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If there’s one thing that I\u2019ve learned in all my travels around America, it\u2019s that the US is more like a collection of small countries than one cohesive cultural unit. The lifestyle, language, and norms of each region differ vastly from one another. And even within states, there are vast differences.<\/p>\n
The region that surprised me the most was “the South,” defined as the states that were part of the Confederacy, from the Mason-Dixon line to the Mississippi River and down to the Gulf of Mexico. (Texas was part of the Confederacy, too, but it’s generally not considered part of the “Old South,” because, well, it’s Texas and it’s its own beast!)<\/p>\n
Growing up as a northerner, I always kind of looked down on the region as \u201cbackwards,\u201d but after a few trips around the area<\/a>, I found that my perceptions about the region were wrong.<\/p>\n I grew to love my time exploring that part of the country. Sure, the South has its problems, but it has a lot more diversity, history, and natural beauty than my preconceived prejudices had allowed.<\/p>\n This region has a ton of parks, lakes, rivers, historical sites, and other interesting places to see. You’d need more than three weeks to properly see it but the deep south itinerary below gives you an overview:<\/p>\n Note<\/strong>: There are many, many, many potential routes you can take through this region. This three-week version is just some highlights I like. Tailor the route to your needs as you please!<\/p>\n But we only have a few days, so here are some suggestions to help you get started:<\/p>\n For more things to see and do in NOLA, check out this detailed itinerary<\/a>.<\/p>\n New Orleans is also an amazing foodie city. Some of my favorite places to indulge at are: Lilly\u2019s Caf\u00e9, Bearcat, Welty\u2019s Deli, Killer PoBoys, Jewel of the South, Acme Oyster House, and Willa Jean.<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong><\/p>\n Need a rental car to kick-start your trip? Go with Discover Cars<\/a>. They dig up the best deals so you can save money and make the most out of your road trip!<\/strong> Start with a visit to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. It\u2019s a small town with gorgeous white-sand beaches and lots of outdoor activities (such as fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking). The downtown has lots of little shops and galleries as well.<\/p>\n Next, head to Mobile, Alabama. Visit Fort Cond\u00e9 (built by the French in 1723) and take a tour of the USS Alabama<\/em> (a World War II vessel docked in Battleship Memorial Park). Make sure to also visit the Carnival Museum (dedicated to Mardi Gras) to learn more about the parade and its cultural significance.<\/p>\n From here, cruise toward Gulf Shores, Alabama, where you\u2019ll find miles of beaches and gorgeous subtropical weather as you soak in the views of the Gulf of Mexico. There are also lots of hotels, resorts, and casinos if you feel like splurging. It\u2019s tacky but fun.<\/p>\n Nearby, you\u2019ll also find Gulf State Park, which spans 6,500 acres and offers beaches, hiking trails, fishing, golf, zip-lining, and sand dunes you can climb (parking rates vary depending on what section of the park you visit).<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong> Then spend two nights in Birmingham. It grew to prominence as an industrial hub, relying mostly on nonunionized immigrant workers to undercut production in the northern US. In the 1950s and \u201960s, it became a focus for the civil rights movement, and it was here, in 1962, where Dr. King wrote the famous \u201cLetter from a Birmingham Jail.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are few things to see and do while in Birmingham:<\/p>\n For a list of other important civil rights sites in the region, check out the Civil Rights Trail<\/a>. It\u2019s a comprehensive database of such sites around the entire country and has tons of helpful information and resources.<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong> Here are some things to see and do in Nashville:<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n To be fair, I didn\u2019t expect much when I first visited, but Franklin really over-delivered. If you’re a foodie or a fan of live music, a stop here is a must!<\/p>\n Here are a few things to see and do while you’re here:<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong> Here are a few things to see and do while you\u2019re here:<\/p>\n Memphis is also another awesome foodie city (see a pattern here?). Some of my favorite places to eat are: Gus\u2019s World Famous Fried Chicken, Central BBQ, Loflin Yard, Bounty on Broad, and the Rendezvous (a delicious BBQ place).<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The town is really small, though, and there are only a couple of things to do here:<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong> Like Oxford, there\u2019s not much to do in town, and you really don\u2019t need much time here.<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong> This town features countless antebellum homes. Since the city surrendered quickly during the Civil War, these weren\u2019t torched or ransacked, which has kept them intact for visitors to visit today. Seeing them was one of the highlights of my time in the South. There are over 20 homes open for visits and tours. Of the ones I visited, my favorites were these:<\/p>\n WHERE TO STAY<\/strong> It\u2019s time to drive back to NOLA. It\u2019s a short drive (just under three hours) so be sure to stop along the way anytime you see something that piques your interest!<\/p>\n While it can sometimes be challenging and sobering coming face to face with the legacy of America\u2019s past, exploring the South is a must for anyone looking to learn more about our diverse country and the events that have shaped it.<\/p>\n From distinct food to unique music to rich history, a road trip around the Southern US has something to offer everyone. It\u2019s one of the most underrated areas of the country.<\/p>\n Need a car for your trip? Use the widget below to find the best deals with Discover Cars<\/a><\/strong>:
