Fielder’s Choice

Pam and I took the rural route to Little Rock, Ark., a couple of weekends ago.

We decided not to deal with the I-40 bridge situation in Memphis, Tenn., at all.

The bridge has been closed to traffic since May 11, according to the Commercial Appeal, when an inspector discovered a bad break in key beam supporting the Hernando de Soto Bridge, more commonly known as the “new bridge.”

I’m not sure if a reopening date is on the table, but the last article I read said repairs would likely continue through July.

That leaves the I-55 Memphis and Arkansas Bridge, more commonly known as the “old bridge,” as the only Mississippi River crossing in Memphis. And needless to say, that causes a backlog of traffic ­ delays, stress and more stress.

Pam and I got on I-269 and headed over to Tunica and crossed the Helena Bridge into Arkansas.

It’s a familiar route to ball games over the years when our children were playing high school sports.

We made the mistake of not grabbing some lunch in West Helena. We quickly remembered there’s not much available going out of town to the west on Highway 49.

After Marvell, it was new territory for me. Pam had actually traveled the route a few weeks earlier to see our daughter Emma, who lives in North Little Rock and works in Little Rock.

We went through Clarendon and on to Stuttgart, where we grabbed a late lunch at a local restaurant.

From there, we headed to England. I had no clue there was a town in Arkansas named England. Population is 2,741.

A mural in downtown, headlined “Welcome to England,” caught our attention. It depicted the city in an earlier time period, and it was beautiful.

We rolled into North Little Rock and didn’t even have to get on the interstate ­ period.

The drive was peaceful.

Sure, it took 30 to 45 minutes longer than the “normal” I-40 trip, but we got to see the farms and the corn fields and so much more along the way.

We followed the same rural route Sunday on the way home — leaving North Little Rock and arriving in Holly Springs in about three hours and 35 minutes.

I’ve always preferred, if time allows, taking the backroads. I enjoy seeing places I haven’t seen — particularly the small towns.

On Thursday of last week, we made a one-day trip to Florence, Ala., home of my college alma mater, the University of North Alabama.

We took the obvious route from Marshall County — Highway 7 North to Highway 72 East and through Corinth. But then later on, on our way to our destination, we exited briefly and took the Natchez Trace.

The speed limit is 50. That’s an adjustment.

But once again, it’s a nice peaceful ride with some beautiful scenery.

The Trace extends 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville, Tenn.

Drive it sometime, and take time to stop along the way. Exit the big highways. Enjoy the slow ride.