Southern States – The Deep South
With its soft southern charm and seductive refined cities, not to mention the iconic centres of music and rich cultural heritage, The Southern States of America are a world of extremes awaiting discovery.
Head to America's Deep South for an unforgettable musical holiday, whether you prefer jazz, blues, country or rock'n'roll, you are sure to find your ideal destination in the southern states as well as an enchantingly, contagiously, laid-back attitude to life, mouth-watering Cajun and Creole dishes along with superb seafood.
Prepare yourself for the stunning natural beauty of diverse landscape that will greet you, including the Great Smoky Mountains, which are home to the highest mountain peaks in Eastern America and have an abundance of different species of trees and plants. Meander through the antebellum plantation houses of Charleston and the picturesque squares of Savannah, America’s most beautiful city.
Don't miss a trip up the magnificent Mississippi River on the General Jackson Showboat, with its strolling entertainment on the decks of this authentic paddle steamer.
Louisiana is a state of stunning natural beauty. It is steeped in history and vibrant cultural life. New Orleans, with its cosmopolitan style, epitomises this fascinating mixture. This exotic city is the cultural heart of Louisiana and the birthplace of jazz. Away from New Orleans, Sportsman paradise, in the north is an area of lakes, rolling hills and forests that are little discovered. The crossroads region is steeped in history, with a rich African – American heritage and grand old plantation homes dating back to the 1700s. Cajun Country is alive with song and dance, delicious spicy sea food and incredible folklore. In Louisiana, be prepared to let the good times roll – you’ll never forget it.
Georgia rich in history, culture fun and excitement just oozes old southern charm. The fine climate, combined with a wealth of natural attractions and dynamic towns and cities make it a superb holiday destination. In Georgia, you’ll find towering waterfalls, soaring mountains, plunging valleys, relaxing beaches and great, slow moving rivers. Try a hike along the Infamous Appalachian trail, or if you prefer something a little more leisurely how about a guided expedition through the gardens and ruins of Savannahs Historic district? There are hundreds of outdoor trails and tours, whether walking or driving Georgia vivid history is never far away. You’ll see military sites like Fort King George and architectural treasures such as beautifully restored mansions of the Jekyll Islands Row.
Alabama or Sweet home Alabama lives up to its name! As Alabama is a state that has sunshine for most of the year, with the weather warming up daily from March through to late October. Sweater and jackets will keep will keep the chill off during the winter months but snow and ice are rarities except in northern Alabama where the altitude is higher. The cities and towns couldn’t be more different from one another from the International shopping and nightlife of the metropolitan cities to the slower pace of the quaint small towns. Some of the world’s best golf courses are nestled with in this state, including the world famous Robert Trent Jones golf trail. Alabama has it all.
Tennessee is a land of surprises. The cities are alive with music – after all this is where you’ll find the home of the blues, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the country music capital of the world!
Memphis in the west and Nashville in the central part of the state offer numerous opportunities to enjoy hours of music and immerse yourself in the history of your favourite stars. In between the two you can enjoy some fascinating national parks, like Cherokee National Forest, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Shiloh National Military Park. The emphasis is definitely on music in Tennessee but there are surprises around every corner.
Whilst in Memphis, take in a tour around Graceland and Elvis Presley colossal Mansion, where you can admire his collection of cars, musical awards and board his private jet and then stop off at the Rock ‘ n’ Soul museum and Sun Studios where BB King and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded songs and while away the evenings on the electric clubs and music bars on Beale Street.
Moving onto Nashville, here you arrive at the capital of country music - visit the numerous recording studios on Music Row before heading to the Country Music Hall of Fame and recording your own track ? Toast your music debut with a drink in the world famous Grand Ole Opry.
For more information, and inspiration, on Southern States and America holidays follow the links below.
Link to: Southern States Holidays
Link to: America Holidays