US Southern States
The historic and multi-cultural Southern States, stretching from Louisiana to Georgia and up to Kentucky, offer a mixture of experiences for visitors of all tastes to enjoy. From Civil Rights to Civil War, from cotton fields to plantation homes and from Martin Luther King to Elvis, the South evokes many thoughts and images. Relax with a round of golf or a day at the fine beaches of South Carolina. Stroll the leafy streets of beautiful Savannah and
Charleston, and savour the South’s unique and distinctive musical heritage: country in Nashville, blues in Memphis, jazz in New Orleans and traditional bluegrass in the Appalachian Mountains.
When to go
The south, including New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville, have a moderate climate with temperatures in the mid teens in the winter and low 30s in the summer. Hurricanes can form between June and October.
TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT -6 Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky & Alabama and -5 Georgia, North & South Carolina
FLIGHT INFORMATION: Direct flights are available to Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Nashville & New Orleans.
FLYING TIME FROM UK: Between 8 and 10 hours.
Ultimate Experience
Enjoy a back stage tour and concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville - it’s a must-see in Music City! Head to Texas for family-friendly ranches and authentic cowboy experiences – a great sports, arts and culture scene awaits in Dallas, including the world renowned Dallas Cowboys.
Best Beaches
Visit the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, and experience history in San Antonio, with the Alamo and the designated UNESCO World Heritage missions. Texas is a diverse state with diverse landscapes and experiences.
Dates for the Diary
The final parade of Mardi Gras falls on Shrove Tuesday, and starts ten days prior. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the end of April is another essential New Orleans musical event. Austin’s SXSW (South by Southwest) Music & Film festival is the largest of its kind and starts in early March.
Water Paradise
Louisiana is an outdoor state with bayous, rivers and lakes galore, there are so many opportunities, not to mention the Mighty Mississippi. Take a sedate journey back in time on one of the Paddle Steamers along the Mississippi, enjoying the Jazz music and visiting the Plantation Homes on the Great River Road along the way.
Amazing Wildlife
Louisiana is home to the Creole Nature Trail, found just outside of Lake Charles to the west of the state. Along this distinctive series of highways lie a wide variety of worldfamous wildlife including alligators, birds, butterflies, and fish.
Live like a local
Follow the Urban Bourbon Trail in Louisville with more than 50 different bars each offering more than 50 different bourbons. Visit quirky, up-and-coming musicians and bands in the honky tonks and bars of East Nashville.
Great Journey
Take a trip down Highway 61, Blues Highway, through the Delta cotton fields of Mississippi to New Orleans.
Family Fun
Visit Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge for award-winning rides, entertainment and service. Dolphin watching is also a must around Ship Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Local Cuisine
Try Gus’s Fried Chicken in downtown Memphis. Make sure to get there early - when it’s gone, it’s gone!
