Farther

To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.

— William Faulkner

As far as we are concerned, Mississippi is the center of the universe. However, Mississippi has neighbors to the north, the south, the east, and the west. We are visiting all of them.

Arkansas

Natural State. Huh?

We want to go Arkansas because it is across the Mississippi on both (all) off the bridges between Mississippi and Arkansas. Very picturesque. Also, Biscuit Time and Frogmore. Be patient, you will understand. We will not be going to Chrystal Bridges. It is five hours away.

Alabama

Yellowhammer State. Or Cotton State, which we will ignore. And no, it is not a tool. You will find out.
The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is in Alabama. So is Gainesworth, said to be the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in the county. And a WWII German interment camp, but we will not be going there. I think.

Louisiana

The Pelican State. Do you know how many states are home to pelicans? All of them. I cry fowl. And a whole bunch of convicts live in Louisiana. Really bad ones.

Tennessee

Volunteer State. Hey, we all know what that really means (if you do not, look it up), but it is kinda nice to think about Tennessee Candy Stripers.

Elvis. A coupla miles of the Old Trace. And Alex and Gil live there. So do the Minefees.

Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine

Louisiana in September was like an obscene phone call from nature

How many bands wouldn't like to have a "Freeboard" or "Sweet Alabama" to play every night?

If any place can engender a sense of being permanently dissed, it’s Arkansas.