Road Trippin’: From Memphis to Miami

Camping, eating, and sightseeing: all of the best parts of a road trip. Here’s a guide to making the most out of hitting the road from Memphis, Tennessee to Miami Florida. From down-home cooking to Caribbean cuisine, camping under the stars to walking through historic museums, this road trip guide gives great ideas for the best stops. Bring some friends, and let the road be your guide.

Start: Memphis, Tennessee

Locals will say Cozy Corner Restaurant has the best barbeque in town. For the best cheese dip in Tennessee, hit up Pancho’s, a Mexican style restaurant and another local favorite. Check out the Rock ‘N Soul Museum, which offers a musical experience from the rural field hollers of the ‘30s through the glory days of the ‘70s.  For a little history and culture, experience the Elmwood Cemetery or the Art Museum of the University of Memphis. Of course, don’t pass up the popular spot, such as Graceland—the mansion home of Elvis Presley—and a view of the Mississippi River.

Next Stop: Holly Springs National Forest

Travel miles: 70 (1 hour, 30 minutes)

The Holly Springs National Forest is located in north-central Mississippi and features many small lakes among the green upland hardwoods, pine forests, and bottomlands, providing campgrounds, hiking, swimming and fishing for road-trippers to enjoy. Also be sure to check out the bottomlands swamp areas, and experience the Wolf River, which flows through parts of Holly Springs to eventually join the Mississippi River. Check out the town of Holly Springs, Mississippi as well, with highlights of preserved antebellum homes, which are open to the public and give the feel of the Old South.

Next Stop: Birmingham, Alabama

Travel miles: 180 (3 hours, 30 minutes)

With so many things to see and do in Burmingham, it’s hard to decide on what to leave out. Whatever decision you come to, be sure to hit the following places. For the best grease pit in town, there’s nothing better than Sammy’s Sandwich Shop—a family owned and operated since 1965. For some history and some thrills, head over to Sloss Furnaces—one of Alabama’s first industrial sites, and said to be haunted, the historic landmark offers tours and can be rented for special events. Also be sure to check out Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the 16^th Street Baptist Church, and Southern Museum of Flight.

Next Stop: Tallahassee, Florida

Travel Miles: 300 (5 hours, 30 minutes)

Voodoo Dog, according to the locals, is the best place for (obviously) hot dogs, burgers, and fries.  For some great traditional American food, be sure to check out Hobbit American Grill—named for the wooly-footed characters with appetites for good food, good smoke, and good conversation—which offers a great place to kick back and enjoy great food. For something fun to do, check out Magic and Fun Costume Shop or Tallahassee Little Theatre. And for some history and culture, be sure to take some time at the Tallahassee Museum and Mission San Luis.

Final Destination: Miami, Florida

Travel Miles: 480 (8 hours)

Being in Miami will make any road tripper happy to hit the beaches. The obvious choice in recreation is not something to miss: swimming with the dolphins, riding an airboat, wind surfing, etc. But don’t forget about other forms of entertainment in Miami: Everglades Alligator Farm with two thousand alligators in a natural setting, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens with more than two thousand years of lifestyle artifacts, or HistoryMiami where road trippers can learn about traditional Cuban shirts (called Guayabera) or sift through the photo archives. Of course, there’s also the local food to be sampled, and it would be a mistake to miss the Caribbean and Cuban cuisine: Papo Llga Y Pon, Little Havana Restaurant, and Jamaica Kitchen.

What are some of your favorite stops along this road trip? Did we miss something that should have been highlighted? Leave your comments below!

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