Looking for a quick getaway weekend no more than 2 hours from Memphis...ideas? (discount, money)

[bjh]

How far away is Branson, Mo? That place is definitely geared to tourists, so lots of good stuff to do/see. YOu might even get tickets to a concert that the two of you would enjoy. I also thought of Tupelo as a PP said. Also geared to tourists.

[ColliervilleMom]

Branson, MO is almost 5 hours, and St. Louis is over 4, so those are out. Tupelo is out, because we're saving that for a trip with kids. I'm investigating all of your other great ideas! Thanks everyone.

[UofMGrad92]

I've stayed at this hotel in Florence, AL (the shoals area):

Florence Alabama Hotel and Resort - Hotels in Shoals, Alabama

It's a nice hotel and has nice views out over the Wilson Lake/Dam area, and I can't imagine it is more than a hour and a half or so from Collierville straight out Hwy 72. I'm sure there are some restaurants in the area that have local flavor (but I don't know any to recommend), and the Tri-Cities area (Muscle Shoals, Florence, Tuscumbia) has most of the national chain places. You are a short drive from the hotel to Ivy Green (where Helen Keller grew up) Museum. I'm sure there is hiking and such in the area as well in some of the parks near the river/lake.

Shopping? I know they have a Lowes.....

[Southlander]

It's two hours from Memphis.

[kingchef]

Originally Posted by UofMGrad92

I've stayed at this hotel in Florence, AL (the shoals area):

Florence Alabama Hotel and Resort - Hotels in Shoals, Alabama

It's a nice hotel and has nice views out over the Wilson Lake/Dam area, and I can't imagine it is more than a hour and a half or so from Collierville straight out Hwy 72. I'm sure there are some restaurants in the area that have local flavor (but I don't know any to recommend), and the Tri-Cities area (Muscle Shoals, Florence, Tuscumbia) has most of the national chain places. You are a short drive from the hotel to Ivy Green (where Helen Keller grew up) Museum. I'm sure there is hiking and such in the area as well in some of the parks near the river/lake.

Shopping? I know they have a Lowes.....

the best "fine" dining in the shoals area is the restaurant that sits on the bluff right above the dam. i cannot remember the name, off hand, however, it is in florence, and it is easily seen on the bluff going south toward muscle shoals. they have great stakes, chicken, and fish. i have friends who live in muscle shoals, tuscumbia, and florence. all celebrate special occasions at this establishment. as for shopping, decatur, about 45 minutes away, and even larger huntsville would be easy drives.

[ColliervilleMom]

Wow, what a cool place that Marriott looks like, It looks like you're in the Caribbean! For some reason, it's totally booked next weekend! We will keep that in mind for another time.

[UofMGrad92]

It really is a nice place, and has a pretty elaborately themed pool. The one time I stayed there it was during a late May cold snap. The pool was open but it was cold...real cold. My daughter wanted to swim, so being a good dad we went swimming and I thought I might die. We eventually went into the indoor pool (right beside the outdoor pool), and in comparison it felt like I was swimming in lava.

I plan to go back someday when the weather is more pleasant so I can enjoy the pool and patio area around it. I also plan to go back without the kids so my bride and I can more fully enjoy the trip!

[Capt. Dan]

The Jack Daniels Distillery??????????

[bonniesaturn02]

For an entire weekend without kids...Hot Springs...it is a great pace for tired parents (speaking from experience)...I do recommend Clarksdale however only for an overnight trip unless you stay there a night in Clarksdale and then in Tunica for a night...there really is not enough to do in Clarksdale to warrant an entire weekend.

[Ginsaw]

Regarding Hot Springs, I mentioned it earlier too and have been there many times. We go by way of Pine Bluff (for an event I attend the first Sat. every April), then on to Hot Springs. The quicker way is thru Little Rock on the interstate. In HS you'll find beautiful mountain scenery. Good restaurants. Several impressive lakes. The town itself is old and quaint and full of interesting history. Many folks from the big urban areas including Memphis are settling there and building homes (one couple I know just bought a lot on Lake Hamilton and will be building).

However, it may be a little far for the original poster and to do it right you'll need to stay I think a couple of nights. In my case I prefer a visit when the ponies are running at Oaklawn. That's ended for now. It ends the first weekend in April usually with a big final stakes race (I forget the name of it).

Anyway, for those interested I'd stay at the Arlington Hotel at least once if you've never done it. It backs up literally to a national park so you can take off hiking in the mountains a few steps from the pool. You'll want to see the spot across from the hotel where the hot springs well up from (and they REALLY are hot). You'll want to see Bath House Row also (that was a big deal in older times). And you'll also want to drive up into the park and go up to the top of the observation tower from which you can see the entire county.

If the racing season is on, don't miss the party in the lobby of the Arlington the night before the Sunday finale. It's live entertainment and a really fun event. And plan on eating at the track. Best rueben sandwiches you'll ever experience. They do 'um good there.

I guess that's enough on HS...I won't weary you with how NOT to bet on the horses...

I agree that Clarksdale probably needs to be combined with other sightseeing...perhaps Greenville for those who have time to go that far...or Helena if the King Biscuit Blues Festival is going on.