 2-20-2009 at 5:01 pm
I wait tables at one of Nashville’s more popular downtown restaurants, Demos’. Great steak and tasty pasta. It’s also 2 blocks away from all the touristy stuff on Broadway and 2nd.
come visit!
posted by Brooke on 2-20-2009 at 5:04 pm
Colour me Canadian, but aren’t Yellowstone and Denver like, WAY off the route outlined in the article? Last time I checked a map of the US, Idaho and Colorado were a good couple thousand miles from the Sunshine State.
You should definitely hit up the Robert Johnson crossroads though. That and the Johnny Cash gravesite.
posted by Bert on 2-20-2009 at 5:12 pm
I grew up in Nashville/ Henedersonville. You seem to be set for events, so I’ll give you some food advice.
As far as eating in Nashville goes, people on the Travel channel say the Loveless Cafe has good biscuits, but I haven’t met many locals that like them. West End’s a pretty part of town and Centennial Park has a full-sized replica of the Parthenon in the middle of it. If you had time and the weather was nice, I’d picnic there. If you like greasy burger joints, Rotier’s is a nice, dark hole-in-the-wall kind of place.
East Nashville is full of beautiful homes, most of which have been restored by hipster-types, who then opened a few neat stores. The Sweet 16th Bakery on 16th street has a great dish called a grittata, which is similar in taste to lasanga, but is a frittata on top of the southern staple, grits. I get it every time we’re in the area. Good lunch stop. There’s a ton of local restaurants on that side of town, whereas West End is a little more college and upscale joints.
I just went through Birmingham (on a Sociology of Food course) and we ate at Dreamland BBQ. It was just ribs and white bread and they weren’t fantastic enough to be the only thing on the menu, so don’t go out of your way to eat there.
In Memphis, try to hit the Arcade if you come through around breakfast or brunch time. Elvis used to eat eggs with ketchup there and you can sit in his regular booth. The food is great and it’s on Main Street.
posted by Carly Smith on 2-20-2009 at 5:16 pm
Oooh! Oooh! Pick me!! I grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and have lived in Nashville… now in Georgia, but I’ve been all over the Southeast. :)
Chris’ Hotdogs in Montgomery Alabama
The Cross Garden in Prattville, Alabama (just north of Montgomery, if you are taking I-65, which I am assuming you are if you are going thru Columbus and B’ham, since the best route would be I-85 to I-65). I ALWAYS take people here because it is creepy and weird and quite the conversation piece. :)
Hank Williams Grave in Montgomery.
Rotier’s in Nashville.
Hell, just walk down Broadway in Nashville, since that never ceases to be amusing. :) Look out for the tourists in pink cowboy hats.
GOD, I feel like there is so much I am forgetting here!!! But that’s all I have for now.
posted by Lissa on 2-20-2009 at 5:19 pm
Stop in at Arnold’s Country Kitchen in Nashville for lunch.. you’ll find and interesting mix of politician, music industry people, and a variety of ordinary folks. Jack Arnold is a character worth meeting, and the roast beef, greens, mac & cheese are the best around.
posted by Linda on 2-20-2009 at 5:37 pm
I went to Ringling School of Art and Design so I’ll help out with some other Florida stops… Definitely check out Ca D’Zan both for the architecture and the art.
In Tampa there is the Salvador Dali Museum. The Skyline bridge is pretty darn cool too.
And definitely check out the natural springs that are all over Florida. I’ve included a map link on my name (Ichetucknee is a favorite.)
posted by Marc on 2-20-2009 at 5:46 pm
I’m about 20 minutes away from the Jack Daniels distillery — the tour is a must, even though I’m not a regular customer of the product. The joke around here is that you have to take the tour 12 times to get the whole story, because each of the tour guides (they tend toward colorful characters) puts a little different spin on it.
While in Lynchburg, be sure and eat at Miss Mary Bobo’s, a restaurant owned by the distillery. You are seated at a big table with strangers and served family-style, as if it were Thanksgiving. At least one menu item is made with the whiskey — usually the cooked apples, which are to die for.
posted by John Carney on 2-20-2009 at 6:02 pm
As a resident of North Alabama, I am sad that you found so little to do there!
