October 14, 2025
There’s no better season than fall to pack a bag, queue up a playlist, and set out on the backroads. The leaves shift into warm hues, local festivals fill small towns with energy, and the crisp air makes every mile feel like a breath of fresh possibility. Along the Blues Backroads, the journey itself is as rewarding as the destinations.
Here are five scenic drives to take this fall, each one offering its own flavor of small-town charm, history, and natural beauty.
Start your morning in Munford with a hearty breakfast at a local café before winding your way north through Covington. This route combines the best of small-town living with a strong dose of history. Stop at Crafted Coffee in downtown Covington for a warm-up, then head to the Alex Haley Museum in Henning to connect with a piece of literary heritage. Along the way, rolling farmland and quiet roads invite you to slow down and savor the view.
Crossing into Fayette County, the pace drops and the scenery expands. Oakland and Somerville anchor this route, both offering historic town squares that feel like postcards from another era. Wander through the Somerville Square, with its classic courthouse and mom-and-pop shops, or take a detour into local countryside roads for a dose of Tennessee farmland in its autumn glory. This is a drive best taken without a clock—let the day unfold naturally.
South of Memphis, DeSoto County offers a blend of music, art, and community. Hernando is a highlight, with its lively town square hosting events like the Hometown Headliners concert series. Pair that with a visit to the DeSoto Arts Council or a marker honoring musicians who shaped the region’s sound, and you’ve got a route that ties the cultural heartbeat of Mississippi to its charming small towns.
Head west into the flat, fertile lands of Crittenden County for a true Delta drive. The Marion Courthouse Square is a great place to stop and stretch your legs, while seasonal events and Master Gardener classes offer reasons to linger. The open skies here stretch endlessly, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. Bring your camera—this is where the landscape does the talking.
Begin just outside Memphis and let the road take you north along the Mississippi River. This route carries you past farm fields, river bluffs, and into Lauderdale County, home to fairs, festivals, and timeless scenery. Stops like the Lauderdale County Fairgrounds offer both community flavor and sweeping rural views. It’s a drive that feels expansive, yet deeply rooted in the rhythms of the land.
Why it’s worth the drive: These scenic routes remind us that the backroads aren’t just about getting somewhere—they’re about rediscovering the joy of the journey itself. Every curve in the road holds the promise of a new story, and every small-town stop adds richness to the ride.
Share Backroad Memories
