The Top Ten Scenic Drives in the US: Part 3 the South and the Southwest

No list of scenic routes is complete without mention of Creole Contry, Crane River Road is cited by National Georgrpahic Traveler as one of it's top destinations.

6. Crane River Road Drive. Starting in Natchitoches (site of the 1989 film Steel Magnolias) and traveling to Natchez first on Route 1 south and then 494 E you wil find some of the murost beautiful historical architecture in the country. Antebellum plantations and Creole Spanish moss covered cottages, in an area settled by the French settlers and African slaves, show off the rich diversity of heritage in Creole Country. Known as the B&B capital of Louisiana, you will find any number of charming accommodations with warm and welcoming southern hospitality. One great historical site that should not be missed and is open to the public is the Melrose Plantation on 494.

The Melrose Plantation was started by a freed slave, Marie Coincoin, whose family would become one of the wealthiest families of color in the United States. Furhter south, the first Catholic Church built in the US, in 1803, also by freed slaves is worth a visit. St. Augustines Catholic Church has it's annual fair every October on the first weekend of the month.

For authentic Creole cooking at its best try Mama's Oyster Bar on Front Street in Natchitoches. You can find deep fried catfish, boiled shrimp, crayfish and po boys N'Orleans style in a must less tourist like area. Be careful not to make the mistake we did and try this drive during the summer months when it was muggy and buggy.

A trip I had been aching to make for years was to drive from New Orleans to Nashville, driving by day and staying up all night listening to the great music in all the roadhouse joints up the Mississippi River. I never did get to do that drive, and unless you have night vision, it wouldn't have been very scenic, but here is one to try for the true Mississippi River experience.
.
7. The Great River Road. Start in New Orleans at the Delta (a must see) and start heading for beautiful of BatonRouge, the capital of Louisiana. As you travel along the river you might surprised when you first see the city with its modern skyscrapers and distinctively different from New Orleans. . If you didn't get your fill of history before leaving New Orleans visit quaint Beauregard Town Historic District. The little known Baton Rouge Zoo is one of the best in the country and the city is home to Louisiana State University. You'll find the city atmosphere laid back and full of southern hospitality. I last visited Baton Rouge just after Hurricane Katrina and I know for a fact that this small city has a huge heart and a bottomless well of compassion and generosity.

Time to jump back in the car and enjoy more beautiful views while traveling to Vicksburg, Mississippi.If your children are homeschooled or history buffs this part of the trip will be a gift. A must see for any visitor to the deep south of the US is the Vicksburg National Military Park. The tour is 16 miles long and recreates and captures the important events of the confederacy and the surrender at Vicksburg. There is a great deal of authentic Civil War memorabilia to keep ths kids interested.

Time to jump off the Great River Road for just a few miles to find a great spot to spend the night and that would be the City of Soul, Jackson, Mississippi. The ride will take about minutes and you won't be sorry. Jackson's heritage is rich with Civil War to Civil Rights museums and landmarks. Jackson got it's nickname though, from the many outstanding music venues available. It is a little slice of heaven if you are a soul music lover like me and you might want to stop find a nice hotel (too many to list), grab some dinner and find a music venue. I have found on my trips to Jackson that even the smallest club or auditorium will feature a great talent. You may not have heard the artist's name or music before but you will be entranced. My favorite is the 930 Blues Cafe on Congress St. It is simply the most authentic juke joint off the Great River Road. Enjoy.

Time to get back to the river and Vicksburg, Mississippi. From Vicksburg, head north to our next stop on the Grand Old River, Greenville, Mississippi. If Jackson is the City of Soul then Greenville deserves its reputation as the City of the Mississippi Delta Blues. Visit Nelson Street in the center of town where in the 40's and 50's the blues business was as alive as it was on Memphis' Beale Street in the 80's and 90's. A must see for music fans This is where is all started!

Time to get back in the car and enjoy the last leg of the Great River Road. Memphis is due north about four hours. Now I still think this is a great trip for nighttime and stopping in every juke joint and roadhouse on the river, but it is pretty exciting by day too.

8. The Four Corners. While this is not a trip often mentioned in travel guides, it is certainly one of the most beautiful and worthwhile I know. The Four Corners refers to that area of the US where four states meet and surround the Four Corners National Monument. Specifically it is where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona meet. You can start driving in anyone of these states but make sure you see the scenery in all four and of course stay and spend time at the park.

In Arizona you will see Lake Powell, and the Petrified Forest Park, while Colorado offers the lush Mesa Verde Park and Black Canyon National Park. From the Utah side there is both the Arches and Black Canyon Park and New Mexico serves up the Aztec Ruins and El Malpais Monuments. What does this mean? Aside from great vistas and views, if you decide you want to get out of your car, there is white water rafting, canoeing, hiking, wineries, Native American artifact Museums and historical sites, spas and resorts. It is one of the best spots in the country to learn about Native Americans in the southwest but also a gem of an unknown luxury get a way for the adventurous and the indulgent alike. Drive around the Four Corners in about a day but plan to spend several days here and enjoy the exquisite desert climate and views on your drives.

Next: Part Four: Hawaii and Alaska Road Trips