Chicago, Music and the Deep South self drive

This super self drive itinerary takes in Chicago, St Louis, Nashville and the music and history sensations of the Deep South.

Day One

Fly from London Heathrow to Chicago, or the ‘Windy City’ as it is known.

Chicago boasts one of the world’s most spectacular skylines and is home to one of the tallest buildings: the 108 story Willis Tower.

It is worth visiting the Sky Deck in Chicago, which features a glass ledge protruding straight out into the sky which, on a good day, offers views across four states. The city has 29 miles of lakeshore frontage and a huge variety of attractions. Music is a big part of life here with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the star-studded performances of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the massive jazz and blues scene taking centre stage.  Chicago is also a shoppers paradise: start your shopping safari on centrally located and elegant Michigan Avenue: the Magnificent Mile houses some 240 stores including Bloomingdales and Tiffany.

Suggested hotel: Stay for two nights at the Knickerbocker.

Day Three

Take the Amtrak train from Chicago to St Louis – a 5 hour, 20 minute journey.

Known as the gateway to the American West, St. Louis is a 200 year old city with a young spirit.  This spirit of St Louis is evident on the riverfront where the 630 ft Gateway Arch watches over the Mississippi River and a vibrant downtown. Take a boat trip or visit the interactive National Blues Museum offering visitors a chance to create Blues music in a mixing booth.

There is plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife in St Louis such as Laclede’s Landing, Union Station, the Soulard area and the Central West End.

Suggested hotel: Stay two nights at the Union Station.

Day Five

Drive to Nashville – 320 miles, approximately a 5 hour drive.

Pick up your hire car (a Ford Edge SUV or similar) from St Louis Downtown to Nashville.

Nashville, or ‘Music City USA’ is the home of country music and some of America’s biggest recording companies.  Trawl the outstanding music venues of Second and Broadway or head out to the Grand Ole Opry, the ‘church’ of country music.  You may also like to visit the famous Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame or RCA’s Studio ‘B’ where Elvis Presley recorded over 200 of his best-loved hits. Perhaps choose to wander Music Row, hoping – like thousands before you – to be ‘spotted’ by a talent scout!

Suggested hotel: Stay three nights at the Holston House Hotel.

Day Eight

Drive to Muscle Shoals – 135 miles, approximately a 2 hour 30 minute drive.

Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals Alabama is the unlikely breeding ground of some of the most creative music in American history. Soul artists such as Aretha Franklin and rock bands like Lynyrd Skynard made some of their most famous records here, specifically at the FAME studio.  ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ includes a tribute to the ‘Swampers’, a group of American soul, R&B and country studio musicians who have appeared on more than 75 gold and platinum hits. Local attractions include the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Ivy Green-Home of Helen Keller, Natchez Trace Parkway, Wilson Lock and Dam, Indian Mound and the Birthplace of W.C. Handy to name but a few.

Suggested Hotel: Stay one night in the Gun Runner Boutique Hotel.

Day Nine

Drive to Memphis – 151 miles, approximately a 2 hours 30 minute drive

Memphis is the famous home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley so take the opportunity to visit his home, Graceland whilst you are there.  You can also explore Sun Studios, the place where legends such as Johnny Cash, BB King, Roy Orbison and Elvis himself have all recorded their music.  Memphis is also the location of the Lorraine Motel, the sight of Martin Luther King’s assassination in 1968 and part of the renowned Civil Rights Museum.  Make sure you stroll down iconic Beale Street and take in the atmosphere over a drink.

Suggested hotel: Stay two nights at the Peabody Hotel.

Day Eleven

Drive to Clarksdale – 58 miles, approximately a 1 hour drive.

Clarksdale is America’s most significant blues town.  Illustrious one-time Clarksdale residents include John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Ike Turner.  You may also want to visit the outstanding Delta Blues Museum and drive out to Stovall Plantation where Muddy Waters grew up. In the evening, why not tour the town’s many ‘juke joints’ – authentic blues bars – or dine at Hollywood star and local resident Morgan Freeman’s restaurant, Ground Zero.

Suggested hotel: Stay one night at the Clark House.

Day Twelve

Drive to Montgomery, MI – 340 miles, approximately a 5 hours 30 minute drive.

Montgomery is the capital city of the U.S. state of Alabama and the county seat of Montgomery County. Named after the Irish soldier Richard Montgomery, the city stands beside the Alabama River, on the coastal Plain of the Gulf of Mexico.

Suggested hotel: Stay one night at the Renaissance Montgomery and Spa.

Day Thirteen

Drive to Jackson, MI – 247 miles, approximately a 4 hour drive.

Continue to Jackson, the state capital of Mississippi. If you are history and culture buff there are many museums and attractions, Civil War and Civil Rights sights for you to explore. A music lover? Stir your soul with great blues, gospel, jazz and more. Explore Farish Street, where the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson II and Robert Johnson were discovered as well as the city’s many blues clubs. And the food! Bring along your appetite and savour the ‘down home’ southern cooking, gourmet southern fusion.  There are over 300 restaurants to choose from!

Suggested hotel: Stay one night at the Westin.

Day Fourteen

Drive to New Orleans and drop your car at the downtown depot – 186 miles, approximately a 3 hour drive.

Explore New Orleans including the US Mint Jazz Museum, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. No other city in America boasts such intrigue or romance. Festivals abound throughout the year from Mardi Gras in February to the film festival in October and one of the USA’s largest street party on New Years.  Perhaps take a steamboat trip along the Mississippi or sample the city’s Creole cuisine: New Orleans is famous for its food, from gumbo to oysters and po’boys to beignets.

Suggested hotel: Stay two nights at the Monteleone.

Day Sixteen

Transfer to New Orleans Airport for your flight to London Heathrow

Our clients travelled with our partners, AmeriCan and Worldwide Travel.  To chat through your holiday dreams or for more information on the above itinerary, do get in touch.

June 2023