THE US south is experiencing a surge in popularity, with the region’s culture, music and dining a offering powerful tourist pull. We asked Visit the USA to give us a rundown of the best roadtrip to see all the south’s unique attractions.
They suggested a start in Atlanta, Georgia, where some of the south’s most notable and vibrant tourist attractions are on display, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola museum, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN’s headquarters and Martin Luther King Jr’s birthplace.
From here, carry on to Nashville, Tennessee, where music fans of all genres come to celebrate their favourites. Some of the most notable spots in the Music City include RCA Studio B, where legends such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson recorded famous hits. Walk the Music City Walk of Fame; be sure to hit up the Johnny Cash Museum, and of course, don’t miss the Grand Ole Orpy, the world’s longest-running live radio show.
End the trip in New Orleans, Louisiana, but by no means is this a city where you can “wind down”. Everyone knows of NOLA’s iconic French Quarter and Garden Districts, but if you’re hungry, be sure to stop along the way and sample local flavours such as a po’boy, chased with a pecan praline. If your legs get tired, ride one of the city’s many streetcar lines — the St. Charles Avenue is the oldest continually-operating streetcar in the world. Once you get off, be sure to check out local institutions such as Preservation Hall to hear some live jazz music, where you may then perhaps enjoy a chance to relax.
