My schedule is a little tight in July and the first half of August (mother coming for a stay in July & hosting a BIG baby shower the first weekend in Aug) but, with much thanks to Vivi for what look like some great drives, I think I could get something together for July 24th if anyone is interested.

I had two ideas: Vivi's routes in the Leipers Fork area (she provided several options complete with mapquest - very thorough!) OR a drive down the Trace to Fly for an early supper at the cajun place, Papa Boudreaux's (link below).

Anyone interested? Which sounds more appealing? Perhaps a combo of the two. . .majority rules so speak up.

http://www.papaboudreaux.com/

 

the one with the tightest curves and the least cops

Did Vivi post the LF info?

 

She didn't post it but I will be glad to forward her message to you so you can see what the proposed routes are.

 

Would there be any way to have both? Or maybe a bit of good driving & supper?

I like a good drive also but would like to go to Papa Boudreaux's for supper. I've heard good reviews about the place.

 

I think I could work out a route to Papa Bourdeaux's that would involve some nice twisties with a leisurely ride back to Franklin on the Trace. . .

 

I'll be watching for details...

 

UPDATE: I will be charting a route for the July drive on the 5th (love those 3 day weekends!) and will post more details then. If anyone has any other suggestions please feel free to post them.

 

Good to hear Dawn!

Just a suggestion to make things run smoother. You might want to do a dry run of the route you are planning to drive. Just want to make sure of driving times and that there aren't any "surprises" along the way. Nothing worse than leading a bunch of cars down a road to find out its a dead end. Trust me, I know.

And don't always trust mapping sites/software and/or GPS. They have a tendency to lie occasionally.

 

I plan on spending the better part of my morning on the 5th driving the Leipers Fork/Natchez Trace areas, armed with Vivi's info, the GPS and a notepad. I figure most folks will be at work or at home hungover from the 4th so traffic should be light.

 

 

Okay gang, need to know which date would be best for our drive - July 17th or July 24th. Please let me know and I will plan accordingly.

 

We're good either weekend...but have evening commitments. I'll be watching for more info.... Thanks Dawnmac

 

I'm doubling checking on their hours but the website says they don't open until 4PM so I was thinking we could meet at 2:30ish, hour or so of driving, fill our bellies with some YUMS and cruise back on the Trace. I've emailed them to find out if they have different hours for weekends. Maybe we can push it up to a late lunch instead of an early dinner.

 

Keep us posted and thanks again for yourr time and effort.

 

Glad to do it!

 

The earlier, the better for me. Late lunch sounds good.

 

I forgot. I cannot do the 24th, but should be fine for the 17th.

 

Deb & I are good for the 24th, but can do the 17th in a pinch.

I think Papa Boudreaux's is only open for supper according to their website.

 

Confirmed - Papa Bourdeaux's does not open until 4:00 so we're looking at an early supper.

 

A

 

A course has been plotted!

Had no trouble finding the roads with much thanks to Vivi for the GREAT info. Finding Papa Boudreaux's itself was a bit trickier. I drove right past it the first time even though my GPS said I had arrived. But I did find it!!

I timed the drive back and it took approx. 1 hr. 15 mins. I did get caught behind come slooooooow traffic on the way back so it could be a little faster than that but I think we've got at least an hour drive.

It's an even mix of cruise-style driving with some twisties in the middle before hitting Natchez Trace Parkway for the home stretch to Papa's. No detours or major road issues. There is one road that is a little rough and quite narrow in some spots but it was the most fun to drive so we can't leave it out.

We will move the date up to July 17th since everyone seemed okay with that date. Let's plan to meet in the Big Lots parking lot right off Hwy 96 in Franklin at 2:30-2:45.

Who's still in?

 

Dawn...put us down for two...not sure if we're going to bring both MINI's or if one of us will ride...probably both drive. Not sure where Big Lots is. Any idea where it is in relation to Alexander Ford? Thanks again for your efforts.

 

Count Deb and I in; two people, one MINI. We'll need a better location for Big Lots. Is it east or west of I-65 and north or south of Hwy 96?

Thanks for going the extra "mile" for this get together.

 

I am in, and Kimberly is checking on whether she will be there as well. In either case, Ruby will be the only one rollin'

 

Right on!! Gald to hear you guys can make it.

Big Lots is right off Hwy 96. If you get off I65 at Exit 65 and go towards Franklin, Big Lots is right past the McDonald's on the right. Or we could just meet at the McDonald's which is on the corner of Hwy 96 and Royal Oaks Blvd. Both very easy to find.