The South’s Best Music

Day 1: Arrive Atlanta

Welcome to Atlanta, capital of the New South. The impressive gold dome of the Georgia state capitol presides over the fastest growing center for hip young professionals and multicultural residents in the country. You can still find glimpses of the Old South intertwined with sophisticated shopping, great art museums, the CNN Center, the Olympic complex and major league sports. Take the Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour, explore a bit of Buckhead and try some of the great food the south is famous for. Enjoy a world class performance in Atlanta before heading out to the Capital of Country Music.
Standard Hotel: BW Atlanta Airport
Deluxe Hotel: Westin Atlanta

Day 2: Atlanta to Nashville

What began as a barn dance at an insurance company and sounds from the hills and hollers of the southern Appalachians turned into a whole world of country music that is so popular today. The story of this amazing evolution is illustrated at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Ryman Auditorium is right across the street. Catch a tour of Historic RCA Studio A from the Country Music Hall of Fame It’s were Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Chet Atkins all recorded. Printer’s Alley is a great place for live music any night of the week and lower Broadway still rocks with the sounds of guitars and fiddles.
Standard Hotel: BW Music Row
Deluxe Hotel: Union Station Hotel

Day 3: Explore Nashville and Nashville to Memphis

After a visit to Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry Museum, head out to Memphis. Your first stop, of course, has to be Graceland, home of Elvis Presley. After that, make it to Beale Street which howls with the blues and jazz performances right out on the street any night. The Center for Southern Folk Lore and Cafe is a treasure trove of music lore. The Memphis Rock and Soul Museum makes the connection between the work songs, field hollers, blues, gospel, country fiddlers and the music of today.
Standard Hotel: BW Galleria Inn and Suites
Deluxe Hotel: The Peabody

Day 4: Explore Memphis

If you didn’t party to hard on Beale Street last night, stop into see the Peabody Ducks before visiting Soulsville: STAX Museum of American Soul Music, the newest music museum in Memphis. Cross over to Mud Island Park for entertainment and great eating and make a quick stop at the Heartbreak Hotel, where accommodations are all Elvis, all the time. Be sure not to miss Sun Studio, considered the birthplace of Rock and Roll.

Day 5: Mississippi Blues Trail to Natchez

Today, you’ll be on your way south on the Mississippi Blues Trail. You’ll soon realize you’ve reached the DEEP south where the history and culture of the area is as rich as the dark soil. Stop at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Muddy Waters Cabin is now located at the Freight Depot on Blues Alley. Catch the B.B. King Memorial Museum in Indianola on your way to the Highway 61 Blues Museum. All the while you’re immersed in the Blues, you’ll be traveling the Great River Road National Scenic Byway down to Natchez and your accommodations for the evening.
Standard Hotel: Eola Hotel
Deluxe Hotel: The Briar’s Inn

Day 6: Natchez to Lafayette

The Cajuns are famous for their music and you can listen to good Cajun music seven nights a week in Lafayette. The Acadian Cultural Center tells the story of how all the cultures that make up Cajun sound came together in southern Louisiana. You can get out into the swamp with a Rand McNally recommended guide. Leave plenty of time for nightlife. These are fun people!
Standard Hotel: BW Posada Anna
Deluxe Hotel: Bois des Chenes

Day 7: Lafayette to New Orleans

In New Orleans, you can see the real thing on Bourbon Street. There are places where the musicians play right out on the street. Check for a performance at Preservation Hall. Listen to music in a jazz cafe or jazz bistro. Prowl the streets of the French Quarter looking for just the right sound to enjoy. There’s so much music in New Orleans that even the Ritz Carlton has a jazz club right in the hotel.
Standard Hotel: BW St. Christopher Hotel
Deluxe Hotel: Hotel St. Pierre

Day 8: Explore New Orleans

If you can pull yourself away from all the music, visit the French Quarter Visitor Center and take a walking tour of the Quarter with a National Park Service Ranger who will introduce you to traditions and life in the area. The Historic New Orleans Collection preserves the heritage of the city and its descendants. Stroll the Garden District for a completely different view of the city.

Day 9: New Orleans to Montgomery

At some point on the way from New Orleans to Montgomery, you’ll pick up the Hank Williams Music trail. When you reach Montgomery, visit the Hank Williams Museum to learn the whole story about this very talented and influential musician who lived a very tragic life. Check out any gospel performances at the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church.
Standard Hotel: BW Hope Hull
Deluxe Hotel: Embassy Suites Hotel

Day 10: Montgomery to Macon to Atlanta

On your way to Atlanta, take a side trip to Macon, home of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Standard Hotel: BW Atlanta Airport
Deluxe Hotel: Westin Atlanta

Day 11: Explore Atlanta

Spend one more day exploring the Capital of the New South before departing for home.

Day 12: Depart Atlanta