A few years ago, when the word Mississippi was used in my conversation it was in reference to the river, not the state.  Having spent most of my life near the big muddy on the Illinois side of the St. Louis region, I never dreamed I would someday go further down her banks to make the state of Mississippi my home. It is a good thing that life can be so much more than we dream.

My family and I have called Ecru, Ms. our home for almost a year and a half now but are only beginning to discover a few of Northeastern Mississippi’s many treasures, one of which, is quickly becoming one of my husband’s and I’s favorites, Natchez Trace Parkway. We live about twenty miles from the Natchez Trace Parkway and it has become our go to place when we want pretty scenery, just a drive, a history lesson, great place to bicycle, a quick or a long hike. Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444 mile two lane scenic road that runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee; an extraordinary part of American history and so much more. To learn more than the knowledge I have or time I have to learn and type it, please visit the National Park Services site. https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

We have traveled the Natchez Trace Parkway from Tupleo, Mississippi to Tishomingo State Park http://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/ms-state-parks/tishomingo.aspx , which is another destination I highly recommend and will be sharing more with you later.

Thus far, we have enjoyed the Trace mostly around the Tupleo, Mississippi area and I wanted to share a bit of what we have enjoyed with you. In case you want to reference what I post today with the map provided on the NPS site they are all listed on map 3, the Tupelo to the Tennessee line (mile post 230-341).

The first place I want to show you is the Thirteen Unknown Confederates marker. I absolutely adore Civil War history and being a Yankee in Rebel Land it has been extremely enlightening. Even if I am from Southern Illinois where brother fought brother it is different way of experiencing history here in the south. It is a moving moment to touch the ground where these unknown soldiers were laid to final rest. Learn more about this marker at the Historical Marker Database. http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=84774 or explore southern history http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/tracegraves.html

The next placed we stopped in was the Twentymile Bottom Overlook, which was a beautiful view even on a hazy December day. Find more info about Twentymile Bottom Overlook and other scenic views on the Trace at http://www.scenictrace.com/scenic-overlooks-on-the-natchez-trace-parkway/

Another place we visited along the way was Donivan Slough, it short hike through a pretty place with informative markers about local tree’s and vegetation.

Not to mention some of my favorite love bird tree carvings.

You can find info for Donivan Slough at the Historical Marker Database http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=84763

Here are a few pics from a jeep on a cloudy, hazy, December day, hope you enjoy and it inspires you to come visit Natchez Trace Parkway or head outside to place near you.