Backroads -- Mississippi Biking

Backroads
Mississippi Biking From the Natchez Trace to the Big Easy

Natchez Like a languid Southern drawl, Mississippi and Louisiana charm us as we travel along the Natchez Trace - a route steeped in visual delights and historic significance - and tour the pulsating city of New Orleans. Leisurely paced bike rides lead past moss-draped trees, rolling pastures fragrant with camellia and honeysuckle, and glorious mansions of the Old South. To recount the area’s Civil War past, we’re joined by local history experts and storytellers. And at day’s end, we sit down to regional cuisine such as praline-topped sweet potatoes, tasty onion shortbread and inventive creations from New Orleans chefs.

Dates and itineraries are subject to change

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Lorman
Meet in Jackson. At Vicksburg National Military Park, bike the route marched by 100,000 soldiers during the Siege of Vicksburg. Civil War expert Betty England brings history to life at stops along the way. Pedal the Natchez Trace Parkway, passing shadowy swamps and cypress groves draped in Spanish moss. Admire antebellum buildings along the way. Explore the grounds of Alcorn State University, the first Black land grant college.

Days 3-4: Natchez
Point your wheels toward Natchez, perched above the Mississippi River. Step back in time and into a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the town, passing immaculate mansions in all their pre-war glory. Breathe in the heady scent of magnolia blossoms while sipping a mint julep on a sprawling plantation porch.

Days 5-6: New Orleans
Cross the border into Louisiana, pedaling toward the Big Easy. Bring your appetite to dinner as we feast on zesty Cajun and Creole specialties. On our walking tour of town, learn the history of sights such as Jackson Square, the French Market and Faulkner’s House.

Accommodation - Southern Hospitality and Antebellum Splendor

Canemount Plantation, Lorman (2 nights) Ray and Rachel Forest welcome us to this Italianate revival plantation stocked with antiques and suffused with Mississippi cordiality.
Monmouth Plantation, Natchez (2 nights) Elegant rooms, lush gardens, nap-ready hammocks and delectable regional cuisine await in this member of Small Luxury Hotels, rated "one of the ten most romantic places in the USA" by USA Today.
Lafayette Hotel, New Orleans (1 night) From its polished marble and mahogany lobby to its French doors and wrought-iron balconies, this 1910 historic landmark exudes the sophistication of a bygone era.

2002 Departure Dates & Prices

April: 7, 21 & 28
May: 5 & 12
September: 29
October: 6, 13, 20 & 27
US$ 1,998 per person, based on double occupancy Single Room Charge: $550 Bike Rental: $120

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reprinted with permission of Backroads
Tour dates and itineraries are subject to change.
Please contact Rex Travel to verify availability and itinerary.

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