Huntsville, Alabama, is home to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. It has over 1500 artifacts, including rockets and a shuttle. There’s also a space shot, gforce ride, and some other simple amusement park rides.
In Birmingham you can always visit the Vulcan!It is the WORLD’S LARGEST cast iron statue. If you go up to the top of his platform, you get a great view of the city. If you stay on the ground, you get a great view of his bare booty. The actually sell bobble head/butt dolls in the gift shop!
P.S. The Jack Daniel’s Distillery does give out samples of the initial stuff, and they are permitted to sell their merchandise on all days but Sunday. Make sure to take a picture with the Jack statue. He was only like 5 feet tall, so it is always a hoot to get a photo for height comaparison.
posted by Michaela on 2-20-2009 at 6:07 pm
It’s “little people” . . .not midgets
posted by Nathan on 2-20-2009 at 6:08 pm
Ditto the tip for GraceLand Too in Holly Springs, MS. Guaranteed to be more worth your while than Graceland.
Also, the tip for Centennial Park and the Parthenon replica in Nashville (or Nashvegas as we natives like to call it) is also solid. Not only are the Parthenon exterior and the park itself nice, inside the building is a small art museum and a 50 foot replica of the original Athena statue.
posted by Jeremy on 2-20-2009 at 6:17 pm
Holly Springs, MS. Guaranteed to be more worth your while than Graceland.
Also, the tip for Centennial Park and the Parthenon replica in Nashville (or Nashvegas as we natives like to call it) is also solid. Not only are the Parthenon exterior and the park itself nice, inside the building is a small art museum and a 50 foot replica of the original Athena statue.
posted by Jeremy on 2-20-2009 at 6:20 pm
Avoid Birmingham at all costs. There is nothing of note to see or do here. Chattanooga, TN is a nice place to check out while you’re driving through Tennessee on the way to Atlanta. Lots of touristy things to check out there.
posted by Miguel on 2-20-2009 at 6:29 pm
Come to Tennessee! Most of us are the good kind of crazy.
I used to live near Adams, TN. You should definately go there. Excellently spooky. There is also a Gravity Spot in Nashville, in a little residential neighborhood. Ask around, everyone knows about it.
As someone above said, the Loveless Cafe is supposed to have biscuits to fall over dead for, but they aren’t that amazing.
And at the JD Distillery, i think if you book in advance, you might get a tasting. Something about it not being within the city limits? I don’t quite remember. But Miss Mary Bobo’s *is* a treasure.
A word of caution. I don’t know how you are going from Nashville to Atlanta, but don’t bother stopping at Ruby Falls. It’s pittiful. But the ‘ads’ for Rock City are well worth paying attention to if heights don’t trouble you.
posted by Laura. on 2-20-2009 at 6:35 pm
I forgot the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. But that isn’t exactly everyone’s thing.
posted by Laura. on 2-20-2009 at 6:41 pm
You can’t go through Atlanta without seeing the Big Chicken in Marietta. It’s one of those weird landmarks. Lots of directions in Atlanta involve “go past the Big Chicken, turn left/right at the Big Chicken”. The Georgia Aquarium is really amazing, but it’s not something you can just pop in and out of – definitely requires a big hunk of your day. Totally worth it though.
posted by Kristen on 2-20-2009 at 6:50 pm
I second Bert’s critique on cra451’s recommendations. Since when are Idaho and Wyoming on the way from Iowa to Florida?!?!
Anyhoo…
I know it’s tacky as hell but tacky IS the point of visiting Graceland. It’s like a shrine to everything that’s self-indulgent about America; it’s your civic duty to go there once in your lifetime and ogle the gold lame suit, the peacock windows and the shag carpet ceilings.
At the other end of the spiritual spectrum, you must get down to the Everglades if you have time while in Florida. The southern half of the state is essentially a huge, shallow, slow-moving river that we are killing off with encroachment and global warming so see it while you can!
Have a great time and be safe!
posted by FrodoPal on 2-20-2009 at 7:14 pm
Ok, we’ve been glancing at the attractions near where we live, so I had these fresh on my mind…Roadsideamerica.com is a wonderful resource for stuff such as this!
