The Deep South 2025 & 2026

Nashville, known as the Music City, is a vibrant hub of musical heritage, featuring iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry. Beyond its musical scene, the city offers a diverse culinary experience and historic landmarks, such as the Parthenon replica. From lively honky-tonks on Broadway to lush parks, Nashville captivates with its blend of culture, history, and creativity.

Music legends

You can’t visit ‘Music City’ without experiencing a piece of the art which gave Nashville it’s nickname. Home to legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, this city is steeped in history with plenty of music-themed attractions to discover. Tour the iconic RCA Studio B where Dolly Parton and Elvis recorded many of their greatest hits, explore 18,000 square feet of memorabilia dedicated to the ‘Man in Black’ Johnny Cash and see tributes to the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Roy Orbison at the Music City Walk of Fame Park.

Foodie heaven

The talent and creativity present in Nashville’s food scene has certainly put this city on the culinary map. From the hearty home cooking that has served Nashville locals for decades to the innovative flavours coming from today’s chefs, you can indulge on classic Southern fare to haute cuisine (and absolutely everything in between). Head to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack for their signature spicy dish and enjoy tours and tastings in the various breweries where local spirits and beers are handcrafted.

Neighbourhoods

The entire city of Nashville is made up of a patchwork of different districts each unique and equally as charming. Nashville’s oldest neighbourhood, Germantown, is defined by its beautiful Victorian homes, whilst trendy SoBro is where visitors go for the hottest new restaurants, cocktail bars and stylish hotels. Head to the 12South area for boutique shops, art galleries and independent music stores and visit Downtown for legendary live music, tasty eats and, of course, Lower Broadway.

Honky Tonk Highway

Located in Lower Broadway is the legendary road known as the ‘Honky Tonk Highway’. If it’s non-stop entertainment you’re looking for then this is the place for you. Blasting out music 365 days a year from 10am to 3am, this neon-lit street is lined with live music venues and popular bars which are sure to get your feet tapping. From the rockabilly vibes of Layla’s Bluegrass Inn to the Latin beats of Robert’s Western World, lose yourself in the sounds of ‘Music City’.  

In the heart of the vibrant South, New Orleans orchestrates a symphony of soulful melodies, rightfully earning its title as the birthplace of jazz. From the world-famous music scene that spills into the lively street culture, the city pulsates with an infectious energy. The historic neighbourhoods, such as the French Quarter, Treme, and the Garden District, serve as living testaments to a rich tapestry woven from French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences.

The elegance of wrought-iron balconies in the French Quarter, the rhythmic beats of jazz in Treme, and the antebellum charm of the Garden District create a captivating narrative of history and culture. New Orleans' warm hospitality and culinary delights make it an epic destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Southern charm and a journey through the heart of American music.

Soulful Music

In New Orleans, music isn't just a sound; it's the heartbeat of the city. Celebrated as the birthplace of jazz, the air is alive with the soulful melodies of trumpets, saxophones, and lively rhythms that spill onto the historic streets. From the intimate jazz clubs of the French Quarter to the vibrant energy of second-line parades, the city has a diverse musical scene that spans across jazz, blues and Cajun and Creole-influenced sounds. Musicians infuse the atmosphere with an infectious energy, bringing the streets to life with an infectious energy.

Lively Street Scene

New Orleans' street culture is a vibrant spectacle, serving as a kaleidoscope of energy and traditions. The city pulsates with lively parades, where brass bands in colourful attire often lead spirited processions through historic avenues. Whether it's the iconic Mardi Gras floats or the spontaneous second-line parades, the streets come alive with a rhythmic dance of revelry. You’ll also find a whole host of talented street performers, creating an atmosphere where jazz notes linger in the air and the infectious spirit of celebration is palpable.

Mardi Gras Madness

Mardi Gras, held annually between February and March, is a sight to behold in New Orleans, and it transforms the city into a dazzling explosion of colour, rhythm, and all-round. As the crescendo of the carnival season, typically culminating on Fat Tuesday, the streets come alive with elaborate floats, epic costumes, and a sense of fun. Parades wind through the streets, led by flamboyant krewes tossing beads and trinkets to cheering crowds.

Cultural Fusion

New Orleans' culture is a rich and interesting tapestry woven from a blend of French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences, creating an identity unlike any other. The city breathes life into its history, with the French Quarter's colonial architecture, historic neighbourhoods including Treme, and the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries that narrate the tales of the past. The diversity is reflected in its cuisine, with Creole and Cajun flavours defining the culinary landscape. But it's the music that truly embodies the spirit—jazz, blues, and Zydeco notes float through the air, making the city synonymous with soulful rhythms. Warm hospitality and a deep connection to tradition characterise New Orleans, making it a truly unique place to visit.

Historic Neighbourhoods

New Orleans' historic neighbourhoods are fascinating time capsules, each telling a story of the city's interesting past. The French Quarter, with its iconic wrought-iron balconies and narrow cobblestone streets, has a timeless elegance, whereas the Garden District’s antebellum mansions and oak-lined avenues epitomise Southern charm. Treme, the oldest African-American neighbourhood in the country, is alive with the beats of jazz and the echoes of rich cultural heritage. The Marigny and Bywater districts have cool bohemian vibes and artistic flair that are hard not to love.

Flavourful Food

Known for its Creole and Cajun cuisine, the city has a symphony of tastes with iconic and delicious dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. The French Quarter is a gastronomic haven, with historic eateries serving beignets and po'boys and other mouthwatering delights. From lively street food markets to upscale dining establishments, New Orleans has an impressive culinary heritage, with a blend of spices, seafood, and soulful flair. Immerse yourself in this culinary adventure and discover why New Orleans is a true haven for foodies.

Let Memphis cradle you into its world of incredible food, rich musical heritage, unforgettable historical and cultural sites, and a natural splendour that can only be found in the heart of America’s southern states. This colourful city makes for a worthy stop on any USA holiday, and you’ll leave wishing you could stay much longer.

Music Mecca

Memphis has a rich musical heritage and is the place that elevated the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and Carl Perkins, to name a few. And whether or not you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, soul, blues or jazz music, you’ll be blown away by the city’s many historic attractions and national landmarks.
 

Food for the Soul

Famed for its classic comforting southern ‘soul food’, including tangy, delicious hot wings, fried chicken and hearty breakfasts, Memphis has a vast and brilliant dining scene that’s sure to satiate your every whim. And if you appreciate a good barbecue, then you must try an unparalleled Memphis-style barbecue for a true taste of chargrilled heaven!
 

Explore Nature

In and around Memphis are plenty of wonderful green spaces to spend time outside enjoying the warm southern weather. See sculptures at the Botanic Garden, get up close to a world of animals at Memphis Zoo or simply wander the miles and miles of walking and cycling trails amid its scenic parks and recreation areas for a breather from city life.
 

History and Culture

Memphis was integral to the American Civil Rights Movement and holds a poignant place in the ongoing struggle for human rights in the United States. Visit the city’s excellent museums and notable sites for a deeper look into the role soul music played in voicing the stories of the African American community during this time.