SOUTH TRAVEL GUIDE

Introduction

The South beckons with its unique blend of experiences, and its diverse offerings make it an ideal destination for an unforgettable road trip. Whether you’re meandering through picturesque pastures or navigating winding roads amidst the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, the South promises scenic wonders at every turn. Embark on a captivating journey along the 1,932-kilometer Coast Highway, stretching from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tranquil embrace of ocean beaches. Along the way, savor the warmth of Southern hospitality in charming small towns and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of music history that permeates the region. The possibilities for exploration and discovery are boundless.

Exploring the Great Outdoors from Atlantic Shores to Forested Peaks

Embark on a journey of renewal amidst the natural wonders of the American South. Navigate the thrilling rapids of West Virginia’s lush Appalachian Mountains on a rafting adventure. Venture to Arkansas to unearth gems at Crater of Diamonds State Park and indulge in the soothing hot springs. Glide through the salt marshes of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, via kayak, and traverse the scenic Appalachian Trail in Georgia. In North Carolina, immerse yourself in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (also accessible from Tennessee) and revel in the untamed beauty of the Outer Banks’ pristine beaches. Descend into the depths of Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and embark on a picturesque drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway, making stops at scenic sites in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

A Tapestry of Fascinating History and Diverse Cultures

Whether your interests lie in immersing yourself in local culture, delving into the annals of history, or exploring cutting-edge technology, the South offers a wealth of experiences through its historic sites, museums, and monuments. Journey through Civil War battlegrounds, monuments, and memorial museums, from Harpers Valley, West Virginia, to Charleston, South Carolina, to Richmond, Virginia. Trace the pivotal figures and moments of the U.S. civil rights movement in places like Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas. Marvel at the historic Vanderbilt estate at the enchanting Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Uncover the latest technological marvels at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and embark on a cinematic tour of filming locations in Georgia, known as the “Hollywood of the South.”

Vibrant Performances and Music Legends

The South is the birthplace of America’s musical heritage, with jazz, blues, and bluegrass as its core. Follow West Virginia’s Mountain Music Trail to delve into the world of Appalachian melodies. Groove to banjo-infused bluegrass tunes in Kentucky and bask in the soulful Delta blues of Mississippi. Immerse yourself in the history of blues at the National Blues Museum in St. Louis, Missouri. Swing your partner at a lively zydeco bar in Lafayette, Louisiana, or stumble upon a captivating brass band while strolling the streets of New Orleans. Pay homage to the legendary Elvis Presley at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, and visit his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. Step into the boyhood home of music icon Johnny Cash in Dyess, Arkansas, and stand in the hallowed recording spaces of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and Fame Recording Studios in Alabama. Nashville’s honky-tonks and clubs offer non-stop live music, 24/7. Fans of country superstar Dolly Parton won’t want to miss her theme park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Delectable Culinary Delights Across the Region

Infused with influences from diverse cultures, including Native American, African, Spanish, and French, Southern cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors. In West Virginia, savor the unique flavors of wild leeks, ramps, and the native Golden Delicious apple featured on restaurant menus. Make peaches a must-try in Georgia. Indulge in the spicy and flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes of Louisiana, and explore the world of spirits along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. In Kansas City, Missouri, relish a plate of spice-rubbed burnt ends crafted from smoky beef brisket, or savor roasted pork with a tangy vinegar and pepper sauce in Lexington, North Carolina. South Carolina beckons with its shrimp and grits, while Birmingham, Alabama, offers creative farm-to-table dining experiences. Along the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, or Chesapeake Bay, discover inventive takes on the freshest seafood at beachfront restaurants that promise culinary delights.

1. Alabama:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, Alabama has a population of approximately 5 million people.
• Major Airports: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), Huntsville International Airport (HSV), Mobile Regional Airport (MOB).
• The Weather: Alabama experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with occasional snowfall in the northern part of the state.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Dothan, Auburn, Decatur, Madison.
• Top National Parks: None, but it has several state parks.
• Top 10 Attractions: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Gulf Shores Beaches, Space Camp in Huntsville, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Noccalula Falls Park, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Natchez Trace Parkway, Alabama Coastal Connection.

2. Arkansas:

• Location and Population: Located in the southern central United States, Arkansas has a population of around 3 million.
• Major Airports: Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA).
• The Weather: Arkansas experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with occasional snowfall in the northern regions.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff, Bentonville.
• Top National Parks: Hot Springs National Park.
• Top 10 Attractions: Hot Springs National Park, Crater of Diamonds State Park, Buffalo National River, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Pig Trail Scenic Byway, Scenic 7 Byway.