You can also come visit Cape Coral in Lee County, FL, which is considered to be “Ground Zero” of the housing crisis. We have nile monitors and really tiny burrowing owls….
Here are some Florida highlights:
Don’t forget to visit the mermaids of Weeki Wachee!
less than an hour south of Sarasota you can visit the Koreshan settlement (founded by a guy who believed we live on the inside of the earth….)
Also, nearby we have the giant beethoven sphinx in Fort Myers!
Have a safe and fun trip!
posted by Bek C. on 2-20-2009 at 7:27 pm
Lookout Mountain,Ruby Falls and Mammoth Cave in TN.
Andersonville Prison in southern GA. Plains, GA, home of Jimmy Carter.
Near Ocala is Silver Springs Also nearby is Weekie Wachee springs.
In the Sarasota area is the Dali museum. And don’t forget Siesta Key. It’s beautiful, always on the lists of best beaches.
Have a great time!
posted by Pam on 2-20-2009 at 7:28 pm
Ringling circus is a great experience make SURE you go their.
A little scary if your scared of clowns though.
posted by Isabella on 2-20-2009 at 7:47 pm
I second the vote for Graceland Too.
Don’t forget to bring whiskey to toast Faulkner with. The county’s dry on Sunday. You should also go to his house, Rowan Oak. He outlined one of his stories by writing it on the wall. There’s also a legal marijuana field on the Ole Miss campus though, like the Jack Daniels Distillery, you’re not allowed any samples.
posted by Sam on 2-20-2009 at 8:19 pm
Oxford, MS, would be a good place to stop, but not for Faulkner’s grave. Check out Roanoke, the house where he drank himself to death. Tours of the house and grounds are cheap and interesting. And if you’re interested in Elvis, inquire in Oxford about Graceland Too. It’s an off-the-beaten-path museum/memorabilia shrine to the King open 24/7 to anyone wishing to visit. If you’re eating in Oxford, I recommend Ajax on the Square. You can thank me later
posted by Matthew on 2-20-2009 at 8:20 pm
make sure you spend some time in Memphis! I went on a cross-county road trip last summer (California to New York and back), and it was my favorite spot. when you get there, drive down the mississippi (on the street of course) to Beale Street, where you will find this amazing little diner called Blues City Cafe. great food, fun atmosphere, bar in the back with great acts including a dead-on Johnny Cash impersonator (in voice, not looks – he actually looks a lot like Jerry Springer) – it’s such an awesome place.
posted by Elizabeth Lee on 2-20-2009 at 9:09 pm
I can also vouch for the City Museum in St. Louis. Great way to spend a day! But don’t bother with Blueberry Hill. There are hundreds of better places to eat in St. Louis. If you like Italian food, stop by the neighborhood called “The Hill” and try the St. Louis delicacy known as toasted ravioli.
posted by hullnoates on 2-20-2009 at 9:24 pm
You’ll be close to the Smokey Mountain National Park. There are several not-too-long trails that incorporate part of the Appalacian Trail.
posted by Jim on 2-20-2009 at 9:26 pm
Try out Mote Aquarium/Marine Lab in Sarasota, Fl. It’s a pretty good aquarium and I loved being able to see the giant squid on display.
Also around there is Pinecraft, Fl, which is an Amish resort town. I haven’t gotten the chance to visit but it could be entertaining.
posted by Sara on 2-20-2009 at 10:00 pm
Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site, Laclede, MO
John J. Pershing – Commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF), pursuer of Pancho Villa, he was also an outspoken advocate of African American soldiers in the U.S. military, (hence the nickname “Black Jack”).
posted by JohnHistory on 2-20-2009 at 10:25 pm
I’ve posted on Memphis, um, more than once. Check out these old travel guides.
