The Natchez Trace is a federal parkway--2 lanes with 55 speed limit (unless it has changed since I was last traveling). There are no commercial sites, but it is a beautiful, leisurely drive. My last experience was from TN to Florence, Alabama. Of course, there might be a gas station somewhere, but most likely you still need to depart from the parkway at a connecting city or state line. No restaurants or fabric shops! I must admit it has been a few yrs since we used the parkway to return to TN from MS. Maybe someone can give you more updated info.