Ben Squires
International Travel

6 must-visit destinations in American South

The American South has many hidden gems that are often overlooked when people are visiting the land of the free and the home of the brave. We’ve taken a look at six of the most amazing tourist locations on offer in the southernmost of the United States. After ready this we’re sure you will agree that the south will rise again – as an incredible tourist destination that is.

1. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the capital of the world for lovers of both kinds of music – country and western! Even if you’re not a big music buff you’re sure to find something to love about this vibrant, energetic city and music fans will have an absolute blast perusing over the Country Music Hall of Fame, visiting the revered Grand Old Opry theatre to even checking out niche record labels and guitar stores.

2. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is an essential stop on your tour around the South, and millions of Elvis-aficionados have made the pilgrimage to Graceland to pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. You could spend weeks museum-hopping as you take in some of the most amazing musical history in the world. Make sure you take some time to sample the region’s quintessential barbeque. Memphis has a wild-river spirit you just have to experience at some stage for yourself.   

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA is a part of the USA that wears its history on its sleeves, yet still manages to produce a feeling of merriment and spirit. A walk down Bourbon Street is essential, as is a visit to the city’s amazing French Quarter with architecture that will send you back to a different time. Sit down on the sidewalk with a beer, listen to one of the many talented street musicians and contemplate a simpler life. Oh, and you absolutely have to try Cajun food, one of the real unique delicacies of the region.

4. Austin, Texas

Austin is a music town with a simple, but telling mantra – “Keep Austin Weird”. Some old-time Austin residents feel that the city has lost some of its charm over the years, but just a walk down 6th street will have you relishing the city’s laid back charms and hippy vibe. Many tourists head to Austin to visit the major music festivals South by Southwest or Austin City Limits festival, but if you go at any time in the year there’ll be live music and good times to enjoy every night of the week.

5. Atlanta, Georgia (top image) 

Touted by many as the spiritual capital of the South, Georgia is booming as a tourist destination with big-ticket downtown attractions like The Coca Cola Museum and The College Football Hall of Fame combining with a restaurant scene that is absolutely out of this world. Atlanta also has some pretty interesting sites and is an iconic pilgrimage to make if you’re interested in American history.

6. Orlando, Florida  

Disney World and Universal Studios are probably the places that get the most attention from tourists, but there’s so much more of this Floridian state for you to explore. Orlando features idyllic tree-lined neighbourhoods, a rich performing arts scene and a range of fantastic nature preserves, museums and gardens. Definitely a must visit if you find yourself on that side of the world.

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Tags:
travel, holiday, America, USA, travel international, American south