The American South is a very under-traveled region in comparison with the rest of the country. But that’s starting to change as cities like Charleston and New Orleans continually win awards for their food and as big events like the Super Bowl are held in the region. It’s so much more than Gone with the Wind or fried food. The landscapes are varied, from beaches to cities to mountains and everything in between. I’ve lived in the area for most of my life and these are my five must visit Southern cities.
Hurricane Katrina couldn’t hold this city down and it’s as vibrant as ever. Get a beignet and chicory coffee at the touristy, but delicious, Cafe du Monde before wandering the shops on Magazine Street. You can’t go wrong with pretty much any restaurant, but grab a drink at Hotel Monteleone’s famous Carousel Bar before catching live jazz on Frenchman Street.
Beignets from the Cafe du Monde
Consistently named one of the best cities in America, you’ll soon find out why. Between the award-winning restaurants, King Street shopping and the hospitable people, the Holy City is here to entertain. Check out the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in Marion Square for delicious bites and prime people watching.
As more than just the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta is known as the capital of the South. Trendy neighborhoods like the Westside and Decatur are home to places like Star Provisions, a cafe for thrifty foodies, and the Brick Store Pub, an award-winning Belgian beer bar, respectively.
Interior of Brick Store Pub
Country music is king in Nashville and there are hundreds of places to experience it throughout the city. The honky-tonks on Broadway are always open, but if you get a chance to see a show at the famous Ryman Auditorium, the original Grand Ole Opry you won’t regret it. Grab a local beer from Yazoo Brewery and a bite at Rolf and Daughters for the perfect ending to a memorable day.
Known as Beer City USA for the number of breweries per capita, the hippie mountain town is as laid back as it gets. Check out the tasting room of Highlands Brewing Company or take a drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway that cuts through the mountains of the same name.
What is your favorite city in the southeastern US?
Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.
Your bag when backpacking is heavy enough. Here's how travel insurance can help take some weight off your shoulders.
Caroline Eubanks is a freelance writer and travel blogger originally from Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college, she left for a year long adventure in Australia, going scuba diving, bungy jumping and holding koalas. Now back in the States, she's on the road as much as possible, both internationally and in her own backyard, the South. When not blogging on her sites Caroline in the City and This Is My South, she's a team writer for Her Packing List and contributes to AFAR.com, Matador Network, Travel Mindset and Viator. Follow Caroline on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus, and Instagram.
Travel smarter with travel insurance from RoamRight. Get your free, no-obligation quote online today.
View all Blog Authors
View Countries with Blogs
Sign up for RoamRight's FREE monthly email newsletter to get travel tips, tricks, news, ideas, and inspiration!
The RoamRight mark is used by Arch Insurance Company and owned by its parent company, Arch Capital Group (U.S.). Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under certain policy series, including LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Certain terms, conditions, restrictions and exclusions apply and coverages may vary in certain states. In the event of any conflict between your policy terms and coverage descriptions on this website, the terms and conditions of your policy shall govern. Click here for privacy notice.
Copyright© 2024 Arch Insurance Company. All rights reserved.