Hey, there! Last weekend our little family traveled to Atlanta, Georgia from Austin, Texas by road. I'm so grateful for my husband for driving all the way back and forth. (I can't drive. Boo!) It was a crazy loooong drive for 16++ hours; this includes our many stopovers because we're with our 2-year-old boy.
I'm glad we took I-20 instead of I-10. This interstate road is lined with big trees on each side -- certainly a pleasant view to look at while driving. It makes the really long drive a little bit easy.
If you're looking for ideas on how to entertain your toddler while traveling, do check out my post: How We Keep Our Toddler Entertained on a 16++ Hour Road Trip.
Here is our travel itinerary.
Austin, TX to Atlanta, GA
DAY 1
05:30 - 06:00 Start driving from Austin, Texas to Louisiana ( 6 hours drive with stopovers )
12:00 Drive-thru lunch somewhere in Louisiana
12:00 - 7:00pm Louisiana to Birmingham, Alabama ( 7 hours drive with stopovers )
Spend the night in Alabama. (We stayed at Best Western Plus in Leeds, Alabama.)
Messy bed from last night. But, of course, It's not easy putting a toddler to sleep on the first day of travel.
We had our dinner on Day 1 at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. I love this place. I like checking out items on their shop while waiting to be seated. Glad it's near the hotel.
We had our dinner on Day 1 at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. I love this place. I like checking out items on their shop while waiting to be seated. Glad it's near the hotel.
DAY 2
6:30 - 7:00 Breakfast at Edgar’s Bakery at Birmingham, Alabama (Opens at 6:30 am).
We woke up late so we weren't able to have breakfast at the hotel let alone visit the bakery. It would have been nice to stop by.
10:00 Start drive to Atlanta, GA from Alabama
2:00pm (EDT time zone) Eat and Sightsee Atlanta, GA
2:00pm (EDT time zone) Eat and Sightsee Atlanta, GA
We decided to visit the Georgia Aquarium for our little love. World of Coke is right next door.
Day 3, Day 4, Day 5
Daddy's Workshop
We actually went to Georgia for a workshop my husband attended. Me and our little boy, who turned 2 this month, simply tagged along.
And this is how we spend our days at the hotel.
I bought us this bath toy so he could play with it at the pool or in the tub. It's fun for him because it squirts water out.
Also, my son suffers from eczema. Many products flare him up so I'm extra careful with what I apply on his skin. If your little one is the same or has sensitive skin, I'd recommend this sunscreen.
Day 5
3:30 - 4:00 Start driving to Passion City Church at 515 Garson Drive (1-hour drive from the hotel). Church starts at 5:00 pm
Atlanta, GA to Austin, TX
Day 6
7:00 (EDT time zone) Start driving from Peachtree City Georgia to Austin, TX (16++ hours with stopovers)
12:00 Drive-thru lunch somewhere in Mississippi10:30pm (CDT time zone) Actual arrival time in Austin, TX.
Alternative Schedule [This is our first plan.]
Day 6
6:30 Hotel breakfast
7:00 (EDT time zone) Start driving from Peachtree City, Georgia to Jackson, Mississippi (7 hours drive with stopovers)
12:00 (CDT time zone) Drive-thru lunch somewhere in Mississippi
1:00 - 3:00 Visit Mississippi Children’s Museum
3:00 - 8:00 Drive from Mississippi Children’s Museum to Shreveport, Louisiana (4 hours drive)
Spend the night somewhere in Shreveport, Louisiana
Day 7
6:30 - 7:30 Breakfast at Julie Anne’s Bakery & Cafe (Opens at 6:30 am)
7:30 - 1:30pm Drive from Shreveport, Louisiana to Austin, Texas (5 - 6 hours drive)
12:00 Drive-thru lunch somewhere in Texas.
Expected to arrive in the afternoon in Austin, TX.
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Driving all the way from Peachtree City, GA to Austin, TX with a toddler is no easy feat. Kudos to the husband for the effort!
Also, you might like to check out our I-20 stopovers from Austin, TX to Atlanta, GA photo diary here. Have fun!
Also, you might like to check out our I-20 stopovers from Austin, TX to Atlanta, GA photo diary here. Have fun!