Labor Day weekend is upon us and perhaps you are you looking for a last-minute weekend getaway or maybe just a quick day trip. I have put together a list with a few ideas that range from right here in Madison County to just a short drive a few hours away!
Mississippi Petrified Forest, Flora, Mississippi
Located right here in Madison County, the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora contains logs that are approximately 36 million years old! Last Mother's day I wanted a fun family outing so we headed out to the Mississippi Petrified Forest. We happened to be the only visitors that early in the morning and the kids really enjoyed walking along the path and reading all of the signs along the way. They also enjoyed the gift shop too! This will be a trip that you won't soon forget as you stroll along the nature trail enjoying the flowers and wildlife while soaking in the history. You can make this a simple day trip or take advantage of the camp grounds and make it a weekend getaway. This is truly a hidden gem in Madison County!
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway or "Trace" is a 444-mile scenic drive through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. While it's mostly known for its breathtaking views you can also enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the parkway. The "Trace" begins in Natchez, Mississippi and ends in Nashville, Tennessee. When we moved here just over four years ago I hopped on the Trace in Nashville and took it all the way down to Old Canton Road right here in Madison. It was a gorgeous drive! Even if I was alone. With 3 kids. For a 6-hour drive. That took almost 8 hours! Because, kids.
Natchez, Mississippi
Natchez is a little over two hours south west of Madison County and is a great place to visit if you are looking to enjoy some good southern charm. You can hop on the "Trace" right here in Madison County and take it all the way to the beginning. While you're there you can explore and the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, tour Civil War sites and visit the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture. Here is a list of other sites to see while you're in town.
Gulfport, Mississippi
Gulfport is about three hours south of Madison County and is located on the Gulf of Mexico with beautiful sandy white beaches. One of Gulfport’s unique experiences can be found at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies where you get to interact in the water with dolphins and their trainers. There is also the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, boat tours and of course, the worlds" largest rocker"! Close enough for a day trip but enough attractions for a weekend getaway!
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Hattiesburg is right around 2 hours south from Madison County. While you are there you can visit the Hattiesburg Zoo, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, *African American Military History Museum or Pep's Point Waterpark. For my military Macaroni families, the African American Military History Museum is also a Blue Star Museum, so be sure to enjoy the last weekend of free admission. Here is also a list of some other fun things to do while you're in town.
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama is about 3-and-a-half hours to the southeast of Madison County and is a big city rich with history. There are many family activities to entertain for an entire weekend. The kids will love visiting *Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center or our family favorite, the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park located right in Mobile bay. There are many more attractions with the must see-s being the Mobile Botanical Gardens, *The History Museum of Mobile and the Mobile Carnival Museum.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana is just over three hours south of Madison County with so much to see and do. Over Easter break this year we took our kids on a quick trip to NOLA. We enjoyed riding on a street car and walking along the famous Bourbon Street. You can also tour the beautiful homes of the garden district, visit the top rated Audubon Zoo and Aquarium or experience Cajun and Creole cultures on a swamp and plantation sightseeing tour. The attractions are endless and there are MANY family friendly places to visit. Mardi Gras World was a fun stop for us where we got a tour with up close views on how they make Mardi Gras come to life. The kiddos enjoyed the king cake included with the tour but didn't end up with the baby! Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is also another fun spot for the whole family. *The National WWII Museum is now a Blue Star Museum and you can spend hours learning about World War II. While you're in town, don’t forget to stop at Cafe du Monde for their famous beignets and cafe au lait, another family favorite of ours!
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee is around 2-and-a-half hours north of Madison County. With my folks living close to Nashville, TN we drive through Memphis many times each year. A few years ago we decided to stop at the Memphis Zoo and it was incredible! Being military, we've visited zoos across the country and I have to be honest, Memphis was by far my favorite! There is such a large variety of animals that the kids were excited to see what animal they could discover next. We truly enjoyed our 3-hour visit. Another more famous attraction is Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. If your family is into Soul Music then you don't want to miss the *Stax Museum of American Soul Museum. If Blues is more your speed then *The Blues Foundation's Blues Hall of Fame Museum is the place for you. One museum that we crossed off our family bucket list is the *Pink Palace Museum. This museum offers Natural History along with Cultural history and even a dinosaur display. Last summer we also enjoyed watching the ducks march at The Peabody Hotel and then walked a block over to enjoy dinner at Rendezvous. Even the kids LOVED the BBQ! For more ideas while you're in the Memphis area, click here.
How ever you decide to spend your three-day-weekend I hope it's full of family fun!
*Denotes a Blue Star Museum
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