Lunch Box Museum

Columbus, Georgia native, Allen Woodall purchased his first lunch boxes from The Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta in 1985; The Green Hornet and Dick Tracy lunch boxes were the first in his collection. The museum showcases lunch boxes featuring beloved characters and themes from the 1950s through the 1980s, including Hopalong Cassidy, Charlie’s Angels, The Wizard of Oz, The Beatles, and a rare E.T. lunchbox . He found the lunch boxes to be one of the greatest forms of pop art, and it was the art that would keep Woodall on the hunt to accumulate more, and more boxes to add to his growing gallery. Today, there are over 5,000 pieces in The World-Famous Lunch Box Museum. Over the years Allen has expanded the museum with a large collection of Chero Cola, Royal Crown Cola and RC Cola memorabilia. And the Georgia Radio and Music Hall of Fame and Museum is filled with tube-style radios by classic manufacturers like Philco, Crosely, Silvertone and more. These iconic, vintage radios were once the centerpiece of every American home.

Genie and Gene checking out the lunch boxes

Checking out the vintage calendars 

Allen telling us the history behind his exhibits. 

He has a wealth of knowledge to share

Chero-Cola was founded by Claud A. Hatcher, a pharmacist in Columbus, Georgia, in 1910. Hatcher began formulating beverages in the back of his family’s grocery store as a way to avoid buying Coca-Cola at high wholesale prices.  His first product was Royal Crown Ginger Ale, but soon he developed Chero-Cola, a cherry-flavored cola beverage. The brand gained popularity and began national distribution.  Coca-Cola filed a law suit to stop the use of "Cola" in the name.  The law suit lasted 17 years and eventually Chero had to remove cola from its’ name. In 1934 Chero morphed into Royal Crown cola. 

Genie, Penny, and Paul

Paul taking Penney's photo with her favorite singer. 

Gene checking out the 

1960 Plymouth Fury

Allen showing us some of his prize treasures in his office

Natchez Trace

 The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic byway stretching from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee.This tranquil, two-lane road is free from commercial traffic, traffic lights, and stop signs, offering travelers a peaceful drive through a corridor rich in history and natural beauty.

Originally a network of trails used by Native American tribes such as the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez, the Trace became a vital route for early American settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries . Farmers from the Ohio River Valley, known as "Kaintucks," would transport their goods—agricultural produce, coal, and livestock—down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to markets in Natchez and New Orleans using flatboats. Since these boats couldn't be navigated upstream, the Kaintucks would sell them for lumber and embark on the arduous journey home on foot or horseback via the Natchez Trace . In January 1812, the steamboat New Orleans arrived in Natchez, Mississippi, marking a new era in river travel.Steamboats quickly became a preferred mode of transportation due to their speed and relative safety compared to overland routes. The Trace became little used and overgrown and started to disappear. In the early 1900s the Dauthters of the American Revolution campaigned to save this historic route.

The Double arch bridge spans Birdsong Hollow and hwy 96. 

You never have to stop on the Trace because all major roads

 either go over or under the Trace.

The spectacular Trace is a very popular biking destination.

The Dogwood trees are in bloom

Visitor center and replica of Grinder's Stand. 

On the evening of October 10, 1809, Lewis arrived at Grinder’s Stand. In the early hours of October 11, Mrs. Grinder, the innkeeper’s wife, reported hearing gunshots. Lewis was found with gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen and died shortly thereafter . The exact cause of Lewis's death remains a subject of debate. Some contemporaries, including Thomas Jefferson, believed it was suicide, citing Lewis's struggles with depression. 

Today, the Meriwether Lewis Death and Burial Site is located at milepost 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The site includes a replica of Grinder’s Stand, Lewis’s grave marked by a broken-column monument symbolizing a life cut short.

Gordon House

I think this guy is a long way from home

The Duck River below the house

Jackson Falls

Local color

There are numerous sections of the Trace that have been preserved.

I am walking in the footsteps of Andrew Jackson. 

In January 1813, General Jackson led Tennessee volunteer cavalry down the Natchez Trace to Natchez, Mississippi, as part of preparations against potential British incursions.

I don't think anyone would want to smoke this now.

There are three campgrounds that are located directly along the Natchez Trace Parkway and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They are free to use but offer limited amenities—no electricity, showers, or dump stations. I had no problem finding sites at all three even though it was Easter weekend.

Rocky Springs Campground at Milepost 54.8 has 22 sites. No cell service.

Jeff Busby Campground at Milepost 193.1 has 18 sites

Meriwether Lewis Campground at Milepost 385.9 has 32 sites.