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map by joe elberson
Tracing History
Discover the Natchez Trace Parkway with AAA—where scenic beauty and the footpaths of early travelers meet member benefits along the way.
Embark on a timeless journey while taking advantage of your AAA Membership along the Natchez Trace Parkway. This enchanting, 444-mile scenic drive, once a Native American footpath and trade route called the Old Natchez Trace, connects Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, and features lush woodlands, views of the Mississippi River, shimmering swamps and rich history.
AAA TIP: Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour for a fully immersive experience along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Let the stories and history unfold in a seamless blend of audio narration tailored to your pace and interests. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
Double Arch Bridge of Natchez Trace Parkway—just outside of Nashville
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Echoes of Elvis: Begin your journey in vibrant Nashville, famously known as Music City. Travel from here to Tupelo through picturesque landscapes of rolling meadows and twisted oaks. Pull over at various turnouts to walk the Trace, see the Tennessee River at Colbert Ferry in the northwest corner of Alabama and learn about George Colbert, who operated a ferry here from 1800–1819. Stop for a meal or snack at the picnic area boasting scenic views.
Bridge over the Tennessee River as seen from Colbert Ferry Park
In Tupelo, visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Step into the humble, two-room house where the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was born, explore exhibits chronicling his early life and ascent to stardom, and see the “Becoming” sculptures by Michiel Van der Sommen, depicting Elvis as a young boy and an adult.
Birthplace of Elvis Presley
VISIT MISSISSIPPI
Complete your nostalgic evening at Johnnie’s Drive-In, a typical American diner where Elvis once dined. Enjoy a classic burger or barbecue meal and share a milkshake in this quintessential 1950s setting, surrounded by Elvis memorabilia. Spot vibrant Elvis murals throughout the city and snap selfies in front of these larger-than-life paintings.
Hotel Tupelo
WYNDHAM
Stay at AAA Three Diamond Hotel Tupelo, a Wyndham Hotel. Located within 2 miles of Elvis’ birthplace and downtown sites, the hotel offers modern Southern hospitality, stylish rooms, a fitness center and signature mojitos at the restaurant. Consider the one-bedroom suite featuring a king bed, a flat screen HDTV, a half bathroom in addition to a full bathroom and a separate living room with a wet bar for entertaining and dining.
AAA TIP: The parkway is a great drive any time of year, but you’ll find beautiful fall foliage from mid-October through late November.
Cypress Swamp boardwalk
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Nature’s Symphony: Return to the tranquil parkway, visiting Native American and Civil War sites. Wander the Cypress Swamp boardwalk to spot turtles, wading birds and possibly alligators. Enjoy a picnic at the scenic Ross Barnett Reservoir, where shelters come with waterfront views.
Jackson, Mississippi
In Jackson, visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and Mississippi Museum of Natural History. If traveling with children, stop by the LeFleur Museum District, where several museums housing interactive exhibits and an outdoor playground occupy nearly 500 acres.
Dine at Lou’s Full-Serv, showcasing Southern dishes like pan-seared redfish with buttermilk mash or the No7 Smash Burger with candied bacon.
Sunken Trace is a preserved section of the orginal Old Natchez Trace.
Time Travel: From Jackson to Natchez, dive deeper into history. Visit Rocky Springs ghost town, a thriving town in the 19th century and abandoned in the 1930s. Explore the town’s remains, including a deserted church and a cemetery, and picnic at this historic site. Continue to Sunken Trace, a preserved section of the original Old Natchez Trace, and walk the same path as Native Americans, explorers and settlers. Visit Mount Locust Historic Home, one of Mississippi’s oldest surviving structures, exemplifying early inns along the route.
Aerial view of Natchez, Mississippi
Conclude your journey in Natchez, known for its antebellum architecture and rich history. Mississippi’s oldest city, situated along the Mississippi River, offers magnificent river views and gorgeous sunsets. Consider the AAA-recommended Historic Natchez and Emerald Mound Full Day Private Tour, exploring the Grand Village’s Native American archaeological site, Emerald Mound, Windsor Ruins, Stanton Hall, Longwood Plantation and Natchez National Cemetery.
Stanton Hall exterior
Windsor Ruins
For overnight stays, Natchez offers excellent accommodations. The Four Diamond Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens boasts a 26-acre property, featuring an antebellum mansion, multiple gardens, and elegant rooms with period decor and four-poster beds. Other options not far from the historic downtown area include the Hampton Inn & Suites Natchez.
TIP: Hampton Inn & Suites Natchez offers exclusive benefits for AAA Members, with savings up to 10% and Hilton Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates. The modern hotel offers views of the Mississippi River.
As this remarkable road trip concludes, reflect on America’s past and your opportunity to engage with it, an experience enriched by the conveniences and discounts offered by your AAA Membership—and consider it an invitation to explore more of the open road like never before.
Ready to travel the Natchez Trace Parkway? Reserve your Hertz rental through AAA and save up to 20% off the base rate, 10% on prepaid fuel and more—for stackable savings. Learn more at AAA.com/CarRental.
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