Having had a nice time in Red Bay, AL at the Tiffin factory, we head over to the Natchez Trace with Nashville our next destination. The NT follows an old trading route, originally native Indians, and later the European settlers, from Mobile Bay, up to Nashville. Many parts of the old trace are still evident and the highway parallels the old route. We joined it about halfway up its 444 mile route and had a fair amount of rain. It is incredibly lush and green, no doubt due to the rain(!), and overgrown in places.
Traces of the Trace
Hundreds of years of trade along this route, what tough men passed through here!
The low hanging branches slapped the top of the coach a few time, but for the most part, the drive was totally enjoyable. Along its route we came across a very nice waterfall.
Beautiful!
Lush and green all along the Natchez Trace.
There are many historic stopping points, one of which is Meriwether Lewis’ (of Lewis and Clark), place of death and memorial. We had seat “down in the front row” for this!
To the final resting place for explorer Meriwether Lewis. Fitting memorial.
Memorial for Meriwether Lewis, intentionally unfinished monument representing a life unfinished.
Along the Natchez Trace, what a great way to explore!
Everywhere we go, new insights into our history and culture. What an adventure!
Nashville is known for all of its music, and we found plenty of honky tonks along Broadway. Crazy few blocks here with live music blaring into the streets. Some of it was quite good and some was pretty average – the quality you might hear in a Howard Johnson’s Lounge. I sure that most people are not very critical or picky and it seemed that everyone was enjoying themselves, except this one kid! (Click on the video link here). “It’s too loud”
Just about everybody loves the live music on Broadway.
While in Nashville we took in a paddle wheel boat tour of the Tennessee River, through downtown Nashville. A stage show and a buffet meal were part of the show!
Getting ready to board the General Jackson on the Tennessee River.
Live music and all you can eat buffet on the river.
In the middle of the river, downtown Nashville in the background.
Click on the video link:Big Wheel Keep on Turning
Nashville Meets Maui!
We move on to Seiverville, which is adjacent to Pigeon Forge, (Dollywood), and Gatlinburg. I’m sure these are great vacation spots for kids and families, but all of the traffic and touristy spots didn’t interest us too much.
We take a short day trip through the Great Smokey Mountains, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. For this we traveled just in the Jeep – it is too tight and congested for the coach. Along this route we end up hiking to Grotto Falls, a few miles round trip. As intimated by the “Roaring Fork” name, there was lots of water along the way which makes every view stunning.
Water, water everywhere. Just gorgeous views around every corner.
Roaring Fork River
Upper Reaches of Roaring Fork
The prize at the end of the trail!
Waterfall in the Grotto
The trail goes behind the waterfall. Fun stuff.
After a too short visit we head off with plans to return.