We asked three specialist operators to tell us about their favourite destinations in America’s Deep South.
ATLANTA AND MEMPHIS
Rob Haynes, general manager for North America, Premier Holidays
“The things I find most unique about the South are the historical sites, museums and cities associated with the civil rights movement and the black struggle for freedom in the 1950s and ’60s.
“Some regard it as a bad story but it is part of the history and culture of the South and has become an integral attraction for visitors.
“Atlanta was the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King and it is worth stopping off in the city to visit the home where he was born and the church where he began his preaching career.
“Several museums in Atlanta also feature films of events and artifacts of the period. You are given headphones and a tape player for a guided commentary as you walk around the exhibits. It brings history right up to date and you can almost feel what it must have been like in those times. The city also figured strongly in America’s Civil War history, and it was here that the film Gone With The Wind was based, against the backdrop of the burning of Atlanta.
“Another favourite destination is Memphis, because I can combine my interests of Southern history and music. It is not only the home of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll but a melting pot of all different styles of music. I like to venture along Beale Street where within a quarter of a mile you can hop in and out of 20 blues clubs for one single cover charge to catch all the live bands.
“It is in Memphis too where Martin Luther King was shot, and the hotel where he stayed on his last night has become the National Civil Rights Museum. Another worthwhile excursion is the home of Alex Haley, author of Roots.”
MISSISSIPPI FLYDRIVE
Julie Finnie-Hogg, market development manager, Travel 4
“Everybody knows about New Orleans’ French Quarter and jazz clubs, and I like to have somewhere to retreat to after the non-stop partying in the city’s streets and bars.
“The quieter Garden District, an upmarket residential area, is a wonderful alternative place to stay before venturing on a driving tour from the city.
“The St Charles streetcar runs right into the Quarter from here and by using this form of public transport you really feel you’re part of New Orleans life as locals tend to want to pass the time of day with you.
“After a couple of days exploring the city, I like to head northwest to Natchez, a picturesque, sleepy town on the Mississippi. If there is one place that fulfills your expectations of the South, this is it. It offers great hospitality and a wonderful collection of beautiful Southern antebellum homes.
“From Natchez, many people follow the Mississippi towards Memphis but I would recommend taking a less direct route and drive northeast past the many small Southern communities along the Natchez Traceway Parkway. This brings you to Tupelo where you can visit the tiny two-room shack where Elvis Presley was born in 1935, before continuing on to Memphis.
“Seeing his birthplace first definitely makes a visit to Graceland, his mansion in Memphis, more poignant. Memphis is a great city but you need a car to get around to the neighbouring music attractions and museums.”
JAZZ AND NEW ORLEANS
Stephen Hughes, managing director of Funway Holidays
“Speaking as a jazz enthusiast, the Deep South has a special appeal for me and many other music fans. With commercial music stations in the UK targeting specific styles such as jazz and country music, people’s awareness of musical roots is growing.
“Across the US generally, there is a high standard of musical talent, with a wealth of good musicians playing in local clubs and bars. This is particularly true of the Southern states.
“In New Orleans, musicians represent a pot pourri of musical richness, performing everything from zydeco and gospel to jazz, rhythm and blues and new-age rock. A new wave of music clubs has hit the scene, from the Funky Butt Jazz Club on North Rampart to the Mermaid Lounge in the Warehouse District.
“But you need only venture out to any one of the many nightclubs and music halls to enjoy a good time. I like visiting the famous Preservation Hall in the French Quarter for the jazz. Each night the Hall plays host to the town’s best Dixieland combos and, although small and often overcrowded, it is one of the best places to get a true taste of the sounds of New Orleans.
“A fun addition to the city’s music scene will be the opening next year of a 100-acre theme park 12 miles from downtown. Called Jazzland, it will offer outdoor live entertainment and the usual US brand of white-knuckle rides.”