The South: music, food and festivals

With over 180 live music venues and the world’s highest amount of music museums, including the famous Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville is a force to be reckoned with. Take your pick from an extensive offering of unforgettable attractions and experiences.

First-time visitors are bound to love the honky-tonk live music bars on Lower Broadway and the legendary stages, including the Grand Ole Opry, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025! Don’t forget to delve into Nashville’s neighbourhoods and browse the wealth of record and guitar shops, like the popular Grimey’s. A holiday to Nashville? You really can’t beat it.

Although Nashville often overshadows Atlanta’s musical offerings, it’s still an incredibly creative destination with a thriving music industry in numerous genres, including hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and indie rock.

Atlanta’s music scene is showcased through its well-known festivals and museums, treasure-filled record stores and impressive live music venues. One of the city’s most popular venues is a converted church, The Tabernacle - this beautiful building has welcomed various artists like Kendrick Lemar and Guns N’ Roses! There’s even a cinema-turned-music venue named The Fox Theatre and an ultra-authentic record store to discover, Fantasyland Records.

This city’s music is its beating heart. Especially known for its association with jazz, New Orleans has produced world-renowned musical giants, including Buddy Bolden, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and more! But what’s the best way to embrace New Orleans’ iconic musical culture? We’d recommend strolling down Frenchman Street, where there’s a vibrant selection of cafés, bars, and restaurants – Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat are stand-out spots.

You may start to feel hungry after you’ve sampled cocktails at Nashville’s retro speakeasies. Luckily, this city boasts a diverse food scene, serving all sorts of flavours. However, it’s Nashville’s iconic foods that shouldn’t be missed during your visit – we’re talking Nashville Hot Chicken and Tennessee Whiskey, of course! There’s an array of restaurants here - from Martin’s BBQ to Lou Nashville’s mouth-watering menus.

Atlanta is most definitely a ‘food city’. The city’s chefs deliver a delicious concoction of innovative and dynamic dishes, incorporating traditional ingredients into worldwide cuisines. From bustling halls and colourful street markets serving global foods to fancy five-star restaurants, foodies will fall for Atlanta’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. But which signature flavours do we recommend? The lemon pepper wings, goat cheese balls, chocolate sea salt pops, and French toast sandwiches all sound delicious.

New Orleans’ fascinating history, cocktail culture, and food scene combine to attract millions of visitors every year. Whether you want to taste signature dishes or tuck into classic American ingredients, it’s all on the menu here. Simply place your order at one of the authentic cafés or restaurants. Feast on Southern favourites such as Chargrilled Oysters, Po’ Boys (crusty French bread with fillings, including roast beef and fried seafood) and hearty red beans and rice.

When you’re in Nashville, no two days are the same. You could be watching a world-famous act at an independent live music venue or landmark one day and visiting the renowned Music City Walk of Fame the next! If you fancy a quiet afternoon, explore the local art scene, or turn up the volume with a music-filled fundraiser - the Nashville Songwriters in the Round event. How about moving away from art and music and cheering on one of Nashville’s professional sports teams? What an experience.

Want to be at one with nature and its beauty? Create your own event of scenic views and wildlife! Spanning 2,684 acres, head to The Warner Parks (Edwin and Percy) in West Nashville, where there are picnic areas, running and hiking trails, and other outdoorsy pursuits to enjoy.

With countless attractions and events on its agenda, Atlanta’s a haven of fun. How about planning your journey around one of the lively concerts or immersive exhibits? Or simply head on an exciting night out in this dazzling city. For the best experience, attend Atlanta’s not-to-be-missed festivals, from the Shaky Knees Music Festival to the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival, not forgetting the epic Atlanta Pride.

New Orleans, a city known for its dynamic cultural scene, offers vibrant festivals and events almost every weekend! Whether you’re craving a French food market or the Brews, Boils, and Bubbles festival is more your thing, these high-energy events are full of locals and visitors from around the world, creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and shared joy.

When it comes to spring festivals, Mardi Gras is a favourite. This colourful carnival, marking the final day of Shrovetide before Ash Wednesday, is a testament to the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. Attendees don purple, green, and gold plus long, beaded necklaces, creating a spectacle that guarantees a truly memorable time, no matter which event you choose to visit.