Southern States Destination Guide

A visit to the southern states is to step back in time and admire those places which are part of American history. The battlegrounds of the Civil War, the scenes of the Civil Rights movement epitomised by Martin Luther King, the luxuriant Smoky Mountains and the delicate, charming antebellum architecture of the oh so correct southern society are all yours to appreciate. And for the jazz and blues lovers amongst you, it’s the opportunity to immerse yourself in musical history.

The state of Tennessee is renowned for its musical links. Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music with the Grand Ole Opry, America’s longest running radio show, its most famous attraction. On the state’s eastern borders lie the beautiful "Great Smokies" and the National Park, which is one of the most visited areas in the state and in the west, flows "ole man river" Mississippi. In between, there’s the family resort of Pigeon Forge and the revitalised city of Chattanooga as well as the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg.

Chattanooga - Located in the south eastern corner of the state overlooking both Georgia and Alabama, 128 miles from Nashville and 333 miles from Memphis. The city is famous as the home of the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the turn of the century Terminal Station, which is not only now open for visitors but also overnight guests.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park - This part of the Appalachian chain is named after the blue haze that often hangs in the air. It boasts 16 peaks that soar more than 6,000 feet. Located 224 miles from Nashville, it is particularly beautiful in the spring when the ground is covered with a bright collection of wild flowers or in the fall when the foliage starts to turn. Hiking and horse-riding are popular pastimes in the summer.

Memphis - The blues capital and home of the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis Presley - lies in the south western corner of Tennessee on the banks of the winding, muddy Mississippi. Beale Street is the centre for the blues and is filled to bursting with clubs and restaurants whilst Sun Studio is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, where Elvis recorded his first hits.

Things to see and do in Memphis

Graceland - the 14 acre estate of Elvis Presley where visitors can view the home, stage-clothes, gold record collection, cars, private jets and final resting place of the ‘King’. The tour gives a real insight into the life and impact Elvis had on Memphis and the world.

National Civil Rights Museum - located in the Lorraine Motel where Dr Martin Luther King Jnr was assassinated in 1968. The museum  focuses on the life of Dr King and the struggle for civil rights both in the USA and around the world.

Sun Studio - Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, BB King and Jerry Lee Lewis cut their first records here and it is where bands such as U2 still record today.

Beale Street - Beale Street is the life and soul of Memphis offering a selection of bars, shops and restaurants. Check out BB King’s nightclub, the eccentric A. Schwab’s store and the home of W.C. Handy, ‘the father of the blues’.

Mud Island - a tribute to the legends, people and music of the Mississippi. Visit the Mississippi River Museum and Riverwalk, a five block scale model of the great river.

The Peabody Hotel - a Memphis landmark famous for its twice daily duck parade at 11am and 5pm.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum - a fascinating museum which tells the story of the sounds that came from the fields, alleys, juke joints and choir lofts which collided in the city of Memphis. Featuring the Smithsonian Institution’s "Rock ‘n’ Soul: A Social Crossroads" permanent exhibit located inside the Gibson Factory.

Gibson Guitar Factory - Tour the factory of the world famous Gibson guitars. See it all from fitting, sanding and painting to electronics installation, tuning and packing of American-made worldplayed Gibson guitars.

STAX - The new STAX Museum tells the story of the world’s premier soul music record label. Celebrate great Memphis soul music by Otis Redding, Booker T, and the MGs, Isaac Hayes, the Bar-Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire and others.

The Pyramid - as Memphis was named after an Egyptian city, it has to have its own pyramid.

Top Tips

Visit Al Green’s Full Gospel Tabernacle for a stirring Sunday morning service. An amazing experience for all no matter what your faith - trust us, it is very special.

Listen to the best blues in the world at BB Kings on Beale Street.

Experience the best ribs in town at "Rendezvous" restaurant, but book early, otherwise you will miss out.

Nashville - ‘Music City USA’, as Nashville is known, is the undisputed capital of country music and the Grand Ole Opry is its most famous attraction.

Things to see and do in Nashville

Grand Ole Opry - A famed country music spectacular that is the longest running radio show in the U.S. There are performances on Friday and Saturday nights year round in the world’s largest broadcasting studio, which holds over 4,000 people.

General Jackson - Take a day or evening cruise on the Cumberland River aboard an authentic paddlewheel showboat.

Ryman Auditorium - Most famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman now houses a variety of shows and concerts. Self guided tours are available during the day.

The Hermitage - Magnificent plantation home of former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, in the grounds is a 28,000 square foot museum and visitor’s centre.

Country Music Hall of Fame - Traces the history of country music in a new $40 million downtown museum. View films, photography, costumes and instruments of the famous. Exhibits include Elvis’ ‘solid gold’ cadillac. Live entertainment daily.

