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The southern states of the USA don’t always make it easy for a European: people here are conservative, voting primarily Republican, defending their right to arms, and in some cases glorifying racist pasts. On the other hand, there is warm hospitality, great cities and a great musical tradition (after all, jazz was invented here). Should you love “Dixieland,” also called the South, or should it be frowned upon? Probably both. That’s why a road trip through Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana and Co. is perhaps the most immersive experience in the land of endless opportunity.
Stop 1: Atlanta, Georgia
With the world’s largest airport and great connections in all directions, Atlanta is the perfect starting point for a road trip – rent a car and fly! But the “capital of the south” is worth a stop on its own. You definitely need to get used to the metropolitan area’s six million inhabitants (two-thirds of the Swiss population, after all) and the typical American high canyons – but the Georgia state capital also offers quieter areas: Inman Park, Cabbagetown, Summerhill. The best way to explore is on foot or by bike along the “Beltline”, a walking and biking trail on a former railway line. Do not miss: For families with children, you should definitely visit the Coca-Cola Museum.
Fly: To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the quiet Grant Park neighborhood and Little Tart Bakeshop, the city’s best bakery, located next to the historic Oakland Cemetery (worth visiting). Definitely the best croissants in the south!
2nd stop: Savannah, Georgia
The route from Atlanta to Savannah is perhaps the most tedious in the entire South: a four-hour straight drive through cotton fields and marshland. For this you will be rewarded with the oldest city in Georgia, founded in 1733. Old Town Savannah is best explored on foot, with 400-year-old oak trees lining the cobblestone streets, 22 public squares, well-preserved historic buildings, and plenty of ghost stories. With its picturesque fountain and gardens, Forsyth Park is the heart of the city and makes a great base.
Fly: One of the most beautiful squares in Savannah is Chippewa Square. There you will find the lovely Café Gallery Espresso, where you can easily chat with the locals.
3rd stop: Charleston, South Carolina
A short two-hour drive takes you to Savannah’s “sister”, Charleston, after which the famous 1920s dance was named. The port city has one of the best preserved 18th and 19th century cityscapes in the entire United States. But don’t be fooled by the weird and very photogenic look: Charleston has a dark past. The city was the largest trading center for slaves in America. Following the rejection of the abolition of slavery, the American Civil War began here in 1861 (the Old Slave March Museum has a good overview of the slave trade). By the way: The best way to start your day of Sigtsseing is with the nationally known cookies from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits (King Street). Tasty!
Fly: Bowen’s Island Restaurant (Folly Beach) has the best Low Country Boil, a typical shrimp, sausage, corn and potato casserole. With its marshland views and great ambiance, this popular family run restaurant is a must.
4th stop: Asheville, North Carolina
After four and a half hours north, the peaceful Blue Ridge Mountains appear on the horizon – a mountain range with “hills” up to 2000 meters high. After the walk, head to the beautiful town of Asheville to take a beer tour of many of the 40 local boutique breweries. Asheville has one of the most impressive collections of Art Deco buildings in the United States after Miami.
Fly: There are more than 15,000 black bears in North Carolina and it’s on the rise! To learn more about these elusive animals and local vegetation, take a guided hike with the naturalists at Asheville Walking Tours.
5th stop: Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville – the city where country music lives. A visit to the music city wouldn’t be complete without a tour, or better yet, a show at the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s most famous country stage, which also broadcasts a weekly radio show. All the major country elders have performed here and you can pay your respects to them in the Country Music Hall of Fame. In the evening, take the Honky Tonk Highway, Nashville’s liveliest street, full of bars with all kinds of live music.
Fly: For anyone who loves country music, a trip to Dollywood in the Smoky Mountains (between Asheville and Nashville) is a must. Singer Dolly Parton co-owns the kitschy amusement park with toys, bluegrass, and gospel shows. A great piece of Americana!
6th stop: New Orleans, Louisiana
Via Memphis (make sure to visit Elvis’ Graceland home), you get to the Big Easy, as Americans call the city of New Orleans. Jazz may have been invented here (and everything in town revolves around Dixieland, blues and their partners), but the Mississippi metropolis is also a top culinary destination: home to a delicious, unique mix of Cajun and French-Creol. flavors from gigantic Po’Boy sandwiches to fried beets, thick okra casserole and the legendary Cajun sausage boudin. With non-stop street music, a mix of cultures and voodoo houses, «Nola» perfectly embodies the slogan «Let the good times come», enjoy life!
Fly: Bourbon Street is the most popular bars street for live music, so it can get crowded and loud. Things are more relaxed on Frenchman Street.
7th stop: Birmingham, Alabama
On the way back to Atlanta, it’s worth a stop in the metropolis of Birmingham where you can immerse yourself in the history of racism and the civil rights movement. In Birmingham, the Ku Klux Klan raged particularly violently against the African-American freedom movement in the 1960s. The interactive “Birmingham Civil Rights Institute” provides an insight into this dark phase of history.
Fly: A road trip in America also includes “highway attractions”, which are often quite bizarre. One of them is located in Anniston, Alabama: the largest office chair in the world!
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
