So the wife and I are trying to escape for the weekend coming up. We've thought about Biloxi or the Gulf Shores/Mobile area but neither of us are really that into the beach and room rates seem to be through the roof. We've also given some consideration to Houston. Room rates are more reasonable, we could get some TexMex and maybe even hit the boardwalk at Kemah. Problem is, that drive sucks sweaty monkey balls. Anybody have any ideas? We'd like to keep it to a drive of about 350 miles or so, one way. We plan to leave Friday morning and come back Sunday afternoon/evening. Thanks.
If you don't care about the beach go to Biloxi and stay at a casino hotel. If you gamble enough you can probably get your room and meals comped. And you just might come out ahead.
The state parks in Arkansas are great if you like rocks and trails and waterfalls and such. Petit Jean, Mt. Nebo, and Devils Den are my favorites. They rent cabins if you aren't into camping. It's a days drive from South Louisiana, better for a long weekend. Canoeing on the Buffalo or White rivers in Arkansas is fun, too.
@Bengal B That was one of my thoughts but if the casino's hotel isn't sold out, the rates are stupidly expensive. I don't mind tossing a little money on a blackjack table but I don't play nearly enough or nearly big enough to get a comped room.
While we're not much on camping, I've never been to Little Rock and it's within the driving distance. That might be an option. I could go see Slick Willie's library!
Little Rock doesn't offer much on the way of things to do. And Arkansas cuisine is mostly catfish and chicken fried steak. Try Hot Springs instead. It's in the mountains with more scenic drives, lake excursions, a National Park, lots of shops including a really good rock shop (Wrights), and a couple of really good BBQ places (McClards and Stubbys). Some classic old hotels in the historic district. Clinton grew up there.
Even if there was much to do in Little Rock (there's not) there is no good way to get there by interstate. If you want to stay on Interstate highways you will either have to take I-49 to Texarkana and then I-30 to Little Rock or take I-55 to Memphis and then I-40 to Little Rock. Either way is pretty roundabout from a direct route.
Galveston Island is a nice trip, you can exit Winnie, take the coast road, then take the ferry across to the Island. Its more of a relaxing trip, but there are things on the Island (Bishops house, etc). Galveston Island to Kemah is less than an hr. We stay at the Hilton across from the beach, next to a Landrys Seafood and Rain Forest Cafe, they also had a band playing there and a small midway. The pool at the Hilton is nice, and the drinks were great. We stayed a long weekend and never moved the car. BTR to the Island is about 275 mi, taking the ferry. If you go the long way, its still less than 300 mi. If you ever want to take a trip to Orange Beach, let me know, my friends own a condo in one of the Phoenix Resorts, 2BR 2Ba, 14th floor over looking the Gulf. With inside and outside pools.
