America's Deep South: top must-see attractions
A small group holiday can be a great way to explore America's many fascinating destinations. If you have a real passion for music, one region you must not miss out on visiting is the Deep South - but what should you include on your itinerary?
Of course, America is such a vast nation that there's always plenty to see and do, which can make narrowing down your to-do list difficult. If you opt for Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis tours, you can take in the Deep South's top musical sites - and some important historical attractions too.
Indeed, this kind of travel to America can whisk you to important spots such as Elvis's birthplace and the legendary Beale Street.
Starting off in Atlanta, you can make your way to Lynchburg and take a tour of the Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distillery. Continuing the day's journey, you'll finish up in the capital of country music, Nashville.
This is home to an abundance of attractions to intrigue and delight music fans. For example, it is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can learn all about the genre's great musicians and the story of Country music as a whole.
The next stop is Memphis, which boasts a fascinating past - particularly for blues aficionados. There's plenty of street music to listen too, while you can also head into the Blues clubs in the evening.
Beale Street is a must-visit and is famous for its numerous Blues clubs, while you'll also be able to visit Elvis Presley's former home, Graceland.
Sun Studio, which has played host to stars such as Johnny Cash, is another essential place to stop at and, if you're interested in exploring more than the local music history, make your way to the National Civil Rights Museum.
Your next destination will be Clarksdale, but you'll stop somewhere equally exciting en route - Tupelo. This is where Elvis Presley was born and you'll be able to look around his childhood home - and even visit the store where he bought his first guitar!
Referred to by many as the birthplace of Blues, Clarksdale is home to attractions such as the Delta Blues Museum, the Ground Zero Blues Club and the Historic Blues District.
Next you will visit the first settlement to spring up along the Mississippi River, Natchez. This is where the Mississippi riverboat was born - and the destination was also once at the heart of the slave trade. While you're here, take a tour of the historic district to find out more about this one-time capital of Mississippi Territory.
Heading on to Lafayette, you can have another amazing musical experience. Zydeco and Cajun beats can be discovered here - particularly if you stop by Angelle's Whiskey River Landing to check out the live music scene. What's more, as this has been pronounced one of America's top 50 bars, you'll know it is a great place for a relaxing drink.
New Orleans should be next on your itinerary. Spend a few days getting to know the Big Easy and its charming medley of cultural influences, which span Creole, Cajun and European.
In the evenings, you can soak up the live music scene, while one night you will also be able to go on a Mississippi riverboat dinner cruise and experience amazing local cuisine.
Continuing your journey, you will arrive in Alabama's largest city, Birmingham. Once the hub of the Civil Rights Movement, this is the perfect place to learn about this important slice of history. Head to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Museum to learn more about its story and role in the 1950s and 60s.
There are also some musical attractions to see here too, such as the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Once you have explored Birmingham, you'll travel back to Atlanta - which is often referred to as the New York of the south and is a great place to end your tour.
Whether you're looking for a fun family adventure, a gap year experience or simply a holiday with a difference, spending some time getting to know America is always exciting. With so much diversity, it has something to offer everyone. Why not book your getaway today?
