ROAD TRIP USA: SOUTHERN STATES

Pick up your car in the vibrant and fast-growing city of Atlanta, Georgia. But before you hit the road, take some time to explore the city.

Atlanta has a buzzing music scene and is one of the birthplaces of modern hip hop and R&B, with plenty of big names like OutKast, Ludacris and Usher having roots here.

The food scene in Atlanta is just as exciting, and the city is particularly famous for its chilli dogs. Make sure to grab one while you're exploring the city, it’s a proper taste of Atlanta.

If you’re after a bit more action, head just outside the city to Six Flags Over Georgia, home to some seriously big roller coasters and plenty of thrills. And if you're into sports, you can also catch a game while you're in town.

As you explore Atlanta, don't be surprised if you keep coming across streets called Peachtree. There are no fewer than 71 streets with Peachtree in their name, making it one of the city's most recognisable quirks.

How long you spend in Atlanta before hitting the road is completely up to you. Stay for a few days, soak up the city’s atmosphere, or get behind the wheel and start your Southern adventure. 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is famous for its incredible diversity of plant and animal life, mist-covered mountain peaks and beautiful forests.

The mountains are among the oldest in the world, and the park is home to an impressive network of hiking trails, ranging from short and easy walks to more challenging hikes with spectacular views across the Appalachian Mountains.

Keep your eyes peeled as you explore, as the park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, deer, elk and plenty of bird species. You’ll also find cascading waterfalls, rushing mountain streams and scenic viewpoints dotted throughout the park, making it easy to spend a full day exploring.

But the Great Smoky Mountains aren't just about nature. The area is also rich in cultural history, with old cabins, churches, mills and other buildings offering a glimpse into the lives of the communities that once called these mountains home. Take some time to explore these remnants of Southern Appalachian culture and discover the stories behind this unique part of the USA.

And before you leave the mountains behind, there’s time for a little Dolly Parton magic. On your way out, stop by Dollywood, the theme park that the Tennessee legend herself co-owned. Expect thrilling rides, live entertainment, Southern charm and, of course, plenty of Dolly.

Welcome to Nashville, the lively capital of Tennessee. Spend some time wandering through the different neighbourhoods, grab some of the city's legendary hot chicken, browse the shops and cafés, or simply soak up the Southern atmosphere.

Music is impossible to escape here – it’s simply everywhere. You can listen to live music all across town, day and night. Catch honky-tonk bands jamming at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, up-and-coming songwriters taking their first steps at the Bluebird Cafe or country music legends performing at the Grand Ole Opry. You never know who you might see.

But Nashville has plenty of stories to tell beyond music. For a taste of the city's history, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or head to the historic RCA Studio B, where artists including Elvis Presley recorded some of their biggest hits. To explore another important side of Nashville's past, visit the National Museum of African American Music or the nearby Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library.

When you need a break from the city buzz, stroll through Centennial Park and check out the full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Alternatively, head to the trendy 12 South neighbourhood, where colourful murals, independent shops and restaurants make it a great place to spend a few hours.

Elvis Presley and Graceland – do we need to say more? Well, Memphis has plenty more going for it. Known as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and an important home of blues and soul, music is deeply woven into the city's identity. Head down to Beale Street, where live music pours out of the bars and clubs, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most iconic streets in American music history.

And then there’s the food. Memphis is famous for its barbecue, particularly its slow-cooked, smoky pork ribs and pulled pork. Forget fancy restaurants – some of the city's best-known BBQ joints are laid-back spots where the food does all the talking.

But Memphis isn't only about music and food. The city sits on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, so take a walk along the waterfront or head to Tom Lee Park for views across the river. You can also learn more about the city's role in the Civil Rights Movement at the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

Of course, no visit to Memphis would be complete without a trip to Graceland. Explore Elvis's former home, see where the King of Rock 'n' Roll lived and get a glimpse into the life of one of America's most iconic musicians.

