Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Carrollton, Kentucky to Gulfport, Mississippi

The open road beckons to adventure seekers, and a road trip from Carrollton, Kentucky to Gulfport, Mississippi is not one to miss. Along the journey, travelers will be greeted with a variety of beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisines, and engaging activities that are sure to create lasting memories. The journey will take around 12 hours to complete. The halfway point, Cullman, Alabama is a great place to stop and refresh. Here are the best things to do along the way:

Take a stroll in the Churchill Downs

The first must-visit destination on this road trip is the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This iconic landmark is known for being the home of the famous Kentucky Derby horse race. Visitors can explore the racetrack, learn about the history of the derby, and even watch horse training in the early morning. A highlight not to be missed is watching a race from the grandstand.

Interesting fact: The Churchill Downs first opened in 1875.

Tour the Jack Daniel's Distillery

Next on the list is a visit to the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The distillery offers tours where visitors can learn about the history of the famous whiskey and see the production process in action. At the end of the tour, guests can sample a variety of Jack Daniel's spirits and purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.

Interesting fact: The water used to make Jack Daniel's comes from a naturally occurring iron-free spring near the distillery.

Experience the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Along the way, visitors can stop at various historical sites and hike nature trails. A notable stop along the parkway is the Cypress Swamp Trail, a 0.5-mile boardwalk trail through a lush forest and a cypress swamp.

Interesting fact: The Natchez Trace Parkway spans 444 miles.

Visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum

No road trip through Mississippi is complete without a visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that detail Elvis's early life in Tupelo, including his childhood home and a statue of Elvis as a boy playing guitar. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the museum and explore the grounds.

Interesting fact: Elvis was born in the two-room house on January 8, 1935.

Explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore

The final must-visit destination on this road trip is Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This stunning national park offers visitors pristine white sand beaches, clear waters for swimming, and a chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles. There are also several hiking trails and campsites for those who want to spend more time in the park.

Interesting fact: The Gulf Islands National Seashore spans over 160 miles of coastline.

In conclusion, a road trip from Carrollton, Kentucky to Gulfport, Mississippi is a fantastic adventure for those seeking a fun and memorable experience. From the Churchill Downs to Gulf Islands National Seashore, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The route offers beautiful scenery, fun activities, and delicious food. The entire trip should take around 12 hours, but travelers can take as long as they wish to fully explore each destination.