On day 36 of “The Ultimate USA Road Trip” we drive from to New Orleans via Hattiesburg to Mobile, so we drive through three states, each with their own specificities. This day consists of visits to a number of museums in honor of the USA Armed Forces, the wars and in memory of the fallen soldiers and civilians. You can also choose to drive along the coastline via Biloxi to Mobile. That route is a lot shorter and you can visit the USS Alabama Battleship in Mobile at the end of the day. We save this visit for the start of day 37.

We leave New Orleans via the Danziger Bridge, a vertical lift bridge that spans seven lanes of the US-90 over the Industrial Canal. This bridge was in the news on the morning of September 4, 2005, six days after Hurricane Katrina. Members of the New Orleans Police Department, responding to a call from an officer under fire, shot and killed two and injured four civilians near the bridge. The victims were African American, unarmed, and had committed no crime, sparking public anger.

We enter the Bayou Sauvage National Park where we stop briefly to take a short walk on the Bayou Sauvage NWR Ridge Trail & Boardwalk. It is a 2/3 mile interpretive trail that offers views of the hardwood forests, swamps and wildlife. Please note that you are not allowed to feed animals, especially alligators, this can be very dangerous and is prohibited. Be sure to bring drinking water, insect repellent and sunscreen.

After approximately 10 kilometers of driving, we stop briefly at Fort Macomb, a 19th-century brick fortress on the western bank of Chef Menteur Pass. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Although some attempts were made in the late 20th century to open the fort to tourism, the ruins became too weak for public visits, especially after Hurricane Katrina. But you can still see the fort from the outside.

Along the way you will see many beautiful and typical Louisiana style houses built on stilts, to prevent damage from flooding. Unfortunately, you can still see the damage caused by hurricanes here and there.

Another fortress along the route is Fort Pike, named after Brigadier General Zebulon Pike. It was built after the War of 1812 to guard Louisiana's Rigolets Pass, a strait from the Gulf of Mexico, through Lake Borgne, to Lake Pontchartrain, adjacent to New Orleans. It was located near the community of Petite Coquille. The ruins were a tourist attraction, but because it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Gustav in 2008 and Isaac in 2012, it is closed to the public. But you can still see the fort from the outside.

In the town of Slidell we stop briefly for a walk and a cup of coffee, and then drive via a beautiful winding road to the town of Bush where we stop for lunch at the House of Seafood Buffet. Here they serve a mind-boggling assortment of fresh seafood buffet style in a casual, family atmosphere. There are shrimp, crawfish, half shell oysters, soft shell blue crab, scallops, and plenty of fresh fish. There are also lobster tails, snow crab, frog legs, clams, mussels and squid. Whether it's in season, boiled, roasted, baked or grilled, they've got it. If you're not into seafood, grab a steak or burger at the Red Zone Sports Bar & Grill, about a 15-minute drive from here.

After lunch we drive to Hattiesburg where we visit the African American Military History Museum. The museum is a testament to the service and sacrifice of the African American soldiers, beginning with the American Revolution through the modern-day conflicts of Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. Hundreds of artifacts, photographs, and unique displays fill the restored great hall, including one of the most complete sets of Spanish-American war medals.

About 20 kilometers from Hattiesburg is Camp Shelby where we visit the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum. This museum honors the service and sacrifices of Mississippi veterans from all branches of the military. Two veterans started the museum in 1984 with personal artifacts. The museum has eight galleries: Late 19th Century Conflicts, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Global War on Terrorism, and Medal of Honor with weapons, equipment, clothing, and medals on display. Outdoor exhibits include aircraft, tanks, field artillery, and memorials. Please note that you are on a military base and must adhere to the applicable rules.

We drive on Highway US-90 to Mobile Alabama, where we can enjoy fine dining and nightlife. There are several good hotels to book. The city has many attractions such as museums, historic buildings, but especially a visit to USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park is not to be missed, so it is an option to plan an extra night in Mobile.