Dixieland. With more culture than you can shake a fist at, and more parties than you can throw beads at, the laid-back South provided much southern comfort and hospitality. Swamps and marshes, mountains and plain, the South had us as happy as a
New Orleans oyster... er. clam. We scoured the South for the best of the American spirit. Beaches, bayous, and bourbon, we felt right at home as the Southerners welcomed us with open arms.
Alabama
The Yellowhammer State was our first stop this week as we sauntered across the South. Forests to the north, beaches to the south; Alabama let us take advantage of the weather and breath some fresh air. A quaint cabin on
Green Mountain let us get in touch with nature, and then we drove down to catch some rays in beautiful
Gulf Shores.
Photo by ssullivan Photo by fallshirmhosen
Mississippi
The heart of the Confederate South,
The Magnolia State offered a cornucopia of American history. Our journey led us to
Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis's southern home, and we channeled our inner southerner and sat on the porch to watch the day go by. We also visited historic
Vicksburg, where the Union Army took control of the Mississippi River.
Photo by twocruisers Photo by Sally_Moore
Louisiana
With so much to do in Louisiana, we could barely fit in a quick bite to eat at
Commander's Palace in
New Orleans.
The Pelican State took us from the Big Easy to the bayou. A NOLA Brass Band caught our eye; there is nothing more southern than jazz. And after a busy day in the city, a boat ride through the wetlands let us catch our breath and kick up our feet.
Photo by pdcnyc Photo by jenandfrank
Texas
Cowboys and cattle calls- everything really is bigger in Texas (has to throw that in). The biggest state in the continental USA had tons of sights to see, and it was hard to choose just two. Everyone remembers the
Alamo-
San Antonio is a Texas gem, and the
rodeo took us by surprise as such an exciting nighttime event in
The Lone Star State!
Photo by Stircrazy Photo by MikeInTown
Arkansas
Cities might not be the first thing you think of in Arkansas- it
is called
The Natural State after all. The beauty of your surroundings show you why is gained this name when you gander around the area. We relieved any remaining stress in our bodies at
Hot Springs, and cruised around the many churches that dot one of the Bible Belt States. Bonus points to anyone that finds a diamond at
Diamond Crater!
Photo by krareman Photo by btwood2
Tennessee
From east to west, this state screams southern. Or, rather, it sings south. The country music capital of the world,
Nashville, is a highlight on any trip to
The Volunteer State. A quick climb through the
Smoky Mountains show why they have that name. And we had to stop as
Graceland in
Memphis to peruse the insane collection of Elvis everything that is housed in his estate.
Photo by BawBaw Photo by Tim Thornton
Kentucky
Our last stop in the South was
The Bluegrass State. Known for its horse racing culture, we made sure to stop at
Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum to see some of the famous thoroughbreds. After that we drove up to
Natural Bridge State Park to have a picnic on the outlook and take in the beauty of the country we live in.
Photo by RoBoNC Photo by ToothTraveler
Previously on Road Trip:
The Southeast- Orlando, Myrtle Beach & MoreUp in two weeks: The Midwest-
Chicago, The Great Lakes, & More
Posted by jhartmann13 (JJ Hartmann)