Welcome to Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Jackson has a growing music scene, with venues ranging from heavy metal and indie rock to blues and bluegrass. It is also a great place to get a taste of Southern culture, whether you're browsing local shops, checking out the food scene or simply taking in the laid-back atmosphere. And whatever you do, don't leave without sitting down at a local diner and trying a slice of peach cobbler. 

Jackson also has a fascinating and often complex history. If you're interested in learning more about the Civil Rights Movement, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum offers an important insight into the struggles and events that shaped the state and the wider USA.

For even more history, take a short drive west to Vicksburg, situated on the banks of the Mississippi River. The small historic city played a major role in the American Civil War, and the Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg. Drive or walk through the battlefield, see the monuments and memorials, and learn more about the events that took place here.

New Orleans is a city like no other, where jazz, blues, Creole culture, voodoo and the craziness of Mardi Gras come together. Start your exploration in the French Quarter, where colourful buildings, wrought-iron balconies and lively bars line the historic streets. Go on a pub crawl, listen to live music and get down and dirty on Bourbon Street before sampling legendary local dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys and beignets.

Voodoo is an important part of New Orleans' cultural history, with roots in West African religious practices brought to Louisiana by enslaved people and later influenced by Haitian and Catholic traditions. In the 19th century, Voodoo practitioners such as the famous Marie Laveau became influential figures in the city. Today, Voodoo is still practised in New Orleans, and you can learn more about its history at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or on a guided tour.

We also have to mention Mardi Gras, New Orleans' legendary Carnival celebration with parades, elaborate floats, costumes, marching bands and throws filling the streets. The exact date changes every year, as Mardi Gras marks the festivities before the Christian season of Lent but it usually takes place around January and February. 

Want to explore the city's darker side? Join a ghost tour through the atmospheric streets of the French Quarter and hear the stories, legends and mysterious happenings that have helped give New Orleans its spooky reputation.

Pensacola is a great place to slow down. Hang out downtown, grab a local brew, explore the shops and cafés or rent a bike and head towards the coast. The city also has a fascinating history, with sites such as Fort Pickens, Fort Barrancas and Arcadia Mill offering a glimpse into the area's past.

Pensacola is also home to some seriously beautiful beaches, with soft white sand and clear Gulf waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing or simply relaxing after a few busy days on the road. Pensacola Beach and the nearby Gulf Islands National Seashore are both worth checking out, so don't forget your bathing suit.

Savannah is a city of grand colonial architecture, atmospheric cemeteries and fascinating history. It's also known as one of the most haunted cities in the USA, so don't be surprised if you get a few chills while wandering its historic streets. With centuries of stories behind almost every corner, Savannah is the kind of place where it's easy to let your imagination run wild.

If you've had enough of ghosts and gravestones, head down to River Street and swap the spooky atmosphere for the lively waterfront. Grab a local draft, find a spot overlooking the Savannah River and watch the world go by.

And if you're a fan of the all-time classic Forrest Gump, you'll recognise some of the city's streets and squares from the film. You can even visit Chippewa Square, where Forrest famously sat on the bench telling his life story. The actual bench used in the film has since been moved to the Savannah History Museum, where you can see it for yourself.

Being a coastal town, Charleston offers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, whether you fancy trying some water sports, heading out sailing or simply spending a lazy day on the beach. After all those hours behind the wheel, a bit of sea air and sunshine might be exactly what you need.

If you're ready to stretch your legs, Charleston is also a great city to explore on foot. Wander through the historic streets, admire the colourful houses and charming architecture, and make your way to Rainbow Row, one of the city's most recognisable spots. Take your time, stop for a coffee or a bite to eat along the way, and soak up Charleston's relaxed Southern charm.

Back in Atlanta, it’s time to drop off your car and wrap up your Southern road trip. In this itinerary, we've included flights home from Atlanta, but maybe you're not quite ready to say goodbye to the South just yet? Or perhaps there are a few more places you'd like to explore?

No worries, just get in touch with us, and we'll be happy to help you plan the next part of your journey.