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The Deep South, or the Lower South, is a subregion of Southern America that is full of culture, charisma, and charm. Comprising Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, there truly is no better location for a fly-drive holiday in America, and to top it off, you’ll find some of the best music, culture, food and history in the whole of the USA. All four states are within comfortable driving distance, making them the ideal states for your dream American adventure.

Southern hospitality is renowned and combined with beautiful scenery like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the breath-taking beaches of the Gulf Coast, the delectable tastes of fried chicken and gumbo shrimp, or the soulful sounds of blues, soul and rock & roll, your fly-drive holiday to the Deep South will be nothing short of lifechanging.

Keep reading to discover more about the four states that make up the Deep South and why you can’t miss their unique characteristics and experiences.

Alabama




View of the water and forests in Alabama


Song of Alabama: Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Dish of Alabama: Banana Pudding

This is a statement few can claim, but Alabama truly has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for culinary creativity, the hustle and bustle of city streets, or the vast open spaces full of forest trails and sweeping beaches, you’re bound to find it in this fascinating state.

Civil Rights Monuments

There is so much to see and do in Alabama; you’ll want to ensure you’ve planned enough time to experience it all. No state was more pivotal in the Civil Rights movement than Alabama, and there is no better place to learn more about the movement than the Civil Rights landmarks in Montgomery and Selma. There is a plethora of landmarks to explore, including the Rosa Parks Museum and the Freedom Rides Museum, as well as the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. If you’re looking to explore some of the open space in the area, then why not slip on the hiking boots for a hike in the Cheaha State Park, the highest point in Alabama. The views alone are breath-taking.


The Gulf Coast

The south is known for its stunning beaches, and the Gulf Coast is no exception. The long stretches of white sands, tantalising culinary hotspots and exciting outdoor activities make it the ideal location for a pit stop on your road trip. If you love seafood, the proximity to the water makes Alabama, the Gulf Coast and Oyster Bay a hotspot to explore.


U.S Space & Rocket Center

When you hear the name Alabama, you may also think of Huntsville's world-famous U.S. Space & Rocket Centre, home to the world’s largest space museum. Ignite the child inside of you and spend the day exploring and learning about the next generation of explorers, engineers and scientists and how they’re going to shape the world of Space exploration.


Muscle Shoals Sound Studios – Please add the s in studios


Also, opened by the four-piece band affectionately known as the Swampers. Alternatively, this should probably be more generic to the area and mention both F.A.M.E. Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, both are equally iconic and important. The swampers were the session musicians at F.A.M.E before they opened MSSS. Whilst at F.AM.E. they recorded Aretha Franklin’s first hit record. Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, Percy Sledge, Etta James, Candi Staton, Cher have all recorded hit records in these studios.

Muscle Shoals Sound Studios & F.A.M.E Studios

Blues, rock & roll, and soul - you name a genre, it has been played at this iconic recording studio. Opened in 1969 by the four-piece band The Swampers, the Muscle Shoals Sound Studios has guided tours running every hour from 10:30am where you can delve into this great location's magnificent and spellbinding past. Before founding the studio, The Swampers were session musicians at F.A.M.E Studios, where they recorded Aretha Franklin’s first hit record. Over the years, Rod Stewart, the Rolling Stones, Percy Sledge, Etta James, Candi Staton, Cher have all recorded hit records in these studios.

Louisiana




Reflection in a lake in Louisiana


Song of Louisiana: You Are My Sunshine by Jimmie Davis

Dish of Louisiana: Jambalaya

Bordering Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, Louisiana is a state of endless beauty, with dazzling parades and vibrant culture. Louisiana is also a comfortable drive from the other Deep South states. Its bustling capital of New Orleans is world-renowned and is home to a distinctive music scene, annual celebrations and festivals, with one of the most notable being Mardi Gras.

Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and is the celebration in which the last of the rich, fatty foods are consumed in preparation for the Christian fasting season. Celebrated in March every year, the celebrations in New Orleans are above and beyond in the place where it all began.

The city of New Orleans is a melting pot of unique dialects, Creole cuisine and invigorating spirit. Explore the quaint neighbourhood of Bywater with its local, family-run eateries, colourful buildings and art galleries. The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré as it is locally known, is the oldest neighbourhood in Louisiana and is the perfect place for history lovers to explore and uncover. A blend of new and old, you’ll find antique stores, historic French markets juxtaposing modern boutiques, and artisan cocktail bars.


Experience a swamp tour in the Bayous

A slow-moving body of water, the Bayous is the perfect location to lay low and try and catch a rare glimpse of alligators and other mysterious wildlife. Sun-kissed marshes are lined with cypress trees and are the perfect location for alligators and herons to lay low. A local swamp tour will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the location's iconic wildlife, making it a keen photographer's wonderland.


