Everyone In Nashville Should Take This Under-Appreciated Scenic Drive
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Meghan Kraft
Author
It’s not hard to find a gorgeous drive in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, but when it comes to an under-appreciated drive folks should make their way down to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Since it’s a hot second outside of the city, it’s easy for locals to forget the twists and turns of the historic and visually stunning parkway. There’s nothing like grabbing a cup of coffee, putting on a country album and falling in love with your state, over and over again.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic scenic route, one that's been preserved and lauded by the National Park Service. It runs between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi, along what's considered to be a historic Native American trail.
It's perhaps best known for Meriwether Lewis, who traversed the trail in 1809 while he was serving as governor of the Louisiana Territory. He also died along the roadway, and as buried on the grounds of an inn along the Trace itself.
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The parkway bridge, located in Franklin, is quite possibly the most visually well-known facet of design along the 444-mile parkway. It's a popular spot for walking, cycling and simply driving to enjoy the view.
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The Old Natchez Trace was a trail that was utilized by local Native Americans for hundreds of years, later utilized by European explorers throughout the 1800s and the late 18th century.
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There are certain parts of the trail that are protected and listed by the National Register of Historic Places. Driving the Old Trace, no matter how far, is truly like taking a step back in history.
Whether you're looking to escape the humdrum reality of the day-to-day or looking to experience the waning light of a Tennessee sunset, this gorgeous scenic drive is well-worth a visit.
Put your kids in the car, or perhaps head out alone, throw on some good music, and let the soft curves of the roadway calm your nerves. The Old Trace was used to connect Mississippi to areas of a more settled United States, long before the famed Louisiana Purchase. You can make your way down a trail that blazed the way towards the highly criticized Manifest Destiny with coffee in hand and thoughtfulness in your heart.
Have you driven the Natchez Trace? Will you, now that you understand the historical brevity of the place? Leave us your stories and thoughts in the comments below!
Once you make the drive, you should laugh your way through these wintertime struggles only Nashvillians will understand.
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