Taking a road trip is the perfect way to see the world and awaken your sense of adventure. If authentic jazz and country music, home-cooked barbecue and southern hospitality are what your heart is seeking, a drive through these cities will surely hit the spot.
Memphis
Make Memphis a must-see spot on your trip down South. This city will graciously welcome you with the sounds of bluesy songs and the taste of succulent barbecue.
The Must-See: Stax Museum of American Soul
With exhibits featuring authentic costumes, instruments, photos and videos of some of the greatest blues musicians, this isn’t your typical museum. You will surely feel as though you’re walking among great soul musicians when touring this museum, named for the recording company that helped artists including Otis Reading and Isaac Hays get their start.
Restaurants: Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous and Central BBQ
Enjoy the taste of down south cooking at Charles Vergos’ Rendezvous. Located in downtown Memphis, be sure to get your fill of fall-off-the-bone ribs after a day of touring the city. Central BBQ is another joint that you will crave long after you leave Memphis. Their claim to fame is succulent, slow-smoked chicken wings. Order them wet with the house wing sauce, or dry with a hot rub or signature Caribbean jerk seasoning. This BBQ joint won’t leave you disappointed.
Nightlife: B.B. King’s Blues Club and Wild Bill’s
While enjoying the nightlife in Memphis, don’t miss B.B. King’s Blues Club. You will find energetic jazz music that will entertain you all night. With top-notch service and drinks, this blues club is sure to please. Wild Bill’s is an off-the-grid bar in a less tourist-y area, providing an unforgettable authentic experience. With live blues music playing all night you’ll never feel so good about feeling bad.
New Orleans
No southern road-trip is complete without a trip to the big easy. Whether you’re in the French Quarter or Bourbon Street, your stay will be filled with unforgettable jazz music, Cajun food and energetic night-life.
Must-See’s: The French Quarter
Just a trolley-ride away from the hub of the city is the French Quarter, which will transport you to an older era in New Orleans. Enjoy the architecture, French elements and of course live jazz music that is played from every street corner. Be sure to spend time walking in the open-air markets to buy souvenirs, find the perfect pot to cook your gumbo or sample a truly sinful praline.
Restaurants: The Rum House
The Rum House restaurant located in the garden district will fill you up with some of the best food around. Choose from their extensive list of famous Caribbean inspired tacos (my favorites are the pork mole and the red curried lamb) paired with roasted poblano and manchego polenta or coconut mango rice before hitting Bourbon Street at night.
Nightlife: Tipitina’s, Bourbon Street and Café Du Monde
Tipitina’s offers the exceptional entertainment that NOLA is known for. The musicians that perform at Tipitina’s range from popular bands to up-and-coming stars. If you visit Tipitina’s on Fridays in the summer enjoy the bands for free.
Bourbon Street is the place to be for the biggest party in the south. Almost every bar has live music playing and will offer you their best hurricane or hand grenade. While on Bourbon Street take a break from the wild bars for a stop at Café Du Monde. Enjoy live outdoor jazz and of course, a beignet. While everyone wants to party in the Big Easy, remember it’s illegal to publicly “earn your beads” (public indecency) and be sure to drink responsibly.
Nashville
While on your road-trip down south make sure to stop at America’s country music capital. This city never stops making beautiful, vibrant music, and will give you a true southern experience.
Things to do: Grand Ole Opry and the Johnny Cash Museum
A trip to Nashville is complete without a trip to the Opry. Here you will see where some of the greatest country music singers of all time made amazing performances. Also, don’t miss out on the Johnny Cash Museum and learn about the life of this country music legend.
Restaurants: F Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar and Arnold’s Country Kitchen
In the mood for a bit of Gatsby in your life? F Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar is the place to eat great food and hear amazing live jazz. Frugality on your mind? Dine after nine! If you’re on a budget, go to dinner later. F Scott’s offers “nine dine” entrees, which are half-price after 9 p.m.
Get a true taste of unpretentious southern food at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. The atmosphere may scream “hole in the wall,” but the food is the definition of southern-style cooking. Arnold’s menu comes complete with the classics like fried chicken, mac & cheese, green beans and of course, the desert of the south, banana pudding.
Nightlife: Tootsie’s
If you’re looking for bars with drinks and live country music that doesn’t quit, Nashville won’t disappoint. While on Broadway Street be sure to visit Tootsie’s world famous country bar. Enjoy two floors of live music, drinks and an atmosphere you’ll love. Also on Broadway Street is Honky Tonk Central, a three-story bar with a live band on each floor.
If your achy-break heart is yearning for some southern cooking and soul, a road-trip to the south will do you good. While exploring the southern states, be sure to add Nashville, New Orleans and Memphis to your itinerary. No doubt you will enjoy the live music, hearty meals and atmosphere of America’s heartland.
Savannah Marie is a food and travel enthusiast and writer. When she isn’t trying out a new recipe or taking a trip outside her comfort zone, she is writing for her blog, Mixios, which features posts on everything from marketing to travel to fitness. Follow her on Twitter.