The South is an intriguing region of America. It has its own distinct history, identity, cuisine, and music. In other words, the American South has a unique culture that is acknowledged by the rest of the country and even the world. As such, it makes sense that Southern cities reflect the culture of their region, which makes them great locations for travel. In fact, a roadtrip throughout this region would be perfect!
DISCLAIMER: Of course, there are quite a few cities that are worth visiting that didn't make it onto this list, but these 5 are a good starting point from which you can branch out/take suggestions from. I would like to say that these are MY OPINIONS that I wish to share with you.
In no particular order......
1) Birmingham, Alabama
Ah yes, Magic City, how you annoy and excite me at once. Birmingham makes this list because this was the city where I went to college. I confess that this is a pure love hate relationship. However, I do believe it to be a must visit, even if you are just passing through due to the city's pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement. I would recommend The Vulcan (the picture is shot from there), Sloss Furnaces, and the Civil Rights Museum.
2) Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is pretty much the 'big city' in the South. It has everything you could possibly want, from shopping to museums to world class dining. I've been here several times and have enjoyed each trip, with the last one being a quick pass through with a noteworthy visit to the CNN Center. Watch out for the traffic though and make sure to plan your day out accordingly because Atlanta has all of the hustle and bustle of big cities.
3) Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a fantastic vacation spot in North Carolina. It's a great tourist destination due to America's largest private home, Biltmore Estate, being positioned in it, as well as a National Forest. The best times to visit are during the Spring and Summer. We went during November, so it was cold with minimal sunshine. That being said, I would recommend staying here for a few days, so that you can hike, zipline, visit Biltmore, and just take a moment to enjoy and relax in this beautiful city.
4) Memphis, Tennessee
If you truly want to get a grip of the origin of the South's music scene, Memphis is the place to go. From the world-famous Beale Street to Elvis Presley's home Graceland to Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock n' roll, Memphis is knee deep in American musical history. Oh, and make sure to try out their world renown barbeque!
5) New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy is, in my opinion, the most unique and culturally rich city in the United States. The French influence in New Orleans is palpable in everything: the city's name, food, and architecture. Spend an afternoon at the French Quarter and have some world famous beigents at Cafe du Monde with cafe au lait. The Riverwalk, Garden District, and Bourbon Street are also hot spots. A day trip to the River Road Plantations is also a much. Make sure to try out some Cajun food while you're at it!
What are your favorite Southern cities?
Best Wishes,
The Pseudo Southerner
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