Aside from the “Southern hospitality” vibes, the South offers more with its unique culture, history, and attractions. From outdoor activities such as hiking and camping and historical sites to the best of its cuisine, there are countless activities to explore in this region. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, people in an online forum highly suggest you try doing one of these things when exploring the Southern states.
1. A Road Trip from Alabama to Tennessee
En route through Huntsville, several locations await travelers. A traveler recommends trying chuckwagons, which are mobile kitchens/restaurants. This suggestion is accompanied by the urge to not miss out on Marshall Space Flight Center, a captivating experience you’ll love.
“Not sure of your exact path,” they comment, pointing out that going to Tennessee lets you witness its captivating beauty, especially at the break of dawn. If a detour is manageable, the rush associated with NASCAR stadiums makes for an exhilarating stopover.
2. The French Quarter (And Greater New Orleans)
You don’t necessarily have to brave Bourbon Street if you’re not into the party scene, but The French Quarter remains a must-visit attraction for Southern vacationers. The beignets (powdered donuts) and coffee at Cafe Du Monde are world-renowned. While most of the best New Orleanian restaurants aren’t in the Quarter, you have to see Jackson Square and walk around this bastion of American history.
3. Florida Beaches
Have you heard that Florida’s gulf coast has some of the most pristine beaches in the world? Sure you have, as has virtually every other tourist that’s ever planned an excursion through the Southern United States. But, unlike Disney, the Florida beaches live up to the hype.
If you’re a savvy researcher or have deeper pockets than most, you’ll track down more secluded beaches that deliver cool sand and gulf (or ocean) views without the crowds.
4. Savannah, GA
A trendy spot for bachelor parties, girls-only weekends, weddings, and quick, drivable Southern vacations, Savannah is a not-so-hidden gem located on the Savannah River, only a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean. Between the cobblestone streets (Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city), vibrant foodie culture, and quaint-but-bustling vibe, Savannah has become a Southern staple.
5. Barbecue
You haven’t lived until you’ve had brisket prepared by one of the South’s premier BBQ joints. Do your homework. You might prefer your ribs slathered by the sauce-ome culinary artists at Central BBQ in Memphis, TN, Fox Bros. B-B-Q in Atlanta, GA, or one (or ten) of the countless other renowned barbecue restaurants across the Southern United States.
Warning: You wouldn’t be the first tourist to uproot your family to be closer to elite pulled pork sandwiches. If you’re not prepared for that possibility, you may just want to avoid Southern barbecue altogether.
6. An SEC Football Game
This selection isn’t as niche as you might think. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) offers game-day experiences, including massive cocktail parties, cookouts, and boat parties, depending on where you catch a game. Plus, football can be downright pulse-pounding.
From Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA, to The Grove in Oxford, MS, and Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN, college football games offer a glimpse into unbridled, hyper-hospitable Southern culture.
7. Non-Barbecued Southern Cuisine
Something about smoked pork calls for its own spot on this list. However, leaving out other Southern culinary staples would be a crime in seven states (including Louisiana). Gumbo in New Orleans. Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys (we’ll count Florida as the South).
Fried catfish in Mississippi. Soul food from several Southern states. If you’re traveling south of the Mason-Dixon, do your food diligence first.
8. An Airboat Tour
Disclaimer: Airboat tours are very much hit or miss. You don’t want to end up in a sweltering, wildlife-deprived swamp with a self-unaware “guide” doing his worst Johnny Carson impression to stretch the “tour” to the hour mark. That being said, if you find an airboat tour heavy on wildlife (Louisiana swamps) or excitement (see: Florida marshland), you won’t soon forget it.
9. Asheville, NC (Or a Comparable Mountainous Destination)
The South is not known for its mountains, making North Carolinian locales like Asheville (located on the Appalachian Trail) so special. You don’t know fresh air until you’ve smelled North Carolinian mountain air. It’s like nature’s version of Glade.
10. Charleston, SC
Nestled on Charleston Harbor, which flows from South Carolina‘s Atlantic coast, Charleston represents everything great about the South. With history, antebellum architecture, scenery straight out of Gone With the Wind, and modern amenities (and food) that inevitably arrives in the South’s most popular tourist attractions, Charleston must be on your itinerary.
11. A 2am Waffle House Visit
This is a bit facetious. But it’s a right of passage for southern youngsters (of legal drinking age, of course) to find themselves inhaling hot, artery-clogging waffles and sausage at a Waffle House just around the time bars announce last call (weird coincidence, right?). Out-of-towners have the right to gorge themselves at this 24/7 eatery, too.
More From Savoteur
Visiting the United States is filled with excitement and adventure – especially if you’re visiting from another country. There aren’t many nations that can offer more to foreign visitors than America! However, tourists should think twice about visiting certain places. Recently, U.S. citizens and tourists met in an online discussion to reveal the places foreigners should avoid at all costs.
10 Places in America Foreigners Should Avoid at All Costs According to Americans
12 Things Americans Have or Do That Is Better Than in Europe
There is a certain respect between the United States and its European counterparts. However, anyone who’s lived in both places knows what America has or does that puts Europe to shame! Recently, men and women met in an online discussion to reveal everything Europe should be jealous of when comparing itself to the United States.
12 Things Americans Have or Do That Is Better Than in Europe
Top 10 Most Unique Cities in the U.S. According to Americans
Tennessee Williams once famously said, “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” An online commenter asks people in a forum to share the most unique cities in the USA — here are their picks.
Top 10 Most Unique Cities in the U.S. According to Americans
10 Big Things Americans Are Not Ready To Hear According to Europeans
Buckle in, America: Europeans are about to lay some cold, hard truths on you. There are some things that Americans aren’t ready to hear, and recently, people met in an online discussion to reveal all the things that Europeans would love to say to the United States in general. It’s an eye-opening look into how America is viewed from across the pond!
10 Big Things Americans Are Not Ready To Hear According to Europeans
Top 10 Most Forgettable U.S. States According to Americans
Sometimes it’s easy to get selective amnesia toward certain states. It may happen for many reasons; maybe you visited the state once, and nothing was memorable or striking about it. Or perhaps it gave you bad memories on the first visit — first impressions matter a lot. According to regular voyagers, these are the top most forgettable states.
Top 10 Most Forgettable U.S. States According to Americans
Pop Culture Writer, Life Hack Aficionado
Focus: Film and Television, Life Advice, Comedic Writing
Education: Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of South Florida - Tampa
Published in several international publications, including stories completed as a Wealth of Geeks geek
Nearly seven years' experience writing professionally
Experience: Sam Mire is a freelance writer with over seven years' experience writing about entertainment, global events, American law, and sports. He got his start as a journalism major at the University of South Florida, and has since spent weeks in the Alaskan wildlands, immersed himself in the world of Florida's homeless population, covered live sporting events, and served as a linchpin for media outlets in the legal, tech, and entertainment spaces. Sam has written news stories and Op-Eds featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Entrepreneur, AP News, Fox News, and, most notably, Wealth of Geeks. Sam focuses on popular culture, film and television, and general life advice in his role for Wealth of Geeks. He strives to turn readers onto the directors, actors, and other creatives who deliver compelling content outside of the box-office top-ten. In his free time, he enjoys boxing, woodwork, engaging in battles of strength and wit with his dog, and spending time with good company.