Any Suggestions?
Jul 16th, 2008 by kenopoly
Hi everyone!
It’s been a while since I posted and I am sorry for that. My progress in researching and in writing has been stymied by my move. All my research is still packed up and I am still trying to figure out how to condense what used to be a huge office into a little corner of my bedroom! I’m sure I will figure something out.
Today I just wanted to take the time to ask you all for some suggestions. I realized today that I am only 1 month away from my big trip! I rarely travel. As a matter of fact, my wife and I have been married almost 20 years and have yet to take a honeymoon! Last year’s trip to San Diego for my son’s Marine Boot Camp Graduation was our first trip in almost 15 years, the only other trip being to family reunions. Anyways, let me ask my question.
I am traveling to Cherry Point, North Carolina and I am taking Interstate 40. I would like to occassionally stop to see some interesting things and to take a break from the long drive. My initial plans are to drive from Paris, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee on the first day (Saturday) and then stay over at Nashville before continuing on to Cherry Point on Sunday. I haven’t decided what route to take home yet.
I know there will be little going on on Sunday so I am looking for suggestions on places I could visit on Saturday. I have had ideas such as Graceland and the Grand Ole Opry and such but, as I am on a very tight budget, these are out of the question. I can’t afford to spend over $100 for a tour of Graceland and a night at the Opry! Oh, did I mention it is my wife, my two daughters and myself?
Does anyone have any suggestions that wouldn’t be so expensive? I don’t mind paying a little but, as I said, I am on a tight budget. I hadn’t planned on moving and this short notice move has left us a little depleted. I am reaching out to all my genea-blogging friends and relying on your wisdom to help out a soul in need! 
I have looked at the idea of stopping at some places along the way to see cemeteries and such but I simply thought this wasn’t the time. It’s our first “family” vacation ever and I don’t want to do this to my daughters! So, feel free to fire away with those suggestions.
By the way, when I said I hadn’t decided which way to travel back it is because I am debating taking a different route that would take us through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and such instead of the way we are going originally. I am still debating that one though!
Have a great day everyone!
I haven’t looked at the map but won’t you be going through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains? The scenery alone would beat out Graceland or the Opry in my opinion. How about Lookout Mountain or a Civil War battle site (Shilo?)? I prefer historic places over the commercial stuff any day and they aren’t near as pricey. Haven’t been able to it myself.
When I am planning a trip I request a tour guide from each state and/or metro area that I will be traveling through/near. Most have websites where you can request brochures. My husband and I take advantage of national, state and local parks to save money. Request the ones for the southern route home too, and it may help you decide whether or not you want to go that way. If you and your family have never seen the Mississippi I would suggest planning on a picnic in a park and maybe a boat ride. I don’t remember there being much in central TN. The Hermitage near Nashville is on my list but I haven’t gotten there yet. Admission is reasonable. Hope you have a great trip!
Laura,
Thanks for the comment. I was awed by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. I didn’t think it would be as awesome as it was but it was so much more than I expected!