##Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bradenton, Florida to La Vernia, Texas
Driving from Bradenton, Florida, to La Vernia, Texas, might not be the first road trip that comes to mind when planning your vacation. However, taking this route is full of surprises that will make your trip memorable. It is a long journey, taking approximately 21 hours to cover the 1,259-mile distance. Along the way, you will go through many cities and towns, each with a unique story to tell. You'll reach your halfway point in D'Iberville, MS.
While making this long drive from Bradenton to La Vernia, here are five unexpected places to stop and breathe in some fresh air, enjoy some outdoor activities and learn about the history and culture of each location.
1. Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola can be your first stop when traveling from Bradenton to La Vernia. You can take a quick tour of the National Naval Aviation Museum to see some of the aircraft models used by the army over the years. Pensacola also has a sandy beach named after the city, where you can soak in the warm sun. Be sure to try out some of the fresh seafood, such as succulent shrimp and delectable crab cakes.
2. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is a historic city worth visiting on your road trip. You can visit the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park and take a guided tour. The kids will love the interactive exhibits, including aircraft and tanks from WWII. Later, drive through the Mobile-Tensaw Delta to enjoy a thrilling swamp tour. Try succulent southern-style smokehouse meat at Meat Boss BBQ.
3. D'Iberville, Mississippi
The halfway point of the journey from Bradenton to La Vernia is D'Iberville in Mississippi. This small town hosts The Promenade, where you can engage in some shopping therapy in the retail stores. If you're feeling adventurous, visit the Zip'N Fun Adventure Park to participate in some challenging zip-lining activities. The typical Southern fare in D'Iberville is smoked baby back ribs and pulled pork at The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city that should not be missed, particularly for food enthusiasts. You can absorb the city's unique Cajun culture by visiting the French Quarter and experiencing the live music and street performances. Be sure to indulge in some freshly made beignets at Café du Monde, sample crawfish étouffée or jambalaya at the famous French Quarter bistro, Mr. B's Bistro or dine in style on the iconic Creole cuisine at Commander's Palace.
5. San Antonio, Texas
Your last stop on this journey is the vibrant city of San Antonio. The main attraction is the Alamo, an 18th-century mission which played an instrumental role in the Texas Revolution. Also, visit the San Antonio River Walk, which meanders along the San Antonio River, where you'll find many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Enjoy some delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, including Fajitas, Enchiladas, and Churros at Mi Tierra, an authentic Mexican restaurant.
Taking this road trip from Bradenton, Florida to La Vernia, Texas, is a fantastic way to experience the unique culture of the Southern United States. It is a long journey, but a journey full of wonderful surprises. Once you have embarked on this journey, you will enjoy different scenic landscapes, historic sites, and rich culinary experiences. Start your engines and enjoy the road trip!