Musical Roots of the South
16 Days / 15 Nights
Overview
Follow the musical roots of the American South on a 16-day self-drive journey from Dallas, Texas, to Charleston, South Carolina. Explore Dallas’s historic Deep Ellum music district, Austin’s live music scene and the diverse musical heritage of San Antonio and Houston. Continue through Louisiana and Mississippi to discover New Orleans jazz, Cajun and Zydeco traditions, and the history of the Mississippi Blues Trail. Visit the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Tupelo, explore Alabama’s jazz heritage, and experience Tennessee’s music culture around Chattanooga and Gatlinburg. Finish your journey in Atlanta and Charleston, with opportunities to discover historic neighbourhoods, live music venues and distinctive Southern culture along the way.
What's Included
• Accommodation for 15 nights at the hotels listed in the program
• Flexible self-drive itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Dallas, Texas
Begin your journey in Dallas and explore Deep Ellum, a historic entertainment district known for blues, jazz, live music venues, street art and local restaurants. Overnight in Dallas.
Day 2: Dallas, Texas
Continue exploring Dallas and its musical heritage. Discover Deep Ellum’s live music scene and historic venues. Overnight in Dallas.
Day 3: Dallas to Austin, Texas
Drive to Austin, known as the Live Music Capital of the World. Explore its live music venues, including the Continental Club, Sahara Lounge and The Nook Amphitheater. Overnight in Austin.
Day 4: Austin, Texas
Spend another day discovering Austin’s music culture, entertainment districts and venues along Rainey Street, Sixth Street and South Congress. Overnight in Austin.
Day 5: Austin to San Antonio to Houston, Texas
Travel via San Antonio to explore its Tejano, heavy metal and jazz heritage. Continue to Houston, a city with a diverse live music scene. Overnight in Houston.
Day 6: Houston to Port Arthur to Lafayette to New Orleans, Louisiana
Drive along the Gulf Coast and stop in Port Arthur to visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast. Continue to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun Country, before arriving in New Orleans. Overnight in New Orleans.
Day 7: New Orleans, Louisiana
Discover New Orleans’ jazz heritage, live music venues and distinctive cuisine. Explore the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street, or visit Preservation Hall and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. Overnight in New Orleans.
Day 8: New Orleans to Baton Rouge to Natchez to Indianola, Mississippi
Follow the Mississippi Blues Trail north through Baton Rouge, Natchez and the Mississippi Delta. In Indianola, visit the B.B. King Museum to learn about the origins and history of blues music. Overnight in the Greenwood, Mississippi area.
Day 9: Indianola to Tupelo to Birmingham, Alabama
Visit Dockery Farms near Cleveland to learn about the history of blues, then continue to Tupelo to explore Elvis Presley’s birthplace. Travel onward to Birmingham, known for its jazz heritage and live music venues. Overnight in Birmingham.
Day 10: Birmingham to Chattanooga, Tennessee
Visit the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and learn about jazz legends connected to the state. Continue to Chattanooga and visit the Songbirds Guitar Museum. Overnight in Chattanooga.
Day 11: Chattanooga to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Travel into eastern Tennessee and explore Gatlinburg’s music culture, local venues and Appalachian heritage. Attractions in the area include Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge. Overnight in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area.
Day 12: Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Enjoy more time in the Smoky Mountain area. Explore local attractions, music venues and the surrounding mountain communities. Overnight in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area.
Day 13: Gatlinburg to Great Smoky Mountains to Atlanta, Georgia
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with forest trails, wildflower meadows, streams and waterfalls. Continue toward Atlanta, with a possible stop in Athens to discover its alternative music heritage. Overnight in the Atlanta area.
Day 14: Atlanta, Georgia
Discover Atlanta’s music scene, including contemporary hip-hop and R&B, and explore the Little Five Points neighbourhood or catch a performance at Variety Playhouse. Overnight in the Atlanta area.
Day 15: Atlanta to Charleston, South Carolina
Drive to Charleston and explore its historic district, antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets, gardens and waterfront promenade. Discover the city’s music venues and historic downtown. Overnight in Charleston.
Day 16: Charleston, South Carolina
Conclude your self-drive journey in Charleston.
Product code for refence:
TS-034
Price
Per Person