The Draw of The Deep South

America’s Deep South is bright, bold and exciting.

With a unique rhythm and a cheerful vibe, the region draws visitors time after time.  Of course, those with a passion for music will love The Deep South however the area offers an incredible mix of culture and cuisine plus a unique heritage and diverse history that adds to the attraction. The locals are friendly too.

Here we have highlighted a fantastic fly-drive itinerary, taking you on a tour of The Deep South including a cruise along the Mississippi and starting at the heart of country, Nashville.

Nashville

Nashville, or ‘Music City USA’, is the home of country music as well as some of America’s biggest names in the recording world.  Head out to the Grand Ole Opry House, the ‘church’ of country music.  Visit the famous Ryman Auditorium, tour the Johnny Cash Museum and explore the Country House Hall of Fame or RCA’s Studio ‘B’ where Elvis Presley recorded over 200 of his best loved hits.  Spend an evening meandering along Broadway, listening to live music in its honky-tonks or take in a show on a paddle steamer dinner cruise.

Stay 2 or 3 nights at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown.

Memphis

Memphis is the place where blues came of age and where rock and roll was born. Stroll along Beale Street for a night of great music where bluesmen from BB King to Howlin’ Wolf made their names.  BB King’s Blues Club is now one of the most renowned clubs on Beale Street.  There is plenty to do in Memphis – tour Graceland and Sun Studios, visit the exceptional Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Gibson Guitar factory.  You might choose to visit the National Civil Rights Museum housed in the old Lorraine Motel, the place where Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated.  It is one of the most moving and insightful museums in the United States.

Stay 3 nights at The Guesthouse in Graceland

Cruise the Mississippi

Cruise the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans.  Join a 7 night cruise aboard the American Jazz and visit Vicksburg, Natchez, St Francisville, Baton Rouge and Houmas House.

New Orleans

Explore New Orleans including the US Mint Jazz Museum, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and the French Quarter.  No other city in America can boast 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 annual street parties, New Year’s Eve.  Return to the Mississippi, taking a steamboat trip or sample the city’s Creole cuisine.  New Orleans is famous for its food;  savour some traditional dishes such as gumbo, oysters, po’boys and beignets at Café du Monde.

Stay 3 nights at the Hotel Monteleone.

Savannah

Fly to Savannah where rows of European townhouses border cobblestone streets and shady squares full of Grecian fountains, obelisks, and towering magnolias. Explore the town on foot and you will see gold domes and Corinthian columns, wrought-iron balustrades and sweeping staircases.  A good variety of lively, good-time entertainment is available in Savannah from cultural arts to melancholy karaoke at the bawdy sailors’ dives.  Savannah’s answer to Bourbon Street in New Orleans, River Street, fills with partygoers walking along the pedestrian promenade popping into bars and clubs offering live music.  A giant party is held on the first Saturday of every month from February to December – an event not to be missed.  Savannah is well known for its upscale dining; try ‘gourmet Southern’ concoctions such as broiled flounder in cream, crab and sherry sauce, pecan-almond tart with praline ice cream and Gentleman Jack caramel sauce.

Stay 2 nights at the River Street Inn.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island in the U.S. state of South Carolina is known for Atlantic Ocean beaches with soft white sand as well as its golf courses and wildlife. The Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum marks the southwest tip. The Coastal Discovery Museum features heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens. Between the island and mainland, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge salt marsh hosts deer, alligators and birds.  This is a great spot to relax at the end of your Deep South adventure.

Stay 3 to 5 nights at The Inn at Harbour Town.

From here, drive back to Savannah to begin your journey home.

For more information on this trip or to talk to us about tailor making your own unique journey, do get in touch.