A Journey Through the Rhythms of the South

The South offers unforgettable and unique experiences at every turn, from live music, vibrant cultures and sampling the very best food you can imagine – you don’t want to miss the Rhythms of the South! Explore the history and music as you wander the beautiful and bustling streets, filled with charm and hospitality. The cities of Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans encapsulate the beauty, warmth and heritage that runs right through the south and makes it such an unmissable region. Take a read below at the highlights of these three landmark cities and what you simply can’t miss! 

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the immense history of the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. First visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This museum is a cultural experience like no other, featuring immersive exhibitions, educational instillations and an amazing historical record of this monumental period of American history, the perfect way to understand the legacy of Atlanta! Then visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, an incredible tribute to the man who led the civil rights movement and cemented himself in American history! The care and passion that has gone into preserving the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center is clear to see and speaks to the pride that Atlanta has in their rich and important history – something you shouldn’t miss on your trip!

Atlanta is known for their nonstop festivals, parties and live music! You will always be able to hear music when in Atlanta and we recommend experiencing as much of Atlanta’s music scene as possible! Well known for its unbeatable hip hop scene, Atlanta puts on the best festivals, with ONE Musicfest topping the list. Based in Centennial Olympic Park, this festival has seen artists such as Ice Cube and Lauryn Hill perform – you should definitely get a ticket if you are visiting in September!

The Atlanta Jazz festival and the Shaky Knees Music Festival are also unbeatable and showcase some amazing home-grown talent in Atlanta. Atlanta doesn’t just have hip hop though, the music scene is so wide you are bound to find a concert or performance you love at one of the intimate venues or iconic arenas! We love Blind Willies Blues Club, the oldest blues club in Atlanta and for bigger events Fox Theatre has an unbeatable atmosphere! Music in Atlanta is no small event! 

Nashville



Nashville, known as Music City, certainly lives up to its iconic name. Creativity and excitement is round every corner, with an endless supply of events suited for whatever you are looking for! The Nashville comedy festival takes place in April for some laughs, The Pride festival is in June or take a trip to Centennial Park for Musicians corner throughout May and June, which offers the perfect chance to enjoy local live music in a beautiful outdoor setting surrounded by food trucks and local artisans! Nashville really is the perfect place to enjoy the music and culture of the south, with hundreds of free and exclusive events each year! Another of our favourites is Live on the Green – a free outdoor concert series in Public Square Park that offers performances from both local and national artists, this festival reflects the fun, welcoming atmosphere that Nashville is known for! 

There are plenty of “Only in Nashville” experiences to be had, including the incredible food scene the city has on offer – of course with Nashville’s famous barbeque and hot chicken at the top of the list of things to try! The wide variety of cuisine on offer is one of the most amazing parts of Nashville, with family friendly restaurants, vegan businesses, classic food joints and brand new restaurants on every corner, you really can’t have a bad meal in Nashville! Combine the best of both worlds and turn your dinner into an experience at Nashville’s Night Farmers Market, touring the best that Nashville has to offer or end the night by making your own dessert at a chocolate making workshop.

Take in Nashville’s warm hospitality at one of the hundreds of live music venues throughout the city, like Ole Red Nashville, a classic bar and live music venue frequented by Nashville legends and visitors alike! Any Honky Tonk you visit will be welcoming and abuzz with energy and excitement, whether you are looking for some classic country music or another favourite genre – you will find your scene in Nashville! We definitely recommend a trip to Marathon Music Works, a staple in the Nashville music scene and a classic for over 50 years – you are sure to have an amazing experience in the hub of the music city of Nashville. 

New Orleans

New Orleans is a breathtaking mix of cultures, experiences and colours. The streets are lined with outstanding food, like the classic po boy and alive with the sounds of jazz music and rich culture! The food in New Orleans is definitely one of our favourites in the whole of the US, with delicious beignets, warming gumbo and classic cocktails on offer all over the city. The diversity of delicacies stem from the rich cultures that coexist in New Orleans and it’s this mixture of history that defines New Orleans even today! The French Quarter really has it all, amazing food, shopping, history and live music – a trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a trip around the French Quarter, perhaps on the iconic streetcar! 

After a day of exploring the history and story of New Orleans, it’s time for the iconic New Orleans nightlife to begin! Check out some live music at some of the best spots in NOLA, with Howlin’ Wolf and Preservation Hall being our classic favourites for a guaranteed good time! Music is truly central to everything in New Orleans so don’t be surprised if you are surrounded by an eclectic mix of Jazz, R&B and soul all night long, in the stunning local dives and streets all around New Orleans.

New Orleans is of course world famous for their festivals and street parties. Essence Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year as it encapsulates the community and hospitality feel that the South is known for! Speakers and singers alike fill the impressive itinerary of Essence Festival. The most loved festival in New Orleans must be Mardi Gras, a month long parade of parties all leading up to the last day before Lent. This festival of colour, costumes, bead throwing and parade floats really is an incredible spectacle and the best party in New Orleans! Revel in the Mardi Gras traditions and watch the parades pass through the historic, beautiful streets of New Orleans – the perfect way to experience the city!