Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
In this episode of Travels with Darley, Darley Newman explores the mighty banks of the Mississippi River and embarks on an epic road trip along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Stretching 444 miles across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace follows a corridor used by animals and people for more than 10,000 years.
Darley begins the journey in Natchez, Mississippi, where history comes alive at Longwood, also known as “Nutt’s Folly,” an unfinished dream home halted by the American Civil War. Dona-Marie Geoffrion guides Darley through the iconic structure. Nearby, Darley visits the Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum, where Thelma Newsome shares the preservation story of the home of Natchez’s first Black physician, a key Civil Rights hub in the 1960s. Dr. Roscoe Barnes III provides deeper insight into the city’s powerful Civil Rights legacy.
Exploring downtown Natchez, Darley discovers the city on foot and by golf cart with local guide Sally Durkin, whose family has lived in Natchez for generations. Along the way, Sally points out Fort Rosalie, established by the French in 1716, the William Johnson House, and many of the historic homes that survived the Civil War after Natchez surrendered without major battles. Darley also visits Natchez City Cemetery with Phebe Winters, who shares stories that reflect the diverse fabric of the community.
No visit to Natchez is complete without food, and Darley stops at Fat Mama’s Tamales to enjoy a classic river-town staple with owner James David Gammill II. For sweeping river views, Darley heads to Under-the-Hill, once a rowdy 19th-century port along the Mississippi River, and visits the legendary Under-the-Hill Saloon.
The morning starts sweet at The Donut Shop, a longtime Natchez institution. Leaving Natchez, Darley drives north along the Natchez Trace Parkway toward Ridgeland, just outside Jackson. Though the drive is short, the parkway encourages travelers to slow down and enjoy nature. In Ridgeland, Darley stretches her legs on an original section of the old Natchez Trace near the Bill Waller Crafts Center, where members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi preserve traditional arts. Diane Williams, author, folk artist, and longtime guild member, shares more about the organization’s mission.
Darley visits family-owned Shapley’s Restaurant, where Mark Shapley reflects on more than 40 years in business, before exploring Ridgeland’s extensive trail system by bike. Mayor Gene McGee, an avid cyclist and longtime mayor, shares tips over breakfast. In the Railroad District, Darley picks up a free bike and cycles to local shops and galleries, starting at Fischer Galleries with Marcie Fischer Nessel, who showcases Mississippi artists.
Crossing the tracks, Darley stops at the Lily Pad Café, founded by Kristin Lape to provide job training and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. The journey continues to The Township at Colony Park, where Darley explores wellness-focused local businesses, including Local 463 and J. Olive, sampling high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Back on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Darley hikes sections of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, including a stop near the Chickasaw Village Site, where Brady Davis shares insight into Chickasaw history and culture.
The road trip ends in Tupelo, Mississippi, famously known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Darley enjoys dinner at Forklift Restaurant, where chef Cooper Miller prepares Southern dishes rooted in local heritage, and stops for dessert and live music at Blue Canoe. The next morning begins with coffee at Mae’s To Go and a visit to King Chicken Fillin’ Station for classic made-from-scratch fried chicken and biscuits.
Darley explores Elvis’ Tupelo, starting at his birthplace home and museum, where Roy Turner, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Elvis, shares personal stories and history. Stops along Main Street include the former Tupelo Hardware Company, where Elvis famously received his first guitar, as well as colorful murals and sites featured on the Elvis Tupelo Driving Tour.
The journey wraps up at Queen’s Reward Meadery, where former teacher Jeri Carter produces Mississippi’s first meadery using 100% local honey.
From river towns and Civil Rights landmarks to scenic trails, small businesses, and musical legends, Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Road Trip reveals the deep history and vibrant culture found along one of America’s most storied routes.
Subscribe for more travel and history adventures with Darley Newman.
In this episode of Travels with Darley, Darley Newman explores the mighty banks of the Mississippi River and embarks on an epic road trip along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. Stretching 444 miles across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace follows a corridor used by animals and people for more than 10,000 years.
Darley begins the journey in Natchez, Mississippi, where history comes alive at Longwood, also known as “Nutt’s Folly,” an unfinished dream home halted by the American Civil War. Dona-Marie Geoffrion guides Darley through the iconic structure. Nearby, Darley visits the Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum, where Thelma Newsome shares the preservation story of the home of Natchez’s first Black physician, a key Civil Rights hub in the 1960s. Dr. Roscoe Barnes III provides deeper insight into the city’s powerful Civil Rights legacy.
Exploring downtown Natchez, Darley discovers the city on foot and by golf cart with local guide Sally Durkin, whose family has lived in Natchez for generations. Along the way, Sally points out Fort Rosalie, established by the French in 1716, the William Johnson House, and many of the historic homes that survived the Civil War after Natchez surrendered without major battles. Darley also visits Natchez City Cemetery with Phebe Winters, who shares stories that reflect the diverse fabric of the community.
No visit to Natchez is complete without food, and Darley stops at Fat Mama’s Tamales to enjoy a classic river-town staple with owner James David Gammill II. For sweeping river views, Darley heads to Under-the-Hill, once a rowdy 19th-century port along the Mississippi River, and visits the legendary Under-the-Hill Saloon.
The morning starts sweet at The Donut Shop, a longtime Natchez institution. Leaving Natchez, Darley drives north along the Natchez Trace Parkway toward Ridgeland, just outside Jackson. Though the drive is short, the parkway encourages travelers to slow down and enjoy nature. In Ridgeland, Darley stretches her legs on an original section of the old Natchez Trace near the Bill Waller Crafts Center, where members of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi preserve traditional arts. Diane Williams, author, folk artist, and longtime guild member, shares more about the organization’s mission.
Darley visits family-owned Shapley’s Restaurant, where Mark Shapley reflects on more than 40 years in business, before exploring Ridgeland’s extensive trail system by bike. Mayor Gene McGee, an avid cyclist and longtime mayor, shares tips over breakfast. In the Railroad District, Darley picks up a free bike and cycles to local shops and galleries, starting at Fischer Galleries with Marcie Fischer Nessel, who showcases Mississippi artists.
Crossing the tracks, Darley stops at the Lily Pad Café, founded by Kristin Lape to provide job training and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome. The journey continues to The Township at Colony Park, where Darley explores wellness-focused local businesses, including Local 463 and J. Olive, sampling high-quality olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
Back on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Darley hikes sections of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, including a stop near the Chickasaw Village Site, where Brady Davis shares insight into Chickasaw history and culture.
The road trip ends in Tupelo, Mississippi, famously known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Darley enjoys dinner at Forklift Restaurant, where chef Cooper Miller prepares Southern dishes rooted in local heritage, and stops for dessert and live music at Blue Canoe. The next morning begins with coffee at Mae’s To Go and a visit to King Chicken Fillin’ Station for classic made-from-scratch fried chicken and biscuits.
Darley explores Elvis’ Tupelo, starting at his birthplace home and museum, where Roy Turner, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Elvis, shares personal stories and history. Stops along Main Street include the former Tupelo Hardware Company, where Elvis famously received his first guitar, as well as colorful murals and sites featured on the Elvis Tupelo Driving Tour.
The journey wraps up at Queen’s Reward Meadery, where former teacher Jeri Carter produces Mississippi’s first meadery using 100% local honey.
From river towns and Civil Rights landmarks to scenic trails, small businesses, and musical legends, Mississippi’s Natchez Trace Road Trip reveals the deep history and vibrant culture found along one of America’s most storied routes.
Subscribe for more travel and history adventures with Darley Newman.
