Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Carlyle, Illinois to New Orleans, Louisiana

Taking a road trip can be an excellent way of exploring new sights and sounds, picking up unexpected treasures, creating life-long memories, and meeting new people. From Carlyle, Illinois, to New Orleans, Louisiana, the road trip is approximately 725 miles, and it takes about 11 hours to complete, depending on your pace. If you plan to take this trip and want to explore essential sites along the way, you should take a pit stop in the following five unexpected places.

Sardis, MS: The Halfway Point

Standing halfway into your trip is Sardis, MS, located in the northern part of the state on an I-55 trail. This quaint town is charming, with its well-maintained streets, historic buildings, free museums, and excellent restaurants. You can walk through the streets and soak in the country's old-style charm famous for hospitality. Sardis is home to Colonial Williamsburg-type architecture. Interestingly, the town played an important role in the American Civil War, and the legacy is evident in the Confederate Cemetery and the Sardis Lake Dam Engineer Office.

Foodies would enjoy eating catfish while checking out the picturesque view of Sardis Lake. While the locals love to fry it up, try the grilled catfish for a healthier option at the Blue Bongo. The combination of healthy eating and incredible scenery is one such experience that should not be missed.

1. Clarksdale, MS: The Birthplace of Blues

Clarksdale, MS is home to some of the best blues music in the world. Clarksdale also has some of the prettiest roads that you'll drive down. Clarksdale features known blues artists such as Sam Cooke and Muddy Waters. You won't regret soaking up the richness of blues culture at the Ground Zero Blues Club, a joint created by actor Morgan Freeman. Clarksdale is beautiful, and visitors can explore their blues history and culture through many of its outdoor murals.

While at Clarksdale, you can try some authentic Mississippi tamales at Abe's Bar-B-Q. Mississippi-style tamales possess a unique taste and texture of their own, and Abe's Bar-B-Q serves some of the best!

2. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS

Our nation's history is something that we must strive to protect, and Vicksburg National Military Park is doing an excellent job of that. Located in the hills along the Mississippi River, the park combines war memorabilia, monuments, museums, and scenic views. The Park's close proximity to the battlefield adds authenticity to the memorabilia on display.

At the park, visitors can get lost in the city's history, which is interwoven into the park's monuments. However, visitors should skip fighting the war and dive straight into one of Its local delicacies, Mississippi mud pie. Try this delicacy at Rusty's Riverfront Grill as it pairs well with the magnificent view of Vicksburg.

3. St. Francisville, LA: True Southern Charm

St. Francisville, located just north of Baton Rouge, is where southern charm meets history. The town boasts well-preserved historic buildings and antebellum homes, hiking trails, and a browse-worthy Main Street. You're sure to discover gems when strolling down the tree-lined streets and soaking up everything it has to offer.

While at St. Francisville, head over to Magnolia Cafe, where you can try their famous fried chicken! This restaurant was awarded the best chicken in Louisiana, and the taste matches the title.

4. Breaux Bridge, LA

Known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World," Breaux Bridge is a must-visit destination that embraces Southern cuisine. It is also part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, offering plenty of outdoor opportunities. As visitors explore the town, they will come across shops and markets filled with trinkets and souvenirs. If you're lucky, you might get to see alligators sunning themselves in their natural habitats.

While at Breaux Bridge, visitors should indulge in some boiled crawfish at the famous restaurant - Fred's Lounge. Fred's Lounge is the hometown of the "zydeco brunch" - dancing before your meal, and the live music is one-of-a-kind.

5. Lafayette, Louisiana: The Cajun Capital

Lafayette is a cultural and musical hub located in the southern part of the state. The town is the epitome of Southern hospitality, and visitors can enjoy Cajun dancing, traditional food, and a host of festivals. The city is home to several museums, world-class art galleries, and attractions.

One dish visitors shouldn't miss while in Lafayette is the crawfish etouffee. The crawfish etouffee is a complex, savory, and spicy delicacy recognized for its burst of flavors. You can't go wrong with trying the crawfish etouffee at Prejean's restaurant in Lafayette.

Conclusion

Suppose you desire to experience the best of history, culture, and southern hospitality, then be sure to take this road trip from Carlyle, Illinois, to New Orleans, Louisiana. This journey will take you on a thrilling adventure that will transform the way you view our country's history. From Clarksdale's blues to Breaux Bridge's crawfish, there is something for everyone. Just remember to pack your appetite!