Natchez Trace: Three states and 10,000 years of history

Designated a National Historic Landmark, Emerald is one of the largest mounds in North America. It was built by the Plaquemine Mississipians (ancestors of the Natchez Indians) in the 1300s and used as a ceremonial center for religious and social events. But don't let the word mound fool you. Emerald Mound stands 35 feet tall and covers eight acres of land. An excellent place to stop and stretch your legs, there's a grassy path that leads straight to the base of the mound, where you can either climb up the side or take the wooden stairs to the top. Once at the top, you'll have some pretty cool views of the surrounding lawn and forests. The mound is open to the public from sunrise to sunset (roughly 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and pets are welcome, just be sure to clean up after them!

If you're looking for a quiet nature break, or a shady spot to stop eat lunch, then the Clinton Community Nature Center is the perfect place. Located just off the Parkway in the town of Clinton, Mississippi, this stretch of woodlands offers close to three miles of scenic trails, walkways, even a butterfly garden. There are numerous activities for kids as well, including a "Play Forest" where they can splash in buckets of water, play in the mud kitchen, or build towers in the sandbox. And for the adults, the Nature Center offers things like summer yoga classes, painting lessons, and plant sales. The Center is actually a non-profit, so all proceeds go towards preserving and maintaining this precious plot of land.

There are an equal number of hiking and walking trails along the Parkway as there are biking trails. Natchez Trace has become well-known for its many stunning bike trails, and the Ridgeland Bike Trail is no exception. There are over ten miles of tracks, with separate courses for both beginner and experienced cyclists. You'll find yourself cruising through tall forests, rushing over wooden bridges, and rarely ever hitting the breaks. Most people bring their own bikes and gear, but if you need to rent, there are places in the town of Ridgeland that will let you take bikes out for the day (try The Bike Crossing on Jackson Street). Before heading out, be sure to get a visitor's pass at the trailhead kiosk, and don't forget to place $3 in the drop box!

The town of French Camp, Mississippi, is full of incredible American history and authentic log cabins. So, if you really want to see how early Americans lived, then be sure and stop by the Log Cabin Gift Shop. This cabin, located right in the middle of town, is believed to be from the the 1840s. The Gift Shop is actually located on one side of a long log cabin, while the other side is home to the Historic District's Hospitality Room. Take some time walking around the grounds and imagining what life might've been like back in the 1800s. Inside the Gift Shop, you'll find beautiful pieces of art, pottery, woodwork, handmaid quilts, local jams and honey, even the occasional crafting demonstration. Many of these pieces are made by local students and artisans, and all profits go towards the students of the French Camp Academy.

We keep the music going as we leave Elvis' birthplace and head into Alabama, reaching the halfway point of our trip. Here we'll make a stop at the Muscle Shoals Music House, a former music studio that has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan and Stephen Stills. This studio-turned-hotel overlooks the Tennessee River, where every room comes with a patio and a terrace. The Music House is located just five minutes away from Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia. In addition to large, comfy rooms and beautiful views of the water, guests can also enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free access to canoes and kayaks. There is usually a two-night minimum but ask about the one-night special offer. And if you don't feel like cooking or going out to eat, no problem. The Music House will custom cater your dinner for you.

If you don't recognize the name Meriwether Lewis, then you might recall the Lewis and Clack Expedition—which was lead by none other than Capitan Meriwether Lewis. This national monument, which is located right along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile marker 386, is a memorial to the great American explorer. The original roadtrippers, Lewis and Clark led a group of volunteers from Oregon all the way to Pennsylvania, charting the norther part of the U.S. as they went. Unfortunately, Lewis was shot and killed while staying at an inn along what is now the Natchez Trace Parkway. This tall, stone monument is dedicated to Lewis and everything he discovered. The monument sits near a small creek, where you can often spot fireflies in the summer. There is also a small reconstructed version of the inn where Lewis stayed when he was killed. Both the monument and the inn are open 24/7.

As you make your way into the heart of Tennessee, be sure to stop by the small town of Leipers Fork. This town, which joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, is unbelievably warm and comforting. Filled with picturesque surroundings, art galleries, and traditional Southern fare, visitors often find themselves staying for a few days, let alone a few hours. And if you're a fan of antiquing, Leipers Fork is a dream come true. You'll find plenty of old furniture, eclectic collectibles, and beautifully preserved artifacts. If you're hungry, stop by Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant—a favorite for delicious, home-cooked meals and live, local music.