I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with the USA, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. Perhaps its the endless American movies and sitcoms I’ve watched, or maybe it’s because I still can’t quite wrap my head around the sheer size of the country. I adore New York and have visited Los Angeles, but it’s not the cosmopolitan cities that I am drawn to these days. Now I want to see, taste and experience the real America, and for that reason, I am dreaming of a Deep South Road Trip.
The Deep South of America is officially made up of 5 states; Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. This region of the US is the home of country and western music, the blues, world-famous cajun and BBQ cuisine and the historic cotton farms. With all of this history, heart and soul, surely the Deep South is where to go to find the real America? I’ve put together my dream Deep South Road Trip itinerary which begins in New Orleans and ends in Atlanta. All the destinations in between are in driving distance of one another, so a hire car would be essential.
The Ultimate Deep South Road Trip Itinerary
This blog post has been sponsored by TravelPlanners
1. Fly in to New Orleans, Louisiana
I have to say that New Orleans (also known as the Big Easy) is the destination I am most excited about visiting in the Deep South, so I’d kick my adventure off here. I’d start by exploring the historical French Quarter which is home to the famous Bourbon Street and Jackson Square. Bourbon Street is at the heart of the food, party and music scenes but I’ve been told its worth wandering further afield to other creative neighbourhoods such as Marigny (pronounced mer-in-knee) and Bywater. I’d indulge in traditional New Orleans cuisine, visit the best jazz clubs and generally wander around soaking up all the energy of this vibrant city.
2. Memphis, Tennessee
(5 hours 45 minutes drive from Louisiana)
A visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland home would be a real tick off the bucket list for me, but I’d also love to get to know Memphis by visiting its downtown Main Street, taking a ride on one of the vintage trollies and heading to one of the last remaining drive-in cinemas such as the Malco Summer Drive-In. New Orleans to Memphis is the longest drive of this itinerary, so I’d consider stopping off at a little town en route such as Natchez, Mississippi.
3. Nashville – Tennessee
(3 hours 10 minutes drive from Memphis)
The third stop on my Deep South road trip would be Nashville; the undoubtable home of country and western music. Many established and aspiring musicians begin their country music career here, so I’d love to seek out the best open mic nights and catch some musical comedy at the Doyle and Debbie show. Nashville is also in the heart of Tennessee’s whiskey country, so I’d love to book a distillery tour and sample the cities famous hot chicken.
The Ultimate Deep South Road Trip Itinerary
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(3 hours 30 minutes drive from Nashville)
So far my Deep South Road Trip itinerary has only included the urban greats, but I’d also love to see some nature and landscapes on my southern adventure. The ideal place to do this is the Smoky Mountains, where you can go hiking through forests, visit waterfalls and see spectacular scenery. It’s also a great half way point between Nashville and Atlanta.
5. Atlanta – Georgia
(3 hours 50 minutes drive from Smoky Mountains)
Atlanta is famous for being the birthplace of Martin Luther King, so a trip to his birth home is a must. At the Martin Luther King National Historic Site you can see restored rooms of his home and original furnishings from his childhood. Piedmont Mark is also high on my list, which is Atlanta’s answer to Central Park. It’s full of vibrant events and festivals all year round and the picturesque Lake Clara Meer sits in its centre.
Simply writing and researching this post has made me learn even more fascinated about America’s Deep South. I really hope to make this dream trip a reality in the coming year or two, with Scott and Theo in tow! Visit TravelPlanners to find out more information about multi centre holidays in the Deep South.
This blog post has been sponsored by TravelPlanners. All words and views are my own. All photos credited to TravelPlanners
This is on my bucket list! We did the West coast road trip and loved it!
I’m fascinated by this area of America, too! I think Charleston, South Carolina Carolina be a great add on.
Don’t forget to see the areas of New Orleans that were hit hard with the flooding many years ago. The graveyards are above ground as the water table is below ground.
Canada’s band, The Tragically Hip, wrote the song, New Orleans Is Sinking.