The Deep South holidays

The Deep South holidays

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The USA’s southern states, or the ‘Deep South’, are known collectively for their rich histories and cultures, and incredible musical legacy. Here you’ll discover the roots of jazz, blues, gospel, rock and country. In Tennessee, Memphis and state capital Nashville are two cities with rather different vibes. Where Memphis in the southwest gives you the colourful life one can expect from the largest city on the Misissipp River, Nashville gives you a city which is at the centre of the music industry. Further down south in Louisiana, is the sultry New Orleans (or ‘NOLA’). Here in the birthplace of jazz, voodoo meets faded colonial glamour, and you can eat your way through multiple cultures in one meal.

Things to do

There are plenty of attractions in the Deep South for music buffs – it’s dotted with museums, venues and iconic open memorials like Graceland. If you come for the music, then stay for the food; taste home-cooked gumbo (a spicy soup with meat and shellfish) in New Orleans and sticky barbeque pork ribs in Memphis. Take some time to soak up the atmosphere in the bars and clubs – after all, this is where the rock’n’roll lifestyle was invented. For less wild times, you can take easy-going city tours, admiring the elegant old architecture.

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Map of The Deep South

world_map
20 ℃

Best time to visit The Deep South: Generally spring to autumn; but the summer heat definitely adds to the atmosphere.

13 hours

Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY/ KMSY is 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans); Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just 5 miles north-east of downtown Nashville; Memphis International Airport (MEM) is 7 miles east of downtown Memphis.

The Deep South is best for...

Music fans
Listen out for the local soundtrack - blues in Memphis, country in Nashville, and jazz in New Orleans.

Food lovers
The South is famous for its hospitality; don’t leave without second helpings of jambalaya and sticky pork ribs.

Party people
Kick your heels up in local clubs and bars, and enjoy the Mardi-Gras carnival atmosphere.

Fast facts for The Deep South

Language: The language spoken in The Deep South is English.

Currency: The currency used in The Deep South is the American Dollar ($).

Local time: The Deep South area is 5 hours behind GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY/ KMSY is 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans); Nashville International Airport (BNA) is just 5 miles north-east of downtown Nashville; Memphis International Airport (MEM) is 7 miles east of downtown Memphis.

Flight time from UK: Up to 13 hours to New Orleans; up to 11 hours to Tennessee.

Tourist Information: Further Tennessee tourist information can be found here; Louisiana tourist information can be found here.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to The Deep South area.

Getting around The Deep South

By carriage: Take in the New Orleans landmarks by genteel mule-drawn carriage.

By bike: Cruise around New Orleans on rental bikes, available in the French Quarter and Marigny.

By bus/streetcar: The main areas in New Orleans are served by streetcars and express bus routes, which cost upwards of $1.25 for a single journey; a day pass is around $3. Have exact change ready. Nashville’s MTA-run buses go through throughout downtown, and just outside it, 9am-5pm. Fares start at $1.60, with an adult day pass around the $5 mark.

By car: Because of the limited bus schedules, a car is always your best bet in Nashville and Memphis, whether it’s hired or a taxi.

Events in The Deep South

Mardi Gras: Plan your holiday to coincide with New Orlean’s incredible Mardi Gras celebrations that take place each year in the two weeks leading up to Shrove Tuesday. Experience a party atmosphere like no other as the streets come alive with vibrant colours, live music and dancing parades that you can’t help but join in with.

Party down: As well as Mardi Gras, check out the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, known locally as ‘Jazz Fest’ (late April-early May).

Awards season: Country music fans will enjoy being in town when Nashville hosts the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards (November). The 4-day CMA Music Festival (June) lets you meet other fans and some of the biggest country stars.

All you can eat: Memphis hosts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis (May), so have your elasticated waistband at the ready!

Gourmet's delight: The Charleston Wine and Food Festival in March is a treat not to be missed for foodies and wine lovers. For more information, visit http://charlestonwineandfood.com/.

The Deep South weather

The Deep South region generally has a subtropical climate. This means hot, or very hot and humid summers, with cool winters. There’s a fair bit of rain between seasons (and throughout summer in New Orleans). Hurricanes and thunderstorms are a risk here in spring and autumn.

Temperature: Top 20s (°C) in summer to less than 5°C in winter.

Best time to visit The Deep South: Generally spring to autumn; but the summer heat definitely adds to the atmosphere.

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