Wife, nearly-6 year old daughter, and I are piling into our little car on Saturday morning and heading down to New Orleans for spring break. We’ve been to Nola many times and need no advice for things to do or see while we’re there, but this is the first time we’ll be driving down and I’m interested to see if there’s anything interesting to see or eat along the way.
We’ll be taking 55 down, and merging w/ 57 just outside Memphis. Staying the night in Memphis and plan on finding some good BBQ while we’re there and then heading on to Nola in the AM.
So anything between Chicago and Memphis, or between Memphis and New Orleans that you’d recommend? Natural sites, road-side attractions, good eats… Let me hear them!
This would add about 100 miles to the trip, and it may not be of interest to you, but it’s on my list of things I really want to see so I’ll throw it out there.
For many years, the Atchafalaya River has been trying to “capture” the Mississippi, providing a faster, shorter route to sea level. In 1963, the Army Corps of Engineers built the Old River Control Structure, which regulates the amount of water that flows into the Atchafalaya. Without the control structure, New Orleans would not have a river right now. Eventually, I think nature will win, but I would love to see the structure while it’s still there. For more than most people would want to know about all of this, check out this old article by John McPhee.
I suppose it’s too late now, but you should consider the train next time. It runs straight down, and it is so much fun for kids (and grown ups too!). If you decide to do this again, you should try it. Get a little room in the sleeper car! You won’t regret it.
I’m a Memphian myself. As far as neat Memphis stuff, the zoo here is WONDERFUL. I really really wouldn’t miss it. Avoid Rendezvous for bbq. They are ok, but far from the best, as they pretend to be. Neely’s is the best in my opinion, but obviously that’s a controversial topic (Skald is a Memphian as well, you might PM him). There’s a Children’s Museum too. It’s pretty run down these days though (as is the Pink Palace). Since you have somewhat limited time, I would make the zoo the focus, personally.
There are trolleys downtown that are a lot of fun to ride (for a kid) and are very inexpensive. We used to get on and take it all the way around, which takes a little while, but is a fun way to see downtown and the river. If you time it around sunset it’s particularly nice. There are also riverboats that go up and down the river; also fun, but a lot pricier. Of course, the trolley is like $1 to ride, so we’re still not talking princely sums here. The Botanic Gardens are nice, but it’s still a little early in the season… The Metal Museum is small, but fun. Maybe not for a five year old though. Hm… that’s all I can think of for now.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me! If you give me the general area you’re staying in, I can come up with restaurant suggestions, etc. Best of luck! It’s a pretty neat city if you ask me (but then, I’m biased).
miss elizabeth: Thanks for the tips! We’re staying right downtown on Front Street near the river (across from Mud Island, does that sound right?). The trains a nice idea but not usually much cheaper than flying, honestly, and a big part of us taking the car this time is so that we have it while we’re down there.
Someone suggested for us to take the trolley to A&R BBQ. Is that any good?
You can see Graceland in Memphis if you’re into Elvis.
The casinos in Tunica are about an hour away.
If you’d like to learn to play guitar, rumor has it that an excellent teacher may be found at the intersection of Highway 61 & Highway 49 near Clarksdale, MS around midnight. You may wish to bring an extra soul.
I actually had to work pretty hard to get my daughter out of the Lincoln Library and Museum when she was 4 or 5. They have a lot for kids there.
The City Museum in St. Louis has to be seen to be believed and is ridiculously fun for kids. It’s not too far from the highway, either. And it’s always fun to go to the top of the Arch.
Very cool! We haven’t made it down for Jazz Fest yet but hope to one year soon. Our plan is to pick up some of the WWOZ Brass Passes when we go, which are $450 each but give you access to their VIP tent, air conditioned bathrooms, free food/drink etc.
The Springfield/STL route is only 40 miles longer, but I’ve been to St. Louis and don’t need to see the arch again. Also, I have family there and don’t want to deal with questions on why we won’t stop to visit (nice people, I’d just rather not take time out this trip).