Belmont Mansion - An Italianate mansion built by Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest women in America during the civil war.

The District - Music city’s downtown neighbourhood, featuring blocks of charming hundred year-old buildings which house chic restaurants, hip nightclubs and trendy shops.

Top Tips

Whether a fan or not, you must visit the new Country Music Hall of Fame when in Nashville.

From Nashville drive 75 miles south to the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg for a free tour.

If in Nashville at the weekend, get a ticket for the Grand Ole Opry - after all, it’s what made the city famous.

Best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is more comfortable.

Pigeon Forge - A family resort that is situated just five miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and located 214 miles from Nashville and 420 miles from Memphis. Pigeon Forge is famous as the home of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s unique theme park that combines thrill rides (including the River Rampage and the new Smoky Mountain Wilderness Adventure), seven different musical stages and Dolly’s Splash County - a 25 acre waterpark.

Attractions in Tennessee

Memphis Music Attraction Package - Purchase one ticket for admission to all of the following attractions at one low price! Graceland ticket includes entrance to the mansion, record collection, car and plane collection plus the final resting place itself.

• Graceland Platinum Admission

• Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum Admission

• Stax Museum of American Soul Music

• Sun Studios Admission

from £39 per person

Discover Nashville Tour - Includes a tour of Music Row and the Ryman Auditorium. from £22 per person

Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame from £12 per person

New Orleans Super City Tour from £19 per person

Louisiana consists of five regions, all of which boast fabulous cuisine, distinct music styles, exotic history, hundreds of year round festivals, tax free shopping and good old southern hospitality. New Orleans is the jewel in her crown, although Baton Rouge, the state capital and Lafayette in the midst of the meandering scenic back roads of Cajun Country, both deserve a visit.

New Orleans - Founded in the 1700s by the French, New Orleans is the South’s premier port and one of America’s most unique cities. Situated on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, which dominates the whole of the city, is the famous French Quarter. Renowned for its jazz musicians, superb food, party atmosphere (especially during Mardi Gras) and laid back attitude, the 'Big Easy’ is a city not to be missed.

Things to see and do in New Orleans

Bourbon Street - The main street in the ‘French Quarter’ is home to almost round-the-clock jazz and café style bars serving the aptly named drink - Hurricane. Now also home to many gift shops and strip joints, which adds to its rowdy, raunchy image!

Royal Street - Boasting the most distinctive architecture and the city’s finest antique shops.

Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral - Formerly the town’s main square during the French colonial settlement and situated at the front of the French Quarter, it is now a pleasant area to stroll around and watch the street theatre, browse in the shops or view local artists. The beautiful St. Louis Cathedral dominates the square and tours are offered every day except Sundays.

Mississippi River - When in New Orleans, take a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. Day and night time jazz cruises are available.

Voodoo Museum - New Orleans is home to voodoo, the ancient African religion. There are many voodoo shops, a small museum and even a voodoo walking tour of the French Quarter.

French Market - This has been a farmer’s market for over 200 years. Today its colourful sights and atmosphere make it well worth a visit.

Louisiana Superdome - One of the city’s best known landmarks. Home of the New Orleans Saints and the annual "Sugar Bowl Classic" sports event. Tours offered Monday to Friday.

Swamps and Bayous - Just outside New Orleans are a wide number of mysterious bayous. Tours on air boats through the bayou are available.

Aquarium of the Americas - Situated on the banks of the Mississippi, it houses over 7,000 aquatic creatures in over 60 separate displays and four environments.

The place

Although New Orleans itself covers an eight mile stretch from the Mississippi to Lake Pontchartrain, the most famous part of the city - the old French Quarter - is easily walkable and with car parking expensive and in short supply, this is just as well. The Garden District is full of old southern antebellum homes and the Arts District has restaurants, art galleries, bars and clubs. We recommend taking a city tour or perhaps one of the carriage rides offered from Jackson Square.

The shopping

Away from Bourbon and Royal Street, try the Riverwalk Marketplace and the New Orleans Centre near the Superdome. Canal Place shopping centre on Canal Street is also worth a visit.

The nightlife

The French Quarter is where everything happens. Make sure you visit Preservation Hall, a ramshackle old building that has offered the most authentic jazz experience in town since the 1960s. The audience sits on wooden stalls and listens to small Dixieland bands play. There’s a huge choice of bars, often with live music – paradise for the jazz lover. For eating out the ‘restaurant row’ area close to the French Market is a good choice. New Orleans cuisine reflects the blend of all the historic influences from Creole to French, Caribbean and African and there is plenty of spice about!

Top Tips

Take in a coffee and beignet at the Café du Monde in Jackson Square - open 24 hours and a tradition since 1862.

