Deep South USA

Deep South Holiday Highlights

• The French Quarter, New Orleans - The French Quarter is a must visit no matter what time of day or night. As the oldest neighbourhood in New Orleans, you'll find some fine examples of 17th and 18th century architecture as well as plenty of potential for browsing, eating and people watching at the French Market.
• Louisiana Swamp Tour - Wildlife-packed wetlands, overhanging and of course 'gators! A tour of the famous Louisiana swamplands will give you a fascinating insight into the natural beauty of the deep south that can be found hardly any distance at all from the bustling streets of New Orleans.
• Mississippi River Cruise - Setting off on a river cruise is certainly a must for any fans of Mark Twain. As your cruise ship's paddle-wheels start to revolve and the band begins to play closing your eyes and watching Tom and Huck waving from the banks is certainly not hard to imagine.
• Beale Street, Memphis - Firmly entwined in the tangled tapestry of the blues, Beale Street is one of those downtown districts that you absolutely must visit during your tours of Memphis. Live music venues, authentic honky-tonk bars and no end of cafés and restaurants make Beale Street a great place to hang-out.
• Sun Studio & Gibson Factory, Memphis - Sun Studio is a recognised National Historic Landmark. A tour of the offices that once welcomed a young Elvis Presley will no doubt resonate with music fans. Afterwards, heading over to the Gibson Guitar Factory will no doubt complete a memorable day's worth of touring in Memphis.
• The Grand Ole Opry, Nashville - Over the years, the infamous Grand Ole Opry radio show has become associated with the giants of country music. To this day, becoming a member of this iconic and somewhat elite club completes a performer's resume in true deep south country style.
• Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham - With exhibits depicting the Civil Rights Movements in the 1950s and 60s, this is a great place to find out about the history of the Deep South, charting lessons learnt in the past and positive new directions for the future.
• Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame - The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame gives an insight into the state's most notable jazz musicians. Memorabilia includes paintings, instruments and personal effects belonging to artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and W.C Healy.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden - Founded in 1976, the garden offers a spot of urban bliss away from the fast-paced streets. A particular highlight is the Kendeda Canopy Walk, a 600ft long sky walk through one of the city's last remaining urban forests, amongst the treetops of the Storza Woods.