http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/6502
http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/6516
posted by Miss Cellania on 2-21-2009 at 12:31 am
The Varsity is definitely one of the more awesome stops in Atlanta. The Frosted Orange is to die for. Just be prepared to get yelled at when you step up to the counter. The World of Coke is interesting if you’re a huge Coke fan, or are interested in a demonstration in the power of suggestion and advertising, and the international section, where they serve the Coke products from around the world is fun, and kind of gross sometimes. If you’re looking for more offbeat things, one of my favorite things in Atlanta is inside Five Points MARTA station, the facade for the old train station is in there. It’s not particularly breathtaking or amazing, but there’s so little of the old Atlanta left downtown that it’s neat to find glimpses. If you have a little money to burn and don’t get motion sick easily, there’s always the Sundial restaurant on top of the Westin Peachtree. It revolves, but the view on the elevator ride up is marred by the damage from the tornado that hit last year. I second the Big Chicken recommendation too. It’s tacky and kind of has a Route 66 feel to it, and it’s much better since they fixed it so the eyes and beak move. If you come down 75 out of Chattanooga it would be a quick side trip off of the interstate. There’s also a Krispy Kreme donut shop right near there and if you catch the hot, hot, hot sign on it’s heavenly. North of Atlanta on 75 there’s also New Echota, which was the capitol of the Cherokee nation, and is a very scenic, and interesting, park. On the more out of the way front, outside of Atlanta there’s Sweetwater Creek State park, and inside the park lies the ruins of an old textile mill that was burned during the Civil War. It’s a sad story of the mill and the women who were running it and how they were carted off and basically disappeared. It would be a good 30 minutes out of the way though, not counting time spent in the park, and the mill is probably a 1/4 mile or so down the trail into the woods. It’s a beautiful place and worth the side trip if you’re not in a hurry. It’s off of I-20, just past Six Flags.
posted by Jen on 2-21-2009 at 12:49 am
Check out http://www.roadsideamerica.com for all of your Roadside oddity Needs, Best place on the Web For Quirky Roadside Attractions
posted by Tim on 2-21-2009 at 9:44 am
Not only is the Jack Daniels distillery pretty awesome (you even get to see the money safe he kicked that led to his death!), but the town of Lynchburg is sweet too. It’s set up like the “olden days” with general stores and such.
Thanks for posting this, I live in Charlotte, NC so most of those spots are now on my road trip list.
posted by KerriH on 2-21-2009 at 11:36 am
I am going to have to side with some of the individuals who have previously commented and suggest Graceland Too in Holly Springs, MS. The place is absolutely insane. You can go and knock on this guys door anytime day or night, and he will give you the grand tour.
If you’re going through Tupelo, you need to get a chicken biscuit w/ gravy and a blueberry donut to eat at Connie’s chicken on South Gloster, across from the Hospital. Be ready to have the itis.
posted by Brad on 2-21-2009 at 11:56 am
How about visiting the actual restaurant upon which Fannie Flagg based the Whistle Stop Cafe? It’s called The Irondale Cafe, and it is in Irondale, Alabama, just outside of Birmingham. Trying the fried green tomatoes is a must.
posted by Petra on 2-21-2009 at 11:57 am
If you are doing the literary thing, you should swing by Hannibal, MO to see Mark Twain’s home. You can tour the cave where Tom & Becky got lost.
posted by wigg on 2-21-2009 at 1:20 pm
If you happen to drive thru Freeport FL, there is a dive there on Hwy 20 called Freeport Cafe. In spite of the dirty appearance, they do have one of the best burgers (and cheapest)I have eaten. Try the double cheeseburger, but be forewarned that the waitress will look at you like you’re crazy if you order it…unless you are a person of size.
posted by Ellen Keyes on 2-21-2009 at 1:37 pm
The Parthenon in Nashville
posted by Leland Witter on 2-21-2009 at 2:10 pm
If you’re taking I-40, you could stop in Jackson, TN, halfway between Nashville and Memphis, to see the Casey Jones Museum (you know, the train engineer – there’s a song …) but the real gem is the Old Country Store and Restaurant. Think Cracker Barrel, but authentic.
Also, I recommend the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. It is inside of the Lorraine Motel building where MLK was shot.
Somewhere between Memphis and St. Louis is a great restaurant called Lambert’s where they throw rolls as big as softballs and expect you to catch them.
posted by Katherine on 2-21-2009 at 6:37 pm
Another vote for Bok Tower Gardens, that place is down-right creepy at night.
Also, try chicken & waffles while you’re “down home”. I might drive the 2,500 miles to go eat some myself.