\n <\/p>\nDays 1\u20133: New Orleans<\/h3>\n
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\nThe unique blend of cultures (African, French, Caribbean, Latin, etc.) of New Orleans<\/a> has created one of the most eclectic American cities. It’s filled with tales of ghosts and vampires, amazing architecture, incredible food, and some of the best music in the world. Bourbon Street is always bursting with tourists, Frenchmen Street is full of jazz, and there are historic buildings to admire and entertaining tours to indulge in. You can easily spend an entire week here and not get bored<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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\n <\/p>\nDays 4\u20137: Mississippi & Alabama Gulf Coast<\/h3>\n
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\nLeave New Orleans, and head east to the Gulf shores of Mississippi and Alabama.<\/p>\n
\nThere aren\u2019t any hostels in this region, so your best bet is Airbnb<\/a> or using Booking.com<\/a> to find a cheap motel (or hotel if you feel like splurging!)
\n <\/p>\nDays 8\u20139: Birmingham<\/h3>\n
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\nSwing north and, on your way to Birmingham, stop in Montgomery to visit the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, as well as the Legacy Museum, both of which shed light on the racial injustices of America\u2019s past and present.<\/p>\n\n
\nThere aren\u2019t any hostels in Birmingham, so use Airbnb<\/a> or Booking.com<\/a> to find your cheapest options.
\n <\/p>\nDays 10\u201312: Nashville<\/h3>\n
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\nContinuing north, our next stop is Nashville. Located just three hours from Birmingham, it boasts a world-class music scene, plenty of incredible restaurants you can indulge at, numerous cocktail bars, lots of parks, and plenty of history.<\/p>\n\n
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Day 13: Franklin<\/h3>\n
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\nAs it’s located just 25 minutes outside of Nashville, most people assume Franklin is just another suburb. It’s not \u2014 far from it, in fact! Franklin is bursting with small-town charm and delicious food and drink (it\u2019s where I discovered my favorite Bourbon). The city is full of history (there was a major Civil War battle here), a historic main street, and some really delicious bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n
\nSince Franklin is quite small, Airbnb<\/a> is your best option here.
\n <\/p>\nDays 14\u201316: Memphis<\/h3>\n
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\nToday, we head to Memphis, which is just three hours away. It is another historic city, a major stop on the Mississippi cotton-trade route, and now the home of blues music and incredible BBQ. Leave early though, so along the way you can stop at the Civil War memorial for the Battle of Shiloh, as well as cut through small-town Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n
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Day 17: Oxford<\/h3>\n
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\nOxford, Mississippi, is located just over an hour from Memphis and makes for a pleasant place to spend a day enjoying small-town life. It boasts the University of Mississippi (one of the most beautiful campuses in the country) and was the home of Nobel laureate William Faulkner, one of the most important authors of the 20th century (he wrote The Sound and the Fury<\/em> and As I Lay Dying<\/em>).<\/p>\n\n
\nSince Oxford is quite small, Airbnb<\/a> is your best option here.
\n <\/p>\nDay 18: Vicksburg<\/h3>\n
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\nVicksburg is located just over three hours from Oxford and makes for a relaxing day trip. During the Civil War, General Grant oversaw the siege of Vicksburg for 47 days. His victory gave Union forces control over the Mississippi River. It\u2019s considered one of the most important battles of the Civil War.<\/p>\n\n
\nVicksburg is also super small, so use Airbnb<\/a>.
\n <\/p>\nDays 19\u201320: Natchez<\/h3>\n
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\nFollow the beautiful Natchez Trace Highway along the Mississippi River to Natchez itself. Established by French colonists in 1716, Natchez, Mississippi<\/a>, was a defensible strategic location, which ensured its position as a pivotal center for trade. It later became a holiday destination for wealthy slaveholders.<\/p>\n\n
\nNatchez is expensive, so you\u2019ll want to compare your hotel options on Booking.com<\/a> with any suitable Airbnb<\/a> options you find.
\n <\/p>\nDay 21: Return to New Orleans<\/h3>\n
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