Day 9: Greenville MS to Natchez MS
I left the bed and breakfast at the sunny Belmont Plantation, where I had spent the night, and headed slightly back north for my first encounter with the mighty Mississippi River at Warfield Point. The streets had magically dried out by the time I set off, allowing me to avoid the highways for most of the drive.
I’ve always considered the saying ‘everything happens for a reason’ to be a big load of nonsense that we tell ourselves to get through tough moments in life – and doing so, being totally acceptable. However, driving the unexpectedly unpaved riverbank stretch of the 465 South in a 4×4 was definitely better than if I had been in a full-size . And that only happened because of last week’s flat tire accident, so the joke’s on me, folks.
After a stop in the historic city of Vicksburg, the last 40 of today’s 210 miles were driven on the same Natchez Trace Parkway that I had left a few days earlier in Tennessee. It was the same smooth drive, with the main difference being the absence of the Tennessee crossroad ‘suicidal’ turkeys and the presence of much larger, majestic trees and lush vegetation.
Closing the day with more fried green tomatoes to satisfy my newfound addiction, a gigantic seafood platter, some more live music, a couple of beers, and flowing chatters with other fellow travelers – all while watching a killing sunset over the Ol’ Man River.
Two more sleep to The Big Easy.
Driving from Greenville to Natchez Cheat Sheet
Accommodation in Natchez
- Concord Quarters, 301 Gayoso St, Natchez, MS 39120. A beautiful bed and breakfast in a lovely part of Natchez, just a quick drive from the riverwalk. Debbie, the landlady, will welcome you with lots of energy and a contagious smile. Sit on the balcony overlooking the garden, sipping a beer at night..
Where to eat and what to see between Greenville and Natchez
- Warfield Point Park, 295 Warfield Point Park Rd, Greenville, MS 38701. My first encounter with the mighty Mississippi. There is a nice viewpoint, and you can drive pretty much along the river..
- Old Court House Museum, 1008 Cherry St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, A National Historic Landmark in Vicksburg, a site of a key Civil War battle.
- Magnolia Grill, 49 Silver St, Natchez, MS 39120, A great little restaurant right on the river. The seafood platter and, once again, the fried green tomatoes were particularly yummy.
- Under-the-Hill Saloon, 5 Silver St, Natchez, MS 39120, right next to the Magnolia Grill—a perfect place to end your night with some beer and live music while watching a stunning sunset over the Mississippi River.
Driving from Greenville to Natchez FAQ
The shortest route is 156 miles. I drove for 210 miles trying to stay off the highway and driving only beautiful county roads.
You can get from Greenville to Natchez in less than 3 hours.
The landscape is incredible and you can drive wright next to the Mississippi river (and other rivers). Also Natchez is a very nice small city, with beautiful houses and a great riverwalk.
The major attractions along the way in a road trip from Greenville MS to Natchez are the river and the Delta landscape
Any car would suffice, but be aware that avoiding the highways may lead to encountering unpaved stretches. Personally, I was happy driving a 4×4 Jeep
More pictures and video taken from Greenville and Natchez
My two weeks itinerary on a Chicago to New Orleans road trip
- Chicago to New Orleans – main article
- Day 1: Chicago to Indianapolis
- Day 2: Indianapolis to Louisville
- Day 3-4: Louisville to Nashville
- Day 5-6: Nashville to Memphis
- Day 7: Memphis to Clarksdale
- Day 8: Clarksdale to Greenville
- Day 9: Greenville to Natchez
- Day 10: Natchez to Lafayette
- Day 11, 12, 13: Lafayette to New Orleans
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