Day 3 of the Roadtrip
Day 3 marked the start of the workweek, and since this road trip was a mix of remote work, driving, and exploring, it was time to actually do that thing called work.
A Productive Morning at Cloudland
But first—a workout.
Cloudland’s fully equipped gym was an unexpected bonus, and I was beyond impressed by the variety of equipment available—kettlebells, dumbbells, treadmills, rowers, and Peloton bikes. It made for a solid morning workout that my trainer back home would be proud of (shoutout to my Shoremovements family in Bradley Beach!).
Afterward, I grabbed a quick breakfast at The Pocket Café, enjoying my meal on the outside deck overlooking the property as the sun rose over the valley. A sense of gratitude washed over me—this was one of those simple yet perfect moments.
With McLemore being a potential future golf trip destination, I made it a priority to do an official site visit during my short stay. While Tina worked from our lovely room, I met with Cloudland’s sales manager to get a full walkthrough of the property and learn more about everything it offers its guests.
What’s Included in a Stay at Cloudland?
Beyond the complimentary happy hour drinks and fully equipped gym, Cloudland boasts several standout amenities, including a heated pool, stargazing equipment, and a 6-hole short course— all included in your stay. There’s also an on-site spa, Selah, which I imagine would be perfect for post-golf relaxation—or, if I ever hosted a trip here, a must-visit for my ladies.
Cloudland also offers exceptional dining experiences that make a stay here even more special. Guests can enjoy Auld Alliance, an upscale restaurant offering a refined menu with cliffside views overlooking McLemore Cove. For a more casual yet refined experience, Croft serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a rustic yet comfortable setting.
With Nashville just a two-hour drive away, I couldn’t help but picture a perfect itinerary: a couple of nights enjoying the energy of Music City, followed by golf and relaxation in the mountains. A dream golf getaway? Possibly.
Hitting the Road: Alabama & Mississippi Bound
Shortly after wrapping up my site visit, it was time to pack up and head to Memphis, Tennessee, a five-hour drive away.
Since Tina hadn’t been to Alabama or Mississippi, we opted for a route that cut through both states.
The first half of the drive took us through winding country roads, and at one point, I told Tina it felt like we were in an arcade driving game—a never-ending road with scenery that only slightly changed.
Due to the backroads route, we were disappointed to find that there was no official "Welcome to Alabama" sign—a slight letdown, since we had been collecting state welcome sign photos along the way.
Midway Stop: Buc-ee’s in Athens, AL
One of the big reasons we took this route? Buc-ee’s.
Just two hours from McLemore, we strategically planned to stop at a Buc-ee’s in Athens, Alabama—a minor detour totally worth it.
If you haven’t been, Buc-ee’s is more than just a gas station. It’s a Texas-sized mix of:
⛽ Gas station
🥩 BBQ fast food
🛍️ Convenience store/home decor/apparel
🚽 Spotless bathrooms (they claim to be the world’s cleanest—and we agree!)
We wandered the massive store in awe, eventually landing on a pulled pork sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich, and coconut peanut brittle.
The only downside? No seating. We ate in the car before hitting the road again, with Tina taking over the second shift.
Arriving in Memphis Just in Time for Sunset
Our timing was perfect—we made it to Memphis just in time to watch the sunset at Tom Lee Park, an expansive riverfront park along the Mississippi River.
At this hour, the park was bustling with locals playing basketball, enjoying the "Life on the River" playground that features a playscape inspired by the Mississippi River, and using the free sporting equipment available to borrow.
After taking in the sunset, we did a quick drive through downtown, passing by Beale Street, before heading to our home for the night—Big Cypress Lodge at the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid.
Spending the Night Inside the Pyramid
Before becoming what it is today, the Memphis Pyramid, built in 1991, was originally used as a sports and concert venue. It sat vacant for years before Bass Pro Shops transformed it into a massive retail and entertainment complex, which opened in 2015.
Stepping inside, the Pyramid feels like a full-on outdoor scene, complete with 100-foot trees, a swamp filled with alligators and fish, plus realistic-looking wildlife and mounted animal heads everywhere—including a deer head in our room!
Not only does the Pyramid house a mega Bass Pro Shops, spanning two floors, but it’s also home to Big Cypress Lodge, a 103-room wilderness-themed hotel—offering one of the most unique stays of the trip.
Tina and I wouldn’t normally call ourselves 'outdoorsy people,' but for one night, we fully embraced the wilderness retreat that is Big Cypress Lodge.
Sky-High Views & Drinks at The Den
One of the coolest features of the Pyramid?
The nation’s tallest freestanding elevator, which took us 28 stories up to an observation deck overlooking downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River.
(Pro Tip: The Sky High Ride is complimentary for hotel guests and available for a fee to non-guests.)
We spent the evening in awe of this place—the level of detail was immaculate, and it was worth appreciating whether you’re an outdoorsy person or not.
To end the night, we grabbed drinks at The Den on the third floor, then found two seats overlooking the entire Pyramid—the perfect spot to take it all in.
Final Thoughts on Day 3
From a productive morning at Cloudland to checking new states off Tina’s list, making a must-stop at Buc-ee’s, and ending the day in one of the most unique hotels I’ve ever stayed in, Day 3 was the perfect mix of work and adventure, and unexpected experiences.
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