From the smoky BBQ pits of Kansas City to the soulful flavours of Memphis and the legendary hot chicken of Nashville, this journey is a feast for the senses. Follow the roads that shaped American food culture, discovering iconic dishes, hidden gems and local traditions along the way. More than just a road trip, this is a journey through the stories, flavours and communities that make the South unforgettable.
Built on legendary music, warm hospitality and unforgettable food, pack your appetite and get ready to taste and listen to flavours and music of the South in our ultimate road trip.
Start your journey in the heart of the Midwest, where bold flavours and deep musical roots set the tone. Explore the elegant Country Club Plaza, dive into history at the WWI Museum, and indulge in Kansas City’s world-famous barbecue.
Don’t miss:
Along the way: St Louis, Hannibal and St Charles, plus a stop at Walt Disney’s hometown museum.
Stay: St Louis makes the perfect halfway overnight stop.
Must eat: Burnt ends, ribs and brisket. Between St Louis and Kentucky, try fried chicken and biscuits and gravy.
Vibe: bold smoky flavours with easygoing Midwest charm.
Drive time to Nashville: Approx 8.5 hours (892km) via St Louis.
Head south to Nashville, where music fills the air and energy is contagious. From honky-tonks to historic landmarks, this is a city that lives and breathes country music.
Don’t miss:
Along the way: Patsy Cline Memorial, Eiffel Tower Park, Crystal Shrine Grotto.
Must eat: Nashville hot chicken, pulled pork sandwiches and ribs.
Vibe: Energetic, musical, toe-tapping fun.
Drive time to Memphis: Approx 3 hours.
Continue to Memphis, where music history and soulful flavours collide. Home to blues, rock ‘n’ roll and Elvis Presley, this city is rich in culture and character.
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Along the way to Huntsville: Stop in Jackson, Tennessee for classic Southern comfort food.
Must eat: Dry-rubbed BBQ ribs and banana pudding.
Vibe: Soulful, historic and raw in the best way.
Drive time to Huntsville: Approx 3.5 hours.
Travel through Alabama, where innovation meets tradition. Huntsville offers a surprising blend of science, creativity and classic Southern hospitality.
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Along the way to New Orleans: Birmingham, Lake Guntersville, Jesse Owens Museum and Ave Maria Grotto.
Must eat: Hickory-smoked pork with Alabama White Sauce and Gulf Shrimp and Oysters.
Vibe: Smart, relaxed and unexpectedly cool.
Drive time to New Orleans: Approx 6.5 hours.
End your journey in vibrant New Orleans, where every street hums with music and every meal is a celebration. A melting pot of cultures, this city delivers unforgettable flavours and experiences.
Don’t miss:
Must eat: Gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish and a classic po’ boy.
Vibe: Lively, indulgent and unlike anywhere you have been before.
This drive captures the heartbeat of the South – from smoky BBQ pits and neon-lit honky-tonks to gospel roots and jazz-filled streets. It’s cultural, emotional, and packed with storytelling moments at every stop.
Whether you came for the music, the food, or the open road, the American South has a way of staying with you long after the journey ends. It’s in the rhythm of a blues guitar drifting through a warm evening, the smoky scent of barbecue in the air, and the stories shared by locals who bring each destination to life. From vibrant cities to quiet backroads, every mile reveals something unexpected.
Your personal travel manager can help you to create a tailored itinerary that encapsulates its culture, history and community through unique food experiences, boutique stays and hidden-gem stops.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
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