Soul of the South: New Orleans to Memphis

Soak up the soul of America's sunny south! This once-in-a-lifetime road trip brings you to New Orleans, Montgomery, Nashville, and Memphis. Each city boasts its own distinct flavor of music, food, and history. From Civil Rights, to blues and barbecue, get ready to experience the heart and soul of Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee. Kick off your adventure in New Orleans, nicknamed "NOLA." As soon as you step foot in the French Quarter, you'll hear jazz pouring into the streets! See people dancing their way down Bourbon Street, smell the scent of spicy jambalaya, and try your first "Hurricane," New Orlean's sweet, signature cocktail. Treat yourself to a ride on the historic New Orleans Streetcar, catch a show at Preservation Hall, and indulge in scrumptious beignets from famous Cafe Du Monde! Why not explore the tree-lined Garden District, filled with picturesque mansions? Hit some of the renowned restaurants on Magazine Street, but make sure you try a po' boy from a local dive. Don't forget to discover the magic of Frenchmen Street at night! Your next stop will be Montgomery, Alabama. Known as a civil rights capital and the setting of the Montgomery Bus Boycott of the 1950s, this historic city tells the story of a complicated past. Today, you will find fascinating museums, top-notch restaurants, and noteworthy memorials that commemorate Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and other heroic activists.  Continue on to Nashville, Tennessee, nicknamed "Music City." Visit the famous Grand Ole Opry, experience the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and stand in front of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Wander your way down Broadway, the heart of Downtown Nashville, where you'll find honky-tonks straight out of a postcard. Devour some barbecue and listen to some live country music!  From Nashville, you'll drive to your last stop: Memphis, Tennessee. Nestled on the Mississippi River, this soulful city is known as the birthplace of blues and rock n' roll. Check out Sun Studio, where greats like B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash all recorded albums. Consider visits to Presley's Graceland mansion, the Blues Hall of Fame, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.