If you want to visit Preservation Hall, get there early as queues form.

Get up late and take your time over breakfast at the famous Brennans restaurant.

Visit Pat O’Briens courtyard for a famous "hurricane". One should be enough!

Be aware of the long, hot and sticky summer months when it’s hard to stay cool. On the plus side, though, most places are air-conditioned and hotel prices are often lower!

Known as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama offers a truly diverse taste of the Deep South from the striking natural beauty of the rivers, lakes and canyons in the North to the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast. Visit Gulf Shores on the beach and then travel through Montgomery and Birmingham to learn something of Alabama's Civil Rights and Civil War past. Travel up to Huntsville to the US Space and Rocket Centre and experience beautiful architecture, great music, the Robert Trent Jones Trail and famous Southern hospitality on the way!

Top sights and attractions

Baldwin County Beaches (Gulf Shores/Orange Beach)     

U.S. Space and Rocket Center                                       

Bellingrath Gardens and Home                                        

Alabama State Capitol                                                    

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The Empire State of the South covers a terrain that ranges from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the north to coastal plains and on towards the glorious beaches of the Golden Isles. Fast paced, modern Atlanta is a startling contrast to lazy, colonial Savannah. 

With the mighty river forming its western border, the Magnolia State with its lush, abundant flowers is rich in history dotted, as it is, with Civil War  battlegrounds. Vicksburg is a must if your interest lies in this period. Biloxi, on the Gulf Coast, is perfect for sun, sand and relaxation before or after a visit to a casino! Natchez, filled with its antebellum architecture, is a delight and a drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway, which stretches all the way to Nashville, is enchanting. 

North Carolina has long been known as the home of the First Flight and the birthplace of motor sports, however there are many more reasons to visit this delightful state.  All regions offer a treasure trove of natural wonders, so whether you’re after a sedate beach experience, an opportunity to see the magnificent kaleidoscope of ‘Fall’ colours, the chance to enjoy the panoramic views offered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, a game on one of the 600 golf courses or an adventure-packed white-water rafting trip, North Carolina truly has it all.

For those looking to find out more about the rich heritage, the offerings are as diverse as finding out more about the revival of the Cherokee culture in the westernmost part of the state or exploring the 18th century Moravian town of Old Salem.  And wherever you go you can count on a warm southern welcome.

With a buzzing city scene in Raleigh, Charlotte and throughout the state coupled with fantastic shopping opportunities and restaurants to suit every taste and pocket, it’s little wonder that North Carolina’s also becoming increasingly popular as a short break destination.

Ideal for a fly-drive holiday, come enjoy North Carolina’s great range of outdoor activities, rich native American heritage, famous southern hospitality and four vibrant seasons.

South Carolina offers miles of long, wide sandy beaches, sparkling lakes and slow winding rivers, breathtaking scenic vistas and thundering waterfalls, majestic cities, vibrant coastal resorts and friendly small towns.  Over 200 days of sunshine each year provide an ideal climate for many holiday activities; whether relaxing on the beach, playing golf, sightseeing, shopping or trying white water rafting for the first time.

Charleston, founded in 1670 is a contemporary city with old world charm.  Narrow streets are lined with grand colonial houses and stunning gardens, and the magnificent mansions of “The Battery” look out onto Fort Sumter, site of the first shots of the Civil War.  The historic district in Charleston is a delight to stroll through and is full of boutique shops, art galleries, museums, cafes and restaurants.  Meanwhile some of the South’s most beautiful plantation homes and gardens are just a short drive away.   

The Myrtle Beach area boasts sixty miles of sandy beach.  It is ideal for families offering exciting shows, theme parks and water parks, crazy golf, water-sports, outlet shopping and fine restaurants serving incredible fresh seafood.  For golfers, the area is world famous, offering a choice of over 125 golf courses

Hilton Head Island is perfect for those looking to escape it all and relax.  Luxury resorts complement world-class golf courses and tennis courts for sports enthusiasts, cycling, and horse riding and kayaking.  The beaches are wide and sandy – perfect for sunbathing, family games or an evening stroll.  

The Upstate region offers magnificent views and plenty of adventure with white water rafting on the Chattooga National Wild & Scenic River.  Mountain biking, hiking and horse riding are also popular, especially in the autumn when the leaves change from lush greens to a stunning array of rich colours.

Like a talented actor, North Carolina’s beautifully diverse landscape can play any role and has over 600 films to its credit.  Spectacular mountain ranges rise to the west while tides roll lazily against 300 pristine miles of gulf-stream warmed coastline. In between lie the gentle hills of the Heartland, the state’s primary cities and Pinehurst’s famous fairways, host of the 2005 US Open.