Mobile to Dallas Road Trip Guide
Introduction
Mobile, AL, is one of the oldest cities on the gulf coast, which means this city truly knows how to offer good times with tons of beachside activities and educational historic experiences.
This coastal, historic town offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, you can stroll the Mobile Historic District, admiring the gorgeous old homes and architecture, honor veterans at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, or visit the French Fort Condé that was built in the 17th century. On the other hand, you can completely lose yourself in the magic of Mardi Gras, in the live performances of Crescent Theater, and the lively ambiance of beach and coastal life.
Beach hopping might be a good idea for long vacations but when you only have two or three days on your hands, you pay attention to diversity. That is why heading straight from the Gulf of Mexico towards Dallas, TX, via US-98 will make for a better road trip.
Dallas thrives on its rich and deeply rooted culture and history of ranching, farming, and oil production. It is also an excellent place to end up when you want to learn all about cowboy culture. To begin your days of entertainment in the city, begin with the 68-acres of Dallas Arts District, which will introduce you to the topnotch visual and performing arts and buildings designed by architects with the Pritzker Prize to their name.
Point of Interest
De Soto National Forest
Sometimes, you just feel the need to flee from the crowd and the chaos of the city and get a change of sight that is completely different from what you’re used to. That is why it makes perfect sense for your first stop to be nothing other than the gorgeous De Soto National Forest.
Located just outside Brooklyn, MI, De Soto National Forest has a dreamy landscape with its gently rolling lands blanketed with southern pine ridges and hardwood forests. All throughout the national forest, there are beautiful tea-colored streams winding about. Spend the day hiking and exploring the hidden lands of the national forest, enjoying ATV rides, and horseback riding.
When you are tired from all the physical exertion, claim a spot next to any one of the numerous lakes in the forest and enjoy the calm and serenity that comes with fishing. You can also enjoy boat rides in the Black Creek, which is especially popular for its width and a lulling, floating pace.
Eudora Welty House and Garden
What better way to spend your Saturday than exploring the house of the Pulitzer prize-winner and author Eudora Welty in Jackson, MI?
Eudora Welty House isn’t just beautiful but also the place where the talented novelist spent 76 years of her life and penned down her magnum opus, The Optimist’s Daughter. The same work that earned her Pulitzer as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Order of the South. The house isn’t grand but it has the typical style and elegance of a 19th-century house, with a well-kept garden and tasteful fixtures.
This house is also known for being one of the rare literary houses that have remained the most intact when it comes to its authenticity. It still looks the same as it did in 1986 when the novelist gifted it to the state. The house also pays tribute to all its other residents who came and went over the course of its history.
Parish Restaurant & Bar
How about starting your second day of the road trip with a light breakfast and hitting the road so that you can enjoy authentic and mouth-watering Southern Cuisine in Parish Restaurant & Bar in Monroe, Louisiana? This eatery is as much preferred by the locals as it is by the visitors, and that’s what makes it all the more special.
The food isn’t the only amazing thing about this eatery, it is also the ambiance. Chef Corey Bahr – born and raised in Louisiana ‑ wanted his restaurant to be welcoming, lively, and a fun place to enjoy scrumptious food and drinks, so he designed it with colorful textures and local arts. Bahr’s specialty lies in adding flavors to his food that honors the culture and regional taste of the north Louisiana region. Nothing in the menu of Parish Restaurant would disappoint you because Chef Bahr has been bestowed with many accolades for his culinary talents.
R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Finish off your short but unforgettable road trip with a visit to the R.W. Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport, Louisiana. Don’t let the term “gallery” fool you. This gallery is also Shreveport’s largest museum and a garden and has some of the most fascinating collections in its arsenal. In fact, the place has so much to offer that it will take a better part of your day and even then, you’ll be reluctant to head off to your destination.
The museum/gallery is home to rare books, sculptures by American and European sculptors, an enormous collection of arts, art décor, painting, garden plants, and artifacts. Be prepared to be blown away by John Audubon nature prints, ancient tapestries from the 16th century, and artifacts you never thought you’d ever see. The exterior of the architecturally gorgeous structure is just as eye-catching with an enormous landscaped area surrounding that hosts the most alluring azalea garden.
Summary
It’s true that Dallas is loud and big, just like Texas, and even somewhat crowded but all of this makes the city an exciting, stimulating, and exhilarating place to visit. Whether you are with friends or riding solo on this road trip, Dallas will feel like home right away and keep you engaged and entertained for every second of your stay here. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Klyde Warren Park, Reunion Tower, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Dallas Farmers Market are some of the more popular entertainment centers too visit. As you’ll explore this city, you’ll find many other attractions some of which will leave you speechless.
