Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Bay City, Michigan and Atlanta, Georgia
Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Bay City, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia? This journey offers a great opportunity to explore some of the sunny southern states and admire their natural beauty, delicious food, and rich culture. On this 1000-mile trek, you'll drive through several states, including Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama, and stop at some of the best attractions along the way. One of the must-see places is halfway point Georgetown, KY, with its charming historic downtown, horse farms, and bourbon distilleries.
Top Five Things to Do:
Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a place where music enthusiasts can learn about the history and legacy of rock and roll. This museum has a vast collection of artifacts, including guitars, costumes, handwritten lyrics, and awards, related to some of the world's most famous musicians. The interactive displays and exhibits will take you on a musical journey from the roots of rock and roll to its contemporary form.
Fun Fact: Johnny Cash's handwritten lyrics to "I Walk the Line" are on display in the museum's Bob Dylan Gallery.
Explore the Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is a paradise for all equine lovers. This park showcases the beauty and history of horses, as well as their cultural and economic significance in Kentucky and beyond. You can enjoy horse shows, museums, tours, and demonstrations, and even take a horseback ride on the park's scenic trails. The Kentucky Horse Park is also home to several champion horses, including Secretariat and Man o' War.
Fun Fact: The park's International Museum of the Horse has the largest collection of horse-related art and artifacts in the world.
Walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr.
In Montgomery, Alabama, you can visit several historical sites related to Martin Luther King Jr., one of America's most influential civil rights activists. These sites include the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where King preached and organized meetings, and the Rosa Parks Museum, which honors the brave woman whose actions sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. You can also visit the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which reflect on the legacy of slavery, lynching, and racial inequality in America.
Fun Fact: The Dexter Avenue Baptist Church was built in 1889 and is the only extant church where King served as a pastor.
Indulge in Southern Cuisine
No road trip through the South is complete without trying some of its mouth-watering cuisine. One of the best places to eat is the Loveless Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, which is famous for its homemade biscuits, fried chicken, and sweet tea. Another must-try dish is the barbecue at Dreamland Bar-B-Que in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which has been serving delicious smoked meat since 1958. You can also enjoy a sweet treat at the iconic Varsity drive-in restaurant in Atlanta, which has been serving hot dogs, burgers, and fries since 1928.
Fun Fact: The Loveless Cafe started as a motel and restaurant run by Lon and Annie Loveless in the 1950s and has become a beloved attraction with its retro decor and Southern charm.
Hike at Stone Mountain Park
Stone Mountain Park in Georgia is a natural wonder that offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking views. You can hike or bike on the park's many trails, take a scenic skyride to the top of the mountain, or watch the famous laser show that illuminates the mountain's carving of Confederate leaders. You can also enjoy a round of golf, go fishing, or have a picnic by the lake. The park is a great place to spend a day or a weekend and is perfect for families and nature lovers.
Fun Fact: The Stone Mountain Carving, which features three Confederate leaders, is the largest high relief sculpture in the world.
Conclusion
This road trip from Bay City, Michigan to Atlanta, Georgia is not only a long but also an unforgettable journey. Along the way, you'll experience the vibrant music scene of Cleveland, the majestic horses of Lexington, the inspiring history of Montgomery, the delectable cuisine of Nashville and Tuscaloosa, and the natural beauty of Stone Mountain. The trip takes about 17 hours if you drive straight through, but it's recommended that you take your time and explore each place at your own pace. Regardless of your interests, this road trip has something for everyone, and it's a great way to discover the cultural and natural treasures of the Southern United States.