Wichita to Jacksonville Road Trip Guide

Just 175 miles from Wichita is an interesting attraction that RV campers will not want to miss: the Cave House of Tulsa. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this unique house has a very distinctive appearance. Its exterior prominently features stucco construction that is curved, giving it a very unusual look. Within the home, the rooms are laid out in a maze-like pattern, and the walls and ceilings display manmade nodules that closely resemble stalactites commonly seen in caves.

The Cave House in Tulsa was first constructed in the 1920s. Its original purpose was as a diner that specialized in chicken dishes. The restaurant's strange appearance attracted far more people than simply those with an appetite for a good meal.

Locals to Tulsa share the story that the restaurant contained tunnels that transferred restaurant patrons to a mysterious room that became a speakeasy during the evening hours.

Over time, the restaurant closed its doors, and the Cave House became an actual residence. However, rumors circulate through the town of some of the characters that once dwelled within the home. One of the most popular stories includes a tale of a lady who collected pieces of fabric to dry along the window ledges. Many assert that her ghost is alive and well in the house today.

At present, the Cave House is dedicated to another former resident who had a great passion for collecting left behind keys. A small corner of the house is home to a key tree on which are displayed a large sampling of lost keys.

After a day exploring the Cave House of Tulsa, a good night's rest might just be in order. Plan to enjoy an overnight stay at Tulsa NE/Will Rogers Downs KOA Journey or Stoney Ridge Campground.

The next day's drive is a long one at 403 miles. But the time on the road will fly right by with the excitement of visiting Memphis' historic Peabody Hotel in the day ahead.

For nearly a century, a unique phenomenon has been occurring at the Peabody Hotel, drawing visitors from all across the country. Every day, the ducks that make the outdoor penthouse their home make the trek down the hotel's red carpet to enjoy a dip in the crystal clear fountain in the lobby.

This daily event began when in the early 20th century the hotel's manager came back to the hotel following a hunting expedition that yielded no results. He brought with him a small number of ducks to place in the fountain as a prank. To his surprise, the hotel guests were charmed by the ducks, and the hotel owners made the decision to allow them to take up residence on the hotel's outdoor penthouse.

This daily tradition takes place at approximately 11 AM each day. When not engaged in their daily event, the ducks live very comfortably in a private enclosure housed on the outdoor portion of the penthouse, a home that cost $200,000 to construct.

After the long road trip and enjoying the ducks at play, it's a great idea to catch up on some zzz's in Memphis. Among the best places for RV stays include T.O. Fuller State Park Campground and Memphis East Campground.

The beautiful Tombigbee Lake State Park is only 120 miles from Memphis' Peabody Hotel. Nestled within the city of Tupelo, Mississippi, this popular recreational area and campground is one of the best places in the state to enjoy the great outdoors.

Tombigbee Lake State Park is a great central location for families wanting to do some RV camping while exploring the area. Tupelo is a haven for those looking to enjoy the attractions of city life including shopping, fine dining, and live music. One of the most popular events in the city is the Tupelo Furniture Market which is held twice per year. The city also houses the home in which Elvis Presley was born, a space that is now a public museum.

The park itself has many amenities for families to enjoy. Among the most popular activities here are swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. With a vast expanse of coastline to explore, families can also enjoy perusing the shore in search of seaside souvenirs to take home with them.

The campground can easily accommodate RVs and includes sites with full power and water hookups. Primitive style campsites are also available for those that prefer to do some tenting.

A very unique destination awaits RV campers just 133 miles away at The Museum of Fond Memories--Reed Books. Owned by Mr. Jim Reed, this shop was founded when his collection of literature and other items began to overwhelm the family home. Founded in 1980, this book shop has become a popular stopping point for families visiting Birmingham, Alabama.

Many of the books found in the shop are quite aged including some that are over 500 years old. In addition to the collection of rare and unusual books are also many contemporary tomes.

The museum allows its guests to handle its ancient items and some are also available for purchase. Reed Books owns some of the rarest books in history; many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Also found in the bookstore and museum are a vast array of novelty items such as stickers, toys, albums, and posters. Meandering through the museum's aisles is like taking a stroll down memory lane. The items contained here are extremely eclectic and inspire nostalgia in even the most stoic traveler.

Reed Books is easy to find the heart of the downtown core of Birmingham.

After a day exploring this historic city and one of its best-known attractions, why not enjoy an RV stay at Oak Mountain State Park Campground or Brookside City Campground?