Gatorworld in Orlando is a totally tacky tribute to all things Gator. The big ol’ gator head that you used to walk thru to enter burned a few years ago. Not sure if it has been repaired. It’s a bit away from your route, but well worth the trip.
posted by vegasgirl on 2-21-2009 at 9:36 pm
Do you need yet ANOTHER recommendation to see the City Museum??! Nope, I didnt think so! Go already!! A must-see!
A word to the wise about Tennessee Williams’ grave…the area where he is buried is not the best, so just be sensible and careful when going to Bellefontaine cemetery.
Incidentally, Williams HATED my home town (yeah, you read the Glass Menagerie, too…)and it was his younger brother, Dakin, who had him buried here. Poor guy.
Lastly, Lambert’s is in Sikeston, MO and worth going to–you won’t leave hungry!!
posted by Marty on 2-21-2009 at 10:06 pm
St. Louis’ Lemp Mansion is a great little spot with a sordid, interesting history. The Lemp family became especially wealthy with their brewery but utilizing natural caves under the city, but when the money ran out they started killing themselves off one by one. It’s supposed to be one of the most haunted places in the US, but it’s also just interesting to learn about. If you make a reservation ahead of time, you can take a ghost tour.
posted by Gina on 2-21-2009 at 10:43 pm
I see a lot of folks here are familiar with Sarasota. I went to New College there. Great town.
I don’t know if they give tours or not, but you should stop at the Lookout Bakery in Chattanooga and see if you can get a freshly-made Moon Pie.
And yes, if you see a Krispy Kreme donut shop with the “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign lit, it’s worth a swerving U-turn tourist maneuver to get there. As Roy Blount says, “When they’re hot, Krispy Kreme doughnuts are to other doughnuts what angels are to people.”
posted by Southern Buddhist on 2-22-2009 at 1:36 am
-The Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. Kinda weird that the “Rocket City” is in North Alabama but it’s definitely worth seeing.
-I’ll second Gibson’s BBQ in Decatur, it’s always popping up on Best BBQ lists.
-Greasy burger joint = SoulBurger in Huntsville, AL. Old school 70’s style Blacksploitation burgers at their best.
-Jack Daniels Distillery has gotten enough votes that there should be no question.
-Opryland Hotel is a great place to go stretch your legs. The inside is huge with a little ‘river’ and lots of plant life, etc. You have to see it to get the full idea. It’s great at Christmastime.
-Atlanta – Eat in 5 points either at Little 5 Pizza or El Myr (They have the BEST quesadillas)….amazing food in an eclectic part of town.
-Huge Elvis fan but i’ve never been to Graceland Too….if you go, please fill us in!
-If you’re a country music fan – Hank Williams’ grave in Montgomery – The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville – Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg = The City that Dolly Built :)
-Also watch out in Atlanta – The bums are notoriously pushy. I read once that the average homeless person in Atlanta can pull in 20,000 a year just from bugging people…..of course i have no idea how one would obtain that information. All i know is that after 20 minutes of walking downtown my first time in ATL, I was out 20 bucks, a stick of gum, and a fountain drink. :(
Enjoy your trip to the South, the hospitality thing really is true! Hold open a door and say howdy and you’ll be considered a saint.
posted by Alexequalsmoney on 2-22-2009 at 6:06 am
You must stop at the City Museum in St Louis, MO. I know I am like the 6th person to mention this place, so obviously it is deserving of your attention!
Depending on your route from Memphis to St Louis (you might try both since you are going through each one there and back), you might want to stop in Metropolis, Illinois for a Superman experience.
posted by Breanne on 2-22-2009 at 4:43 pm
Memphis: ducks at the Peabody (check the schedule) – the funniest thing is that when they get into the elevator, they turn around and face front, just like people!
Decatur/Huntsville – Gibson’s bbq really is that good, like others have said.
Chattanooga – for the classic tourist stop, you should do what the barn roofs say and “See Rock City.” Great views, with a nice little hike to stretch your legs, a swinging bridge, and a pretty waterfall pouring off the cliff at the end of the trail. You can also ride the Incline, the steepest rail transportation in the U.S. But don’t bother with Ruby Falls; it’s not worth the time or money to see the overhyped underground waterfall.
