Destination: San Antonio April 28, 2010

A guide to planning your road trip from Washington, DC, to San Antonio

By this time of the journey, the Appalachian Mountains are behind us and the road trip begins to come to a close.  San Antonio is swiftly approaching.

Depending on the route chosen, you may have been stunned by the enormity of Nashville’s Parthenon or found time to unwind by relishing in the peaceful serenity of DeSoto Falls. Either way, the next and final part of this series offers a variety of places to visit before arriving to your destination.

Here’s to safe travels, many adventures and a new life with the US Army Installation Management Command in the Heart of Texas.  Thanks for all you do for Soldiers, Civilians and Families!

Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”

― Japanese Poet Matsuo Basho (1644-1694)

Part 3 of 3: Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Texas

North Route Road Map (Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas)

Hot Springs National Park (Hot Springs, Ark. – North Route)

Nestled in rolling hills, Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park has been protected by Congress since 1832, some 40 years before Yellowstone became the world’s first national park. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, camping grounds, scenic overlooks and a row of luxurious stone and masonry bathhouses constructed in the early 1900s.  The Bathhouse Row structures are part of a National Historic Landmark District and represent the grandest collection of such bathhouses in North America.

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Crater of Diamonds State Park (Murfreesboro, Ark. – North Route)

Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public.  Diamonds up to 40.23 carats have been found in the park.  Uncle Sam, the largest diamond discovered in North America, was found here in 1924. Diamonds range in color from white, yellow, canary and brown. In 2009, 918 diamonds were found weighing a total of 182.97 carats.

Amon Carter Museum (Fort Worth – North Route)

Travel about five hours south west of Crater of Diamonds State Park on Interstate-30, you will hit the final recommended destination on Route 2. The Amon Carter Museum displays an array of art exhibits including Masterworks of American Photography: Popular Culture, Ansel Adams: Eloquent Light and American Modern: Abbott, Evans, Bourke-White (photography).

This collection of art and sculpture by Charles Russell and Frederic Remington is very extensive, with excellent information alongside each to narrate the stories depicted. You may not be a fan of the cowboy life, but these illustrations keep it realistic, with all the everyday detail.  [The] Indian costumes are particularly interesting.”

― TripAdvisor.com member Debora4967 of Philadelphia.

South Route Map (Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas)

African American Military History Museum (Hattiesburg, Miss. – South Route)

The African American Military History Museum has been dedicated to America’s African American Soldiers since 1942.  “From their beginnings as Buffalo Soldiers to their modern-day service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, hundreds of artifacts, photos and unique displays tell the story, so that we may be inspired by their courage and patriotism,” the museum’s website notes.

Confederacy of Cruisers Bike Tours (New Orleans – South Route)

Confederacy of Cruisers is one of New Orleans’ premier tours. Listed as No. 1 of 297 on TripAdvisor.com’s popularity index in New Orleans attractions, Confederacy of Cruisers will give you an intimate, relaxing tour of the Big Easy. The tours are slow paced, allowing you time to soak up the local sights and color. The tour offers a friendly guide, tuned-up bicycles, safety helmets, water and an encyclopedic knowledge of the colorful past of the Big Easy.

The three-hour tour is a leisurely ride around the city, through several different neighborhoods and covering nearly every aspect of New Orleans history and culture. I don’t think I could have learned more living in the city for a year than I did in one afternoon on this tour.”

― TripAdvisor.com member Amanicen of Milwaukee, Wisc.

Creole Nature Trail Map

Creole Nature Trail (Lake Charles, La. – South Route)

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Louisiana is the Creole Nature Trail, one of America’s scenic byways.  Untouched wetlands stretch out across thousands of acres encompassing three wildlife refuges and a bird sanctuary.  Running westward parallel to Interstate 10, this Family-friendly byway offers more than 300 species of birds, toothy alligators and timeless tranquility.

…You will be enchanted by the entwining ecosystems of the coastland and the marshland.  So drive the trail through Louisiana’s very own outback and discover the culture, nature and history awaiting you there.”

― National Scenic Byways Program website

Houston Maritime Museum (Houston – South Route)

Exhibiting more than 150 ship models, 100 types of navigational instruments and numerous maritime artifacts, the Houston Maritime Museum captures and preserves the wonder and influence of maritime history.

It’s a tiny museum in a tiny house, dedicated to model ships and the history of seafaring. They have a remarkable collection of model ships (some quite large). … A friendly [man] gave us the tour and you could tell he really enjoys sharing his knowledge.”

― Yelp.com member Rebecca F. of Providence, R.I.

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