Rhythms of the South Travel Guide

Explore the South

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If you’ve never been to the American South then you are in for a treat. A mix of friendly people, legendary hospitality, sensational scenery, delectable Southern cuisine and rich music and history can all be found in three of the country’s finest cities.

Atlanta, Nashville and New Orleans offer the perfect taste of the South. These three distinct cities offer unique experiences yet share a common thread of authentic Southern culture and charm. Known as major music cities, music is interwoven into the heart of each city and helps tell a bigger story of the cities’ past and present. From Atlanta’s rap and indie music, New Orleans’ jazz and Nashville’s country and rock, enjoy the music and musicians who have defined these legendary cities.

Visit any of these Southern cities, or better yet, visit all three and enjoy their different qualities and attractions. Getting from one city to another couldn’t be easier and is the best introduction to the South, its culture, music and history.

Atlanta, Georgia & New Orleans

ATLANTA, GEORGIA sits at the intersection of Southern charm, creativity and sophistication. It is easy to fall in love with this beautiful city – its world-class attractions, award-winning dining and hidden wonders – and be inspired by the city’s endless possibilities.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE fully lives up to its name, Music City. A creative melting pot that seamlessly stirs together rock, country, bluegrass, jazz and more, it also blends in world-class art, award-winning cuisine, unique shops and outdoor activities to create an unforgettable experience filled with sweet Southern soul.

In the Deep South, you’ll discover NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, famous for its Mardi Gras, its jazz, its exquisite architecture and its great Cajun and Creole cuisine. It’s a city that greets you with an Old World appeal and embraces you with its spirited soul.

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Beyond the city’s core, Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods are packed with personality. Midtown mixes elegance with culture. The Westside has become a magnet for foodies, design enthusiasts and shoppers. Buckhead blends boutiques and galleries with fabulous dining, while Little Five Points keeps it funky through bohemian grunge paired with eclectic shops and music spots.

Atlanta’s rich history comes to life in Sweet Auburn Historic District, once the wealthiest black community in America. The area is a focal point for the American civil rights movement, as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and Ebenezer Baptist Church are located within the district.

In Atlanta, chef-run restaurants dish up modern American cuisine in strikingly beautiful spaces. Among the cutting-edge eateries are cozy diners, cafés and bistros. The ethnic mom-and-pop restaurants along Buford Highway offer menus with lots of flavor. Locally-owned craft breweries sprinkle the city, creating an unofficial ale trail for visitors to enjoy.

Sports fans have much to enjoy with a multitude of major league teams to see in action. At the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons “Rise Up” and MLS Atlanta United FC, compete on the soccer pitch. At State Farm Arena, men’s and women’s professional basketball teams, the NBA Hawks and WNBA Dream, take the court. For more football action, collegiate fans congregate at Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Just north of Downtown, the Atlanta Braves step up to bat at SunTrust Park.

Nashville

The sounds coming from Music City are those authentic, soulful, powerful and unpretentious sounds that can only come from the place where music is inspired, written, recorded and performed. And today, Nashville continues its emergence as a cultural, artistic and entertainment-rich destination, filled with more than over 180 live music venues, a myriad of attractions, art galleries, plantation homes, botanical gardens, honky-tonks, professional sports and fine dining. You’ll find many ways to enjoy Music City and discover for yourself why music calls us home.

Beyond Nashville’s musical scene, discover world-class eateries and an emerging arts scene with stunning galleries such as the Frist Art Museum, set in a beautifully-restored Art Deco post office. History lovers will adore discovering the city’s picturesque antebellum estate mansions such as Belle Meade and Belmont Mansion, as well as a full-size model of the Parthenon in Centennial Park, which also houses the world’s tallest indoor sculpture in the western world. Nashville also boasts hours of family fun: Nashville Zoo features animals from all corners of the globe; Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort is the nation’s first truly upscale indoor/ outdoor resort water attraction. With an ideal location and luxurious details, the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is the perfect base for Nashville exploration. New in 2020: Experience the National Museum of African American Music at the newest downtown destination, Fifth + Broadway!

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New Orleans

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The culture and flavor of New Orleans cannot be missed. This historic and lively city has a host of offerings that guarantee an extraordinary experience. Come enjoy our world-class live jazz music, abundant and unique tax-free shopping, exceptional galleries and museums, distinctive architecture and the most mouthwatering cuisine you’ll find on either side of the Mississippi River. Our rich historical and cultural heritage makes New Orleans the unparalleled jewel of the South. Come see for yourself.

For a unique experience, head behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World and uncover the magic behind Carnival. Discover the rhythm of the city with live street performances throughout the French Quarter showcasing spectacular local talent. The birthplace of jazz is home to musical performances in jazz clubs to larger performances at venues including the Smoothie King Center and festivals including Jazz Fest, the French Quarter Festival and Voodoo Music Experience. Wherever you go in New Orleans music is sure to follow.