This week we’re Road Trippin’ Across the western half of the Southeast. The states of Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and West Virginia all have unique foods, agricultural products and tourist destinations. Most of the states in this group produce broilers and cattle. They also grow cotton and soybeans.
Arkansas produces more rice than any other state. Louisiana is the leading state in shrimp production. Mississippi is the largest producer of farm-raised catfish.
Kentucky is known for raising horses. Soybeans are planted on more acres than any other row crop in Tennessee. Alabama ranks second in the nation in broilers, catfish, and quail. West Virginia’s top agricultural commodity is broilers, but its top crop is hay, which is grown to feed the state’s livestock.
The first stop this week is at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you have any
interest in World War II history, this is the place for you. In addition to planes and tanks, the displays have personal stories and everyday items from soldiers who fought for our country. While you’re in New Orleans, check out the other historical sights and make a stop at Café du Monde for a beignet.
Next we’re heading up to Huntsville, Alabama, to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. Outside you can take a walk past the lunar lander, Redstone rocket, Saturn rocket, and more. Inside you can learn the history of space travel and see astronaut equipment and moon rocks. There are also a fun rock-climbing wall and a couple of gravity-defying rides.
The Museum of Appalachia is located in Norris, Tennessee, just north of Knoxville. You can walk through the museum’s pioneer village to see what life was like in Old Appalachia. Explore barns, cabins, a school, a church and other structures that could be found in an Appalachian community. The display barn exhibits old quilts, tools, and many other items that were used daily in this area.
Our last stop is the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky: a whole museum full of
Corvettes old and new. You will learn about the history of this sportscar from 1953 until present day. You can even sit behind the wheel, but only for a second!
There is much more to do and see on the west side of the Southeast. You can watch our Road Trippin’ Across the USA! – The Southeast (west side)! video on the Dade County 4-H Facebook page or on our Dade County GA 4-H YouTube channel. A new video is posted each Monday at 11 a.m. Eastern.
