Natchez-Trace in April

My wife and I will probably focus our visit in April on the Natchez-Trace Parkway...from Tupelo to Natchez.

I understand there%26#39;s lots to do, but I%26#39;d love to hear experienced recommendations for sites, hikes and nearby towns...as well as good lodging or restaurants that we shouldn%26#39;t miss.

Also, does it make sense to stay in one central town (Jackson, maybe?) and take day trips out along the parkway and to Vicksburg?

Natchez-Trace in April

You%26#39;ll love the Trace in April. The weather should be nice, but not too hot. Many of the flowers will still be blooming and all the trees should have their leaves back.

I can recommend places to visit between Natchez and Jackson:

Emerald Mound - Indian temple mounds

Mount Locust - 200 year old Inn/Way Station

The Sunken Trace - portions of the Old Trace

Rocky Springs - an old town that completely vanished after that Trace fell into disuse.

I have a few pictures posted with my review of the Trace.

You will have to leave the Trace to find hotels or restaurants. There are several nice places to picnic, though. We like to pack a nice picnic lunch and stop along the Trace to eat.

It%26#39;s an easy drive from Jackson to Natchez, and a short drive from Jackson to Vicksburg, so it makes sense to use Jackson as a central point. Natchez is such a beautiful town, though, that you might want to spend at least one night there. Check out the great B%26amp;Bs there. (http://www.natchezms.com/bedandbreakfast.htm)