5 Ways to Have a Blast in the Deep South

If you’re looking for a life-changing vacation, the Deep South is where you want to be. From cruising to gambling, there are a plethora of memories to be made on your vacation to this magical place.

If you have a tour or trip coming up and need some ideas about what to do, check out this guide.

Take a Mississippi River Cruise

One of the best ways to relax in the Deep South is to get out on the water. And what better way than cruising the Mississippi River.

A Mississippi River cruise will bring you closer to the simple pleasures of life. There’s no hurry to wake up early, as there’s no work hanging over your head. You can relax and take things as slow as the water flows.

Companies like American Cruise Lines offer many options for Mississippi River cruises, many of which make stops in Southern cities like New Orleans, Memphis and Natchez. Some Mississippi River cruises last as long as 22 days and are sure to give you an experience comparable to a Mark Twain novel.

Immerse Yourself in the History of the Civil Rights Movement

Relishing the history of your vacation spot is the best way to gain a deeper understanding of it. While you’re in the South, make sure to visit the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.

This museum, which documents the struggles African Americans have faced during the civil rights era, is located at the motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.

You can also visit the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The trail makes stops at various locations of touching civil rights victories, such as the site of the Selma marches and Little Rock Nine memorial.

It’s also a good opportunity to pay your respects at sites of the racial tragedies that sparked the movement, such as Bethel Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Visit the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville

Cafes are quaint places that make for memorable vacation spots. And if you enjoy coffee or pastries, make sure you visit the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennesee.

If you want a taste of the region’s ales, the Bluebird has an assortment of local craft beers. And the food here is no joke, as they offer mouth-watering dishes like their “Fried Chicken Mozzarella Sandwich.”

If you love live music, this cafe has tons of it and is a well-known haunt for songwriters. Just note that you can’t sit and talk for hours on end here. You’ll be dismissed by the waitstaff if you disturb the musicians and composers.

Indulge in Some Gambling Endeavors

If you love to gamble, the Deep South is the place for you. There are a number of casinos in the region, all of which are legal.

Biloxi, Mississippi, is like a Southern Las Vegas. The Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is a gambling paradise, with luxury hotel rooms, a gorgeous pool and a spectacular view overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

If Louisiana is more your speed, there’s a Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans’s Central Business District. The casino is only a short walk from the French Quarter, so you’ll get a big helping of culture while you’re there.

And if you are unsure about visiting a brick-and-mortar casino, log into some of the best sites for NY players from the comfort of your hotel room, while sipping some wine and enjoying the scenic beauty.

Treat Your Taste Buds to the Cuisine of the Region

It’s imperative you taste the local cuisine when you go on vacation. The food and spices of your destination are an integral part of the local culture, and the South might just have the best food in the United States.

Southern favorites like hush puppies, pecan pie, gumbo and fried green tomatoes can be found at a variety of restaurants in the South.

Be sure to stop by the restaurants of some of the region’s famous chefs like Frank Stitt in Birmingham, Hugh Acheson in Georgia, Nina Compton in New Orleans and Vivian Howard in North Carolina.

There’s so much you can do on your vacation to the Deep South, from enjoying natural beauty to experiencing history, culture and cuisine from a front-row seat.