3. Georgia:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, Georgia has a population of approximately 11 million.
• Major Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
• The Weather: Georgia experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, with occasional snowfall in the northern part of the state.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens, Sandy Springs, Macon, Roswell, Albany, Johns Creek.
• Top National Parks: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
• Top 10 Attractions: Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Forsyth Park, Stone Mountain Park, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Georgia’s Antebellum Trail, Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway.

4. Kentucky:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, Kentucky has a population of around 4.5 million.
• Major Airports: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
• The Weather: Kentucky experiences all four seasons, with humid summers and cold winters.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington, Richmond, Georgetown, Florence, Hopkinsville, Nicholasville.
• Top National Parks: Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Top 10 Attractions: Churchill Downs, Mammoth Cave National Park, Keeneland Race Course, Ark Encounter, Bourbon Trail, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Bourbon Trail, Red River Gorge Scenic Byway.

5. Louisiana:

• Location and Population: Located in the southern United States, Louisiana has a population of approximately 4.7 million.
• Major Airports: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR).
• The Weather: Louisiana has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Kenner, Bossier City, Monroe, Alexandria, Houma.
• Top National Parks: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
• Top 10 Attractions: French Quarter in New Orleans, Mardi Gras, Swamp Tours, Oak Alley Plantation, Tabasco Factory Tour, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Creole Nature Trail, Great River Road.

6. Mississippi:

• Location and Population: Located in the southern United States, Mississippi has a population of approximately 3 million.
• Major Airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN), Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT).
• The Weather: Mississippi experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, Meridian, Tupelo, Greenville, Olive Branch, Horn Lake.
• Top National Parks: Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore.
• Top 10 Attractions: Elvis Presley’s Birthplace, Vicksburg National Military Park, Gulf Coast Beaches, Natchez Trace Parkway, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi Blues Trail.

7. Missouri:

• Location and Population: Located in the central United States, Missouri has a population of approximately 6.2 million.
• Major Airports: Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL), Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
• The Weather: Missouri experiences a variety of climates, with hot summers and cold winters.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee’s Summit, O’Fallon, St. Joseph, St. Charles, Blue Springs.
• Top National Parks: Gateway Arch National Park.
• Top 10 Attractions: Gateway Arch, Branson, St. Louis Zoo, Silver Dollar City, Lake of the Ozarks, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Route 66 in Missouri, Katy Trail.

8. North Carolina:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, North Carolina has a population of approximately 10.5 million.
• Major Airports: Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).
• The Weather: North Carolina experiences a range of climates, from coastal mild to mountainous cold.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, High Point, Greenville.
• Top National Parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (shared with Tennessee).
• Top 10 Attractions: Biltmore Estate, Great Smoky Mountains, Outer Banks, Blue Ridge Parkway, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Blue Ridge Parkway, Outer Banks Scenic Byway.

9. South Carolina:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, South Carolina has a population of approximately 5.2 million.
• Major Airports: Charleston International Airport (CHS), Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP).
• The Weather: South Carolina experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hilton Head Island, Florence.
• Top National Parks: Congaree National Park.
• Top 10 Attractions: Historic Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Fort Sumter, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Lowcountry Plantations and Gardens, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway.

10. Tennessee:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, Tennessee has a population of approximately 6.9 million.
• Major Airports: Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis International Airport (MEM).
• The Weather: Tennessee experiences a variety of climates, from humid subtropical to continental.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Jackson, Johnson City, Bartlett.
• Top National Parks: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (shared with North Carolina), Mammoth Cave National Park (shared with Kentucky).
• Top 10 Attractions: Graceland, Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood, Beale Street, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee Whiskey Trail.

11. Virginia:

• Location and Population: Located in the southeastern United States, Virginia has a population of approximately 8.5 million.
• Major Airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
• The Weather: Virginia experiences a variety of climates, from coastal to mountainous.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, Roanoke, Portsmouth, Suffolk.
• Top National Parks: Shenandoah National Park, Great Falls Park.
• Top 10 Attractions: Colonial Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, Monticello, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway.

12. West Virginia:

• Location and Population: Located in the Appalachian region of the eastern United States, West Virginia has a population of approximately 1.8 million.
• Major Airports: Yeager Airport (CRW), North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB).
• The Weather: West Virginia experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers.
• Top 10 Biggest Cities: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Weirton, Fairmont, Beckley, Martinsburg, Clarksburg.
• Top National Parks: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
• Top 10 Attractions: New River Gorge, Seneca Rocks, Greenbrier Bunker, and more.
• Notable Road Trips: Highland Scenic Highway, Midland Trail Scenic Byway

Enjoy the south states!