Fly South for the Winter
Colorful, eclectic and exhibiting a flavor all their own, the Southern States belong to the earliest days of American history, bringing with them deep roots, and in many cases, modern transformation.
Like Gladys Knight once said, “Take a midnight train to Georgia.” Better yet, fly there! Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, accommodating over 100 million passengers yearly. That means, if you’ve flown to or from the United States internationally, you’ve probably stopped in Georgia. This time, make it longer than a layover. Grab a car and take a road trip through the American South -- a region filled with history, culture and a handful of the most eclectic cities in the country.
Atlanta, Georgia
Depending on when you visit, you may find out why the city is sometimes called, “Hotlanta”-- a nickname that refers equally to Atlanta’s upbeat culture, as it does to a typical summer day there. Perhaps most notable about Atlanta is its position as an organizing ground for the Civil Rights Movement, led, in part, by one of Atlanta’s most prominent natives, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Visit the world’s largest drive-in restaurant and downtown Atlanta institution, The Varsity.
- Sample a little of everything at the Ponce City Market located in the historic Sears Roebuck Building.
- Head to Publico Kitchen for a Latin-inspired menu and a big patio.
What to See:
- The King Center is home to the world's largest repository of source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. King’s birth home.
- Explore the history of one of the most iconic brands in the world at the World of Coca-Cola.
- Hike from the official southern start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.
- Hang out in Centennial Olympic Park, a legacy of the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Along the way, you’ll pass through Alabama and southern Mississippi, two other major players in the American Civil Rights Movement, with plenty of historical landmarks to explore. Most notable among those are the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Further West, you’ll find one of the most unique cities in the United States: New Orleans. Known for its distinct music, Creole cuisine, unique dialect and multicultural roots, New Orleans must be experienced to be understood. The annual Mardi Gras festival puts New Orleans on the map in February and March, but the spirit of the celebration is felt year-round, especially in the city’s historic French Quarter, and nightlife hub, Bourbon Street.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Try the official donut of Louisiana at Cafe Beignet.
- For a decidedly New Orleans lunch experience, plan to eat at Galatoire’s and come on a Friday to catch the local crowd.
- For a traditional-style New Orleans sandwich, stop by Killer Poboys.
What to Do:
- Get around in transportation as charming as the city via The New Orleans Streetcar.
- Catch an authentic burlesque show at Fleur de Tease.
- For ten kilometers of shopping, dining and art, visit historic Magazine Street.
- Want to take some New Orleans art home with you? Stop by Palace Market, right by the French Quarter.
Nashville, Tennessee
From there, head for Nashville-- a city that literally puts country music on the map. Speaking of music, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience it here: from The Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, plus opportunities for recording studio visits and tons of live performances. Aside from music, Nashville is chock full of history, beautiful nature and delicious cuisine that includes both southern standbys and more modern imports.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- See “the heros behind the hits,” at Cafe Bluebird, where musicians like Leann Rimes and Phil Vasser performed before they made it big.
- For a classic American breakfast, head to Pancake Pantry, a tradition in Nashville since 1961.
- Try some Italian food made with southern ingredients at City House.
- Grab dinner at The Mockingbird, where you’ll enjoy global cuisine in a modern diner setting.
What to Do:
- Catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry, a venue that started as a radio show and is credited for making country music famous.
- The Ryman Auditorium is known as the “Mother Church” of country music, and a must-visit when you’re in town.
- For a history lesson on the region, head to the Tennessee State Museum.
Louisville, Kentucky
Surrounded by natural beauty, Louisville is perhaps best known for three things: bourbon, baseball and the world-famous horse race known as The Kentucky Derby. Visit the race’s venue at Churchill Downs, and then check out the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory where they still produce the famous baseball bat. Next, choose among 73 bourbon distilleries in the area for a tour of the process and a sampling of the popular Louisville liquid.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Check out a classic American diner at Wagner’s, a Louisville staple since 1922.
- Get some Barbecue the Louisville way at Mark’s Feed Store.
- For some of the best of two Kentucky staples (barbecue and bourbon), try Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse and Raw Bar, located on downtown’s Whiskey Row.
What to Do:
- Visit Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn about the longest running sporting event in the United States.
- See at show at the historic Louisville Palace Theater, which was founded in the 1920’s.
- Bourbon production is big in Kentucky, so sample some on the Urban Bourbon Trail.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s vibrant arts scene, along with its abundance of historic architecture and stunning outdoor offerings make it a true gem in the region. Plus, Asheville has the most breweries per capita in the US, so come thirsty. This eclectic mountain town has plenty to do and tons of creativity to take in, not to mention, it’s known as The Land of the Sky, and once you get there, you’ll see why.
Where to Stay:
What to Eat:
- Try the famous sweet potato pancakes at Asheville staple, Tupelo Honey Cafe.
- For an upscale rustic steakhouse experience, hit up Red Stag Grill.
- Grab some farm-to-table food at the Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village for a romantic outing.
What to Do:
- Visit the Biltmore Estate: Built in 1889, it’s America’s largest private home.
- Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and just marvel at the beauty of green and blue-hued rolling hills.
- Explore the creativity of Asheville’s Downtown Arts District.
Charleston, South Carolina
One of the oldest cities in the country, Charleston was founded in 1670 and is known today for its quaint cobblestone streets, Antebellum architecture and bustling coastal city vibe. The restaurant scene is one of the best around, so come hungry, and bring comfortable shoes -- Charleston’s a walking city.
Where to Stay:
- Courtyard Charleston Historic District
- Charleston Marriott
- Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront
What to Eat:
- Oysters are everything in Charleston. We recommend grabbing some from Pearlz Oyster Bar.
- You’ll want to stop by Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit for another Southern staple, the biscuit.
- For some of the best barbecue in the city, try Lewis Barbecue.
What to Do:
- Go gallery hopping at local favorites like Principal Gallery and The George Gallery.
- Visit Fort Sumter where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.
- There’s plenty to see (and buy) and the Charleston City Market.
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