Visit the New Orleans National WWII Museum

Do you have an interest in the American's involvement in WWII? Then you should ensure you visit the New Orleans National WWII Museum. Uncover how the Americans helped shape the world as we know it today and ensure all generations understand the price of freedom.


Try Cajun and Creole cuisine

Visiting the Deep South is a foodie's dream, and Louisiana is no exception. The Cajun cuisine was brought to Louisiana by the French when they migrated from Nova Scotia nearly 250 years ago. Cajun food was inspired by the easily accessible food that could be found on the land and is still a classic in the state today. Whether in New Orleans or driving through the state, you won’t need to look far to find Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes to make you feel like a true local.

Mississippi




View of the Capitol building in Jackson


Song of Mississippi: Mississippi by Bob Dylan

Dish of Mississippi: Mississippi Mud Pie

The birthplace of the Blues and a state rich in cultural heritage, Mississippi is a location that America must thank for much of its musical influence. A region of picturesque towns and natural wonders, it borders Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, and Louisiana to the south, which makes it easy to navigate and explore on a fly-drive holiday.


Soak in the blues history

Mississippi is a state of musical prowess. The soulful sounds of the blues echo across the state, but in Clarksdale, you will find live blues seven days a week and experience the true heart of Delta Blues music. Located in the heart of the state and surrounded by cotton fields, the blues connection dates to the 1800s when ‘call and response’ tunes would be played throughout the day, sounds that would later be referred to as blues. Whether you’re passing through or planning to spend a few days in the town, we have no doubt you’ll feel music's influence on this location.


Tour the Vicksburg National Military Park

A location that preserves the site of the American Civil War battle of Vicksburg is the Vicksburg National Military Park. Reconstructed trenches and forts evoke emotion as it would have been felt back in 1863. A walk around the park is one of poignancy and profound feelings that should be respected.


Visit the Grammy Museum in Cleveland

You’ve heard of the iconic Grammy Awards, where musicians and celebrities dress to the nines to celebrate the best of music; well, when visiting Cleveland, you can immerse yourself in this world of fame and fortune at the Grammy Museum. Take a truly remarkable journey through the history of music, from the Mississippi Blues to country music and much more. The museum often runs specific exhibits, with recent features being Taylor Swift and Music America.


Explore the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Much like the coast of Alabama, the Gulf Coast also runs along the bottom of Mississippi and is a real juxtaposition to the rest of the state with its quaint and local towns. A road trip through Mississippi wouldn’t be complete without a journey along the coast, whether to stop for some fresh and fragrant food or coast along the open highway experiencing the breathtaking views, it’s one not to be missed.

Tennessee




Obed Wild Scenic River in the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee


Song of Tennessee: My Tennessee Mountain Home by Dolly Parton

Dish of Tennessee: Hot Slaw

Tennessee, a landlocked state in the south, is known for its vast national parks and keen interest in outdoor activities. With so much to discover and experience, it’s a great option when exploring on a fly-drive holiday.

Discover Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you’re looking to stretch your legs and explore the wildlife and beauty that the countryside offers in Tennessee, there is no better place for a pitstop than Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. This ancient mountain range is home to diverse animal and plant life, as well as the remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture that can be found around the park. Whether hiking, cycling, fishing, visiting waterfalls or horseback riding, you won’t find a landscape quite as mesmerising as the Great Smoky Mountains.

Visit iconic musical hotspots

Mississippi, famed for its country music halls and live honky-tonk bars, was home to Elvis Presley, arguably one of the greatest musicians of all time. If your road trip takes you near Memphis, then make sure you head to Graceland and tour the star's preserved and iconic home; how many people can say they’ve been in Elvis’ home?

Alternatively, head to Nashville, where the bustling streets and traditional bars are bursting with country, jazz and rock. Head to iconic spots like the Grand Ole Opry House, Broadway Street or the Ryman Auditorium.

Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River

Why not take a break from your fly-drive holiday and enjoy a river cruise down the Mississippi River? Stretching over 2,340 miles, the river is the perfect way to experience the scenery and landscapes of the Deep South from a whole new perspective.


The South is a truly remarkable area of America and ideal for lovers of adventure and exploration. Whether you want to enjoy it with your partner or family, there is something for everyone. If you’re looking to explore the United States and a fly-drive to the Deep South has caught your attention, we’re on hand to help you plan the holiday of your dreams.

For more articles and travel guides, make sure you explore our blog.

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