South‑Central U.S. Adventure: Spokane → Shreveport → Fort Polk → Columbus, GA → Atlanta → Spokane

Day 1 – Arrival in Shreveport (Aug 30)

Morning: Your flight lands at Shreveport Regional Airport mid‑morning, and a short taxi ride takes you to the downtown hotel for check‑in and a quick refresh. Afternoon: Stroll along the Shreveport Riverfront, enjoying the riverwalk, riverfront parks, and the historic **R.W. Burrus** sculpture. Evening: Dine at the lively Louisiana Boardwalk area, sampling Cajun‑Creole dishes while watching the sunset over the Red River. Find Hotels

Day 2 – Exploring Shreveport (Aug 31)

Morning: Visit the Shreveport Museum of Art for a concise tour of regional works and a coffee at the museum café. Afternoon: Head to the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum to learn about local history, then wander the nearby **Garden District** for boutique shopping. Evening: Experience a live blues performance at the iconic Jefferson Bistro followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar. Find Hotels

Day 3 – Drive from Fort Polk to Columbus, GA (Sep 1)

Morning: Depart Fort Polk early, crossing the Louisiana‑Mississippi border; stop at the scenic **Kisatchie National Forest** trailhead for a brief hike. Afternoon: Continue the 7‑hour drive through Alabama, pausing near Montgomery for lunch and a quick look at the **Civil Rights Memorial**. Evening: Arrive in Columbus, GA, check into the downtown inn, and enjoy a relaxed dinner at the historic Columbus Brewing Company. Find Hotels

Day 4 – Discovering Columbus, GA (Sep 2)

Morning: Explore the National Infantry Museum, taking the interactive exhibits and the impressive outdoor sculpture garden. Afternoon: Rent a bike and ride the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, stopping at the **RiverCenter for the Performing Arts** plaza for a snack. Evening: Savor Southern comfort food at 45 South and catch a sunset view from the **Columbus Riverwalk Plaza**. Find Hotels

Day 5 – Return Flight from Atlanta (Sep 3)

Morning: Drive the short 1.5‑hour stretch to Atlanta, dropping off the rental and storing luggage at the airport. Afternoon: If time permits, explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site near the airport before heading to your gate. Evening: Board your flight back to Spokane, reflecting on a whirlwind tour of the Deep South. Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

• Shreveport Riverfront – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• Louisiana Boardwalk – 2 hrs – $30 (dinner)
• Shreveport Museum of Art – 1.5 hrs – $12 (admission)
• Louisiana State Exhibit Museum – 1.5 hrs – $10 (admission)
• Jefferson Bistro (blues show) – 2 hrs – $40 (cover + drinks)
• Kisatchie National Forest hike – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• Civil Rights Memorial (Montgomery) – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• National Infantry Museum – 3 hrs – $15 (admission)
• Chattahoochee Riverwalk – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• 45 South restaurant – 1.5 hrs – $35 (meal)
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• Flight & transportation (average) – – – $650

Total Estimated Cost: $847

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a full day in Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, or extend your stay in Columbus to explore the nearby Oxbow Meadows nature preserve. To shorten the trip, skip the Montgomery stop and fly directly from Shreveport to Atlanta, reducing travel time and saving roughly $80 on fuel and meals.