A few years ago, Tom and I had an inspiring revelation that ignited our passion for exploring our country. While we’ve been fortunate to travel the globe, we realized we had barely scratched the surface of the USA’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture. We updated our bucket list to include small-town USA.
Last year, we ventured through the awe-inspiring vistas of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Canada while revisiting the stunning beauty of Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. This year, our hearts were set on discovering the vibrant culture and deep history of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida—each destination promising unforgettable experiences, with the tropical allure of Hawaii waiting for us when we complete this portion!
We decided to fly into Louisiana, rent a car, and chart a course south and eastward. Our plans took a turn when we learned New Orleans was hosting the Super Bowl, prompting us to adjust our itinerary to accommodate the festivities. While not south or east, our first stop would be to visit my sister, who has called Mississippi home for the past twenty-eight years.
Before we reached my sister in Fulton, MS, we stopped at Camp Shelby, MS, for a refreshing break. This joint military base, nestled at the southern edge of Hattiesburg, offered us a warm welcome and a perfect introduction to the South. We relished our stay in a charming cabin by the lake, surrounded by nature.
Reaching Mississippi was a highlight of our trip, as we spent cherished moments with my sister Anna, lovingly known as Aunt De Anna. Words can’t fully express the depth of meaning this visit held for me. My heart brimmed with joy as we left, and I eagerly anticipated the next opportunity to reunite.
We listened to a few of John Grisham’s books while driving; both were tales of the South. When we started listening to The Boys from Biloxi, we were heading to Biloxi! While these are fictional stories, he provides a lot of detail on this area’s history and culture, and we were excited to be in the very places he wrote about.
We took the rural roads as we left Mississippi and headed into Louisiana. While we have visited New Orleans before, it has been at least twenty years since our last trip. We were fortunate to secure a reservation at Jackson Barracks, a National Guard base in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, which borders Saint Bernard Parish. This base, built in 1834, is named after Andrew Jackson, who deemed it necessary because of its seaport location.
We spent our days visiting museums and renowned jazz clubs, enjoying culinary delights, taking Mississippi riverboat cruises, and simply walking to reconnect with New Orleans. It was perfect!
Alabama, here we come!
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 