Blues of the deep south USA

Nashville, affectionately known as Music City, is the beating heart of country music and so much more. Walk down Broadway and you'll find yourself immersed in the sounds of live bands pouring out from neon-lit honky-tonks at any hour of the day. Beyond the music scene, Nashville offers impressive cultural attractions like the historic Ryman Auditorium, the iconic Parthenon replica in Centennial Park, and the fascinating Country Music Hall of Fame. The city's culinary scene has exploded in recent years, with hot chicken joints standing proudly alongside innovative farm-to-table restaurants. Trendy neighborhoods like The Gulch and East Nashville showcase street art, boutique shopping, and craft breweries. Whether you're catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry or exploring the vibrant murals that decorate the city's walls, Nashville delivers an authentic Southern experience with a contemporary twist.

Memphis sits proudly along the Mississippi River, offering a perfect blend of history and modern attractions. As the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll, the city pulses with musical energy from Beale Street's legendary venues to Elvis Presley's iconic Graceland mansion. Food enthusiasts flock here for world-famous barbecue, with slow-cooked ribs and pulled pork that define Southern comfort food. Beyond music and food, Memphis boasts impressive cultural institutions like the National Civil Rights Museum and vibrant neighborhoods where Southern hospitality shines. The city's relaxed pace and authentic character create an atmosphere that's both welcoming and unforgettable.

The hilly surroundings of Vicksburg overlook the majestic Mississippi River, with Vicksburg Castle sitting proudly on top of its throne. Steeped in history and known as a cultural landmark of the American South, Vicksburg is an important city which preserves the legacy of the past. Visit the Cultural Heritage Centre, Vicksburg Military Park and the Lower Mississippi River Museum to gain an insight into the heritage of the area.

Lafayette is a city in Louisiana. It's the unofficial capital of Acadiana or Cajun Country. This flourishing moderate sized city fortunately escaped the worst of the one-two punch of hurricanes Katrina and Rita which devastated much of south Louisiana on either side of the city in 2005. The city is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Music and dancing is an integral part of community life. Several restaurants and dance halls thrive in the area and the city hosts several musical festivals throughout the year.

New Orleans pulses with a rhythm unlike any other American city, where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences create a cultural gumbo that's impossible to resist. The historic French Quarter enchants with its ornate ironwork balconies, colorful facades, and the legendary Bourbon Street, where music spills from doorways at all hours. Beyond the Quarter, discover tree-lined Garden District streets showcasing magnificent antebellum mansions and the tranquil beauty of City Park with its ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The birthplace of jazz continues to honor its musical heritage while Creole and Cajun flavors dominate the culinary scene, from beignets at Café du Monde to gumbo and jambalaya at neighborhood eateries. New Orleans embraces life with passionate intensity, whether during the raucous celebration of Mardi Gras or in the everyday magic that makes the Big Easy truly extraordinary.

Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and is located in the River Heritage region of the state. The city is home to a number of historic landmarks like the Civil Rights Memorial and played a significant role in the country's civil rights movement, being the location of the Montgomery Bus Boycott which ensued after the arrest of Rosa Parks.

The historic city of Savannah rises from the surrounding swampy landscape, boasting antebellum architecture, a dose of down-to-earthness and a dark humorous charm unlike anywhere else. With one of the largest historic districts in all of the US, visitors can get a unique insight into the history of the country in one of the many museums and art galleries. The unique culture of this city is what brings people back time and time again, and visitors are sure to be dazzled by its authentic charm.

As the largest and oldest city in the state of South Carolina, Charleston lives up to its slogan of ‘everything you’ve heard is true’. A city set on the peninsula between the two rivers of Ashley and Cooper, its cobblestone streets filled with historical buildings and churches, Charleston is the perfect mix of old and new. The city’s quaint downtown offers picturesque scenery, a wealth of cultural offerings and enchantingly beautiful nature, all with the classic friendliness and warmth of the famed Southern hospitality.

Known for its numerous beaches, golf courses, excellent seafood restaurants and outlet shopping, Myrtle Beach is a popular holiday destination for local and international visitors alike. The huge Ferris wheel stands like a halo overlooking the wide beach, this coastal town exuding the special charm only found in American holiday resorts. In the evening, colourful lights shine over the seafront where holidaymakers come to take some time to relax, eat and party.

The most populous city in North Carolina was named after Queen Charlotte, the wife of a British King, and is often known as ‘Queen Charlotte’. A visitor-friendly city and the centre for finance, industry, technology and entertainment for the region, Charlotte boasts many attractions. Visit the Discovery Place Museum to see interactive science and technology exhibitions, or the state’s largest amusement park which holds the world’s largest and fastest giga-coaster.

The small resort town of Gatlinburg is just waiting to show its visitors a good time, with its fairground-like atmosphere and colourful downtown. Also the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town attracts a variety of travellers from families looking for an action-packed holiday to hikers taking a break from the Appalachian Trail. Whether it’s for adventure or relaxation, Gatlinburg is sure to draw visitors into its exciting world.

As one of the major business cities in the USA, Atlanta thrives on its modern culture as well as its historical background, mixing southern traditions with a cosmopolitan feel. Atlanta is home to skyscrapers and the world’s busiest airport, and was also the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr and the epicentre of the American Civil Rights Movement. Learn about history and enjoy culture and southern hospitality in Atlanta.