One hundred-fifty three miles is all that separates RV campers from their next destination: the CDC Museum. Inspired by the 1995 movie Outbreak, a wave of fascination swept the nation with regard to the efforts made by the Center for Disease Control to protect the American public.

The CDC Museum was founded in 1996 which coincided with the agency's 50th anniversary. Found within the museum's facilities are several exhibits and interactive demonstrations that provide insights into the roles of science and technology in the management of illness and disease.

One of the most popular displays features each step involved in a proactive emergency preparedness program. Also found within the exhibits is a detailed report of the United States' approach to ensuring malaria could not be harbored and spread amongst the US population.

Another important topic addressed is the effect of obesity on US citizens, the latest serious health problem to plague the country. The museum is a treasure trove of interesting information including the importance of food labeling, HIV testing, and environmental chemicals and their ill effects on the human body.

Tuckered out after an interesting day taking in all of the facts at the CDC Museum? Why not catch up on your zzz's with an overnight stay at Stone Mountain Park Campground or Atlanta West Campgrounds?

With so much to see and do in Atlanta, it's worth spending an extra day in the city to enjoy a trip to Trader Vic's. The original bar has long been gone; however, this tribute establishment pays homage to what was once among the first tiki bars in Atlanta and features such authentic items as a bamboo interior, tribal masks, and the preferred beverage at the original Trader Vic's rum.

Trader Vic's was founded by Victor Bergeron. When Mr. Bergeron made note of the city's fascination with the tropics, he capitalized on it by founding a bar in front of a grocery store owned by his parents. It first opened its doors to the public in 1934. It was not long before this first tiki bar was highly successful, opening the door for franchising all across the western coast of the United States.

Trader Vic's was known for its unusual cuisine. Most of it was simply the American version of typical Chinese dishes which were made to appear more exotic through the addition of pineapple. One of the most interesting features of the bar was its eclectic mix of cultural elements including tribal masks from Africa, fishing items from Japan, ukelele music from Hawaii, and Caribbean alcoholic beverages that were given names reminiscent of Tahiti.

People flocked to Trader Vic's for the opportunity to experience an escape from the pains of daily life. The current Trader Vic's is located in the heart of Atlanta in its Hilton Hotel.

Tuckered out from a day reveling in Tiki culture at Trader Vic's? Spend another night RV camping in Atlanta before heading out for the next day's adventure in Macon.

True fans of music history won't want to miss the opportunity to spend some time exploring The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House. Only 68.7 miles from Atlanta, this popular attraction is found in Macon, Georgia.

The Allman Brothers Band was founded in 1969. Its first member was the guitarist Duane Allman, a man of extraordinary talent. Shortly after the band was formed, they were offered a recording contract with Capricorn Records. This deal is what caused the band to make the move to Macon.

The Allman Brothers were renowned for their own unique sound, an eclectic mix of several styles including blues, rock, jazz, and country. They are credited with having created a new genre that is uniquely their own.

In the 1970s, band member Berry Oakley and his family leased a home built in the Tudor fashion. The house was situated on Macon's Vineville Avenue. In short order, the band's other members took up residence there, and the house was renamed "The Big House." It was here that a great deal of musical collaboration occurred throughout the years.

The Big House has since been converted into a museum paying homage to the Allman Brothers Band. Found on the grounds are an impressive collection of guitars, musical instruments, articles of clothing, photos, posters, and much more for families to enjoy viewing.

Had a ball in Macon but could use a nap? Enjoy an RV stay at Lake Tobesofkee Recreation Area or Forsyth KOA Journey.

Located just 153 miles from Macon in Valdosta, Georgia is the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area. This beautiful natural space consists of 2,623 acres of land that belongs to the state and an additional 5,874 acres of property owned by the U.S. Air Force. Of all of this ground, 3,059 acres is a natural habitat for the animals that make this area their home.

For RV campers coming to the wildlife center to visit, the grounds can be accessed from two different points. There is a check station and education center found on Knight's Academy Road that offers ample parking, making this a good entrance for those needing a place to park their rig. The other access point is obtained through the federal entrance located by US Highway 221.

Hunting of deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl is permitted here in season and with a permit. Other popular activities at this facility include hiking, picnicking, canoeing, geocaching, fishing, and the viewing of wildlife.

While in the region visiting the wildlife area, why not enjoy some of the other area attractions? Both Reed Bingham State Park and Stephen C. Foster State Park are well worth spending a day exploring when in Valdosta.

Has the fresh air left you feeling tuckered out? Do some RV camping at Lake Park Campground or Jennings KOA Holiday.