The Best Places to Stop on an I-22 Road Trip

When gorging on journey reveals and watching numerous Instagram movies of gorgeous locations not scratch your itch, perhaps it is time for a street journey. For many who reside in North Central Alabama, a multi-day journey on I-22 could be simply what you want for a enjoyable weekend. Start your journey to the Magical City with civil rights historical past and a splendidly revitalized downtown, then cruise up the freeway to Memphis the place you possibly can refill on barbecues and blues. Though it is solely a 3.5 hour drive on I-22 to get you there, it is the little stops and facet sights that can make this journey really particular. In any case, life shouldn’t be concerning the vacation spot however the journey.

DAY 1

Begin your large journey in birmingham with a mini tour of the Magic Metropolis. Get a fowl’s eye view of downtown atop Pink Mountain at Vulcan, an enormous statue of a Roman god and town’s unofficial mascot. Then, spend the day having fun with a progressive meals tour of the various eating places named by James Beard. Lunch at Johnny’s Greek-and-three restaurant is all the time scrumptious and snagging a desk at Chez FonFon, Bottega or Computerized Seafood is all the time coveted. Seize a drink at cocktail bars like Queen’s Park and Juniper, or hit it off with the locals at Mother’s Basement. Go to the Civil Rights Museum and the Birmingham Museum of Artwork, and end your tour with a scoop or two of selfmade ice cream at Massive Spoon Creamery.

Drive 40 minutes to the street for Jasper, the place you possibly can spend time discovering the small city of just about 17,000 inhabitants. Stroll by historic downtown to see iconic buildings like Jasper Metropolis Corridor, the Put up Workplace, and the Masonic Temple, and cease at native retailers, eating places, and boutiques. Then seize a pint (or two!) at Tallulah Brewing Firm or Tornado Barley Brewing, positioned simply two blocks away.

DAY 2

After an evening in Jasper, take a 20-minute detour north to Bankhead Nationwide Forest. Alongside the best way (actually, simply 5 minutes north of city), cease on the Bankhead Home & Heritage Middle, a neighborhood museum housed within the 1824 Federal-style home the place former Alabama Rep. William Bankhead. The home is now devoted to telling the story of Walker County and the boys who served in the USA Congress.

As soon as in Bankhead Nationwide Forest, plot your course to see the canyons, waterfalls, lakes, and comes of this nature protect. Mountain climbing trails abound. If it is scorching, you possibly can go swimming or canoeing on one of many lakes. And for those who’re feeling extra daring, e-book a campsite and spend the evening in a tent underneath the celebrities. Whereas within the space, admire the 148-foot sandstone bridge at Pure Bridge Park. That is an Alabama treasure you will not wish to miss!

Proceed the trail to I-22 by winfield, the place you need to cease for a present contained in the historic Pastime Theater, a restored theater the place you possibly can see all the things from nation music to classical music. Then, have dinner at Cajun Connection, the native favourite. A po’boy of fried shrimp or a plate of catfish is ideal to get you heading in the right direction.

DAY 3

Since you’ve got come this far, cross into Magnolia State and cease at Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis Presley’s birthplace has loads to see, together with the king of rock ‘n’ roll’s childhood residence and a museum devoted to his life. Whilst you’re on the town, do not miss the Tupelo Buffalo Park & ​​Zoo, the place you possibly can see all the things from bison and stomach pigs to zebras and emus. Spend the evening in the one boutique resort on the town. The Tupelo Lodge has 79 charming and complex rooms, in addition to a stylish bar and restaurant referred to as Jobos. Earlier than you allow city, do not miss a meal at Kermit’s Soul Kitchen, a farm-to-table favourite identified for its smoky barbecue dishes like ribs, hen, and brisket.

Take the ultimate leg of your journey north throughout the state line to Memphis, TN. Yow will discover extra Elvis memorabilia on the famous person’s iconic residence, Graceland. Then, go to Beale Avenue to be taught all concerning the blues. Dine on the Magnificence Store, an eclectic new American eatery housed in a former saloon the place you possibly can pattern dishes like Watermelon & Wings and a Jamaican Jerk Fish Membership Sandwich. Different must-see stops are the Broad Avenue Arts District and the Dixon Gallery & Gardens.