This trip promised a lot on paper, and delivered so much more in reality, exceeding my expectations. Our group leader managed to cram so much in, while at the same time allowing a nice degree of freedom for us to do our own exploration and choose our own optional activities. The tour began with a deeply moving and affecting look at the civil rights movement, covering the life of Martin Luther King Jr (where he was born, the church at which he preached, his memorial garden and tomb; later on we would visit the place where he was assassinated); the slave trade and its role in creating wealth for the plantation owners and the country as a whole; and the continued oppression of the freed slaves after the Civil War and their struggle for basic human rights. As we went on, the focus shifted toward the music that was created on the plantations, the way it developed and seeped into mainstream culture in America before spreading across the world. While this was very informative and educational, there were plenty of lighter moments too and we were a great group who had a lot of laughs along the way. As well as visiting sites that were significant to the music history, there were opportunities to hear live music – jazz, blues and country – at many locations from New Orleans to Nashville. A wonderful experience that we will continue to savour for a very long time.
Deep South Tours & Holidays
Deep South tours
Stretching along the Gulf Coast from eastern Texas to Florida, the Deep South is renowned for their music. From the soulful blues and brass bands of New Orleans to the country twang blasting from honky tonks in Nashville, you’ll soon find a holiday to the Deep South means walking in the footsteps of some of America’s biggest musical legends.
On our Deep South tours we visit cities such as New Orleans, Nashville and Memphis representing a fascinating blend of old and new, with must-visit places including The Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, Bourbon Street and Stax Records. But aside from their music, the Deep South is known as the birthplace of the Modern Civil Rights Movement. It also dishes out deliciously hearty southern delicacies such as bubbling jambalaya, Creole style shrimp gumbo, gravy biscuits and more. From it’s fascinating history and refreshing southern hospitality to its long list of musical legends and iconic dishes, you’ll find it difficult to match the Deep South’s charm and character.
Deep South Holidays & Tours
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.
Michael Nutt Southern Soul: New Orleans to Nashville
Anne Ferguson Southern Soul: New Orleans to NashvilleIf you’re into music (especially The Blues) and want to understand where it all started and developed, this is the trip for you. Starting with the background of the Civil Rights movement and visiting iconic sites such as the bridge at Selma and the museums in Atlanta and Birmingham, we followed the development of the Blues from New Orleans through Clarksdale, Memphis and finally Nashville. We experienced a wide range of live music – gospel, blues, jazz, country, rockabilly, bluegrass etc and saw the places where it all began. It was a truly entertaining and memorable trip from the beginning to the end made even more special by our awesome guide, Jay.
Jules Beasley Southern Soul: New Orleans to NashvilleThis is a great trip if you’re keen to experience the USA Deep South Music and history. Great experience of New Orleans, Martin Luther King and the civil rights movements, Elvis and the music history of Memphis and Nashville. The trip is with Grand American Adventures- Exodus sister Company. You travel in a small tour bus driven by your guide. We were lucky we had 9 people on the trip as any more would have been a squeeze. A few early starts and longest drives on the road were 5-6 hours but had plenty of rest stop breaks. There’s a lot to see and do plus the music & dvds on the van helped get us in the mood and educate us to each area.
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