If you want to take a little side trip about 20 minutes off the interstate, about half an hour south of Chattanooga, take exit I-75 at 333 and go through Dalton, GA toward Chatsworth and see the Chief Vann House, built and owned by the last Chief of the Cherokee Nation in Georgia before they were sent away. The house is an architectural marvel; to this day, engineers don’t understand why the stairs don’t collapse!
On your journey through the South, you should have barbecue (try dry ribs and a wet pulled pork sandwich), biscuits and gravy, pecan pie, and a piece of coconut cake made by a lady who is at least 60 years old and uses her grandmother’s recipe.
Have a fun trip!
posted by DB on 2-22-2009 at 6:13 pm
I lived two summers in Memphis doing research at St. Jude, so here are my suggestions:
1. The Arcade Diner: it’s near the Civil Rights Museum and has been there forever. Elvis used to eat there. The sweet potato pancakes will change your life.
2. The Cheese Cake corner: it’s a few storefronts down from the Arcade. Best cheesecake I’ve ever had; it’s run by a guy who comes in whenever he feels like it and makes whatever flavor of cheesecake he fancies that day.
3. Mud Island: in the middle of the Mississippi, it has a scale model of the Mississippi’s route from St. Louis to the Gulf, which is a big pond you can ride paddleboats around in. Make sure to read the placard about New Orleans; it claims that the levee system makes the city virtually unfloodable. Depressing and hilarious in our post-Katrina world. Plus the views of the river are incredible.
4. Brooks Museum of Art: Great collection for such a little place. Plus, it’s in the same park as the Memphis Zoo, which is tons of fun (and has pandas!!!).
5. Beale Street: I know, everyone says this one, but it’s a blast on a Saturday or even Sunday night.
6. St. Jude: They have a small museum about Danny Thomas and the hospital, which is pretty cool. The architecture is modeled after a Lebanese mosque. Plus, it’s a wonderful place.
Have fun!!!!!
posted by janeeyre316 on 2-22-2009 at 8:12 pm
The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis. If you’re into sad stories about a once proud family and a haunted house (now a bed and breakfast), this is the one for you. PLUS, it is right off I-55. Can get back on the road right away.
Marty, native St. Louisian who escape to So. AZ.
lempmansion dot com/
lempmansion. dot com/history.html
legendsofamerica dot com/MO-LempMansion.html
posted by Marty on 2-22-2009 at 9:47 pm
Graceland Too is a classic offbeat stop. Best of all you can go ANYTIME at all. 3 am or whatever… Its located in Holly Springs, MS.
Memphis’ zoo was just rated #1.
I’m from Memphis, so if you need any restaurant suggestions let me know!
posted by Rachel on 2-23-2009 at 3:05 pm
There are so many suggestions here, I doubt this will be read, but I live in St. Louis and have 4 suggestions:
(1) As stated before, the City Museum is pretty sweet, definitely worth a look.
(2) Nearby the museum is the Schlafly Taproom, a great place to grab a pint. I’m sure someone has suggested going on a tour of the Busch brewery, but if you want to try a different (and might I say, much tastier) local brew, this is the way to go.
(3) For food, I would check out Blueberry Hill in the Loop; great food, great beer selection, and a vast collection of random crap on the walls (be sure to check out the shrine-like homage to the Simpsons).
(4) Finally, as a personal plug, be sure to go to the Saint Louis Science Center (free admission!); more specifically, go see a show in the Planetarium…I may know someone who works there and does an awesome show! ;-)
posted by Erin S. on 2-24-2009 at 6:02 pm
In Chattanooga you could:
-See Rock City and/or Ruby Falls
-Tour the TN Aquarium
-Visit the Creative Discovery Museum (for kids but a lot of fun)
-See the Chattanooga Choo Choo
-Ride the Incline
It’s a veritable cornucopia of touristy things to do…
posted by Dave on 2-27-2009 at 3:53 pm
Ask for Sammy at the disterilly if you take the tour. He is hilarious! And he makes his own peppermint cough syrup with peppermint sticks and whiskey. Its really good!
posted by Annie on 3-1-2009 at 3:10 pm