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HELP! Solo road trip - the Deep south - Hints & Tips needed!

HELP! Solo road trip - the Deep south - Hints & Tips needed!

Old Oct 17th, 2016, 07:23 PM
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HELP! Solo road trip - the Deep south - Hints & Tips needed!

Hi
I would really appreciate any help from locals or seasoned travellers. I've seen similar posts from several years ago but just in case any one has fresh ideas!

I am a 29yo from Australia and am beyond excited to be planning my first ever trip to America and Canada!!!
I am looking to travel for about 5 weeks in April 2017, alone! I have experience in travelling and living abroad though never completely solo.
I will stay with friends for about a week in Toronto & Niagara Falls, then New York city for about a week to visit more friends.
If you have any advice for that time it would be appreciated but where I really need guidance is the final leg...

I will fly into South Carolina (possibly Charlotte in NC) and drive through the deep south - South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and finish & fly home from Texas.
I know I want to see the "real"America, I am not interested so much in big cities, a lot of partying etc I want to see history, culture, traditions etc. Such as food, music, civil war/rights history, local celebrations, sporting events etc. Though don't get me wrong - I am not opposed to a great night out!!!
If anyone can give some guidance on this; on things I definitely should see or others that may be popular but could miss etc I would really really appreciate it!!!
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Old Oct 17th, 2016, 09:49 PM
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Are you specifically interested in the South or in American history and culture in general? If you have not been to America before, I'd first fly into DC. The Smithsonian is amazing- it has many historic and cultural artifacts on display- but the monuments are really fascinating. Arlington Cemetery and the air and space museum especially give me a kind of patriotic shiver every time I go. Closer to DC than the Deep South are also the Civil War Battlefields. Early American history galore as well. Monticello, Mt Vernon.

Music: the three biggies are obviously Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis.

Food is all over the place. Charleston, SC, comes up frequently on this board as foodie heaven.

Of the top of my head, I know there are civil rights museums in Savannah, Memphis, and Greensboro NC. There are probably more. I'd probably pick the Memphis one, as it includes the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated. Admittedly, though, I also don't know much about the other two- in fact, I only know about Greensboro because it was recently in the news for offending Trump, lol.

On a side note- one of the coolest things I saw in DC this last time was the Greensboro Woolworth lunch counter- http://americanhistory.si.edu/press/...-lunch-counter

New Orleanspeaks for itself, also has plantations of various kinds nearby.


Even in the states you mentioned, there is too much for 3 weeks, so I feel it depends on your interests. And the "real America" is not one cohesive idea, not even in the south. So it would help to know what exactly you want to see and do. It would also help if you explained how much driving time you need to account for- Texas is fairly large, and I'm assuming you mean that you're driving to a specific city for some reason other than just flying home.
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 02:22 AM
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It seems you have about 3 weeks after your initial visits. You shouldn't miss Washington DC--it seems to get short shrift from foreign travellers bent on NYC, Chicago and others.
Take the train from NYC to DC. See DC.
Rent a car and start south to Charleston--basically a long day's drive but break it up.
Charleston to Atlanta, Birmingham, Montgomery, and on up to Memphis or Nashville if you really want the music.
Down to NOLA and then to Austin (I'd guess)
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 06:49 AM
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Lauren,

I would definitely make a point to see both Charleston and Savannah as they are the prototypical southern cities both very similar and at the same time very different. I would suggest you fly into Charleston and start your adventure there. Sounds like an amazing trip.
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 12:07 PM
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You have 3 weeks to visit 5 states after Toronto and NYC, too much. I would fly into either Charlotte, NC (boring city but is or was a major hub for former US Airways) or Atlanta. Charleston would be good, and definitely Louisiana, and New Orleans. April is kind of an in between time for sports, not sure when spring training starts for baseball.
By the way, all of America is "real". Sure some places are more touristy than others, usually because they have something worth seeing or doing.
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 01:46 PM
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Jazz Fest is usually around that time in New Orleans. So worth it if you can get tickets...but of course New Orleans is worth the trip any time!
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 04:06 PM
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Thanks everyone for your replies!!!
In response to some points that have been raised:
I've heard a lot about New Orleans, Charleston and Savannah - I also saw they were mentioned on previous posts as a must see so I have added them to my list to look at & what I've seen so far they're definitely perfect!
Overnight I did think more about the timing, I can definitely go longer, 5 weeks was just a ballpark and actually think I'll cut down NYC to 4 days & then go South.
I have grown up reading books and watching documentaries and films on the Deep South and I have always had a particular passion and interest for it - the culture, food, histories and general way of life is absolutely fascinating to me. The only reason I'm not spending my whole time there is my friends that I want to visit and the reason I am ending in Texas is largely due to having 3 friends there too. I do intend to do other places such as NYC (properly), LA, DC & more of Canada etc but just not on this trip.
When I say "real" I definitely know it's all real and that every state, town, city and attraction would have something to offer, I didn't mean it to come across otherwise.
What I mean when I say that is to escape from touristy spots and see something different, experience for myself the barn dances, the rodeos, see the battle fields, smell and taste the home cooked meals, ride a horse through the stunning countryside, visit a beautiful old Jazz bar, have a laugh and share stories with locals etc etc... I live in a big city full of history and multiculturalism and I really want to experience things that I can't/don't at home, things that I've been dreaming about my whole life...
I know I can't see it all in 5-6 weeks and I'm not even planning on booking accommodation before I go (for the road trip portion), I just want some ideas so i can look into things, know what i DEFINITELY don't want to miss this trip and then anything I do miss is just a great excuse to return even sooner!!!
I hope that makes a little more sense!
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 04:07 PM
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Oh I also meant cut back to 4 days for each Niagra Falls and NYC due to the fact that my main goal this trip is to visit & experience the South.
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 04:59 PM
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Rodeos you may have some luck:

http://rodeosusa.com/rodeos/page/8/

So I'm from the kind of town I think you are picturing. To be honest, I see some problems:

Most barn dances that I've been to have been private affairs. Anniversaries, graduations. A lot of small towns DO have an online calendar and you might find a local square dance, contra dance, street dance. But I think they are kind of a drag when traveling solo. People either have partners or are riding herd on kids, so unless one is a kid, it feels a little isolating.

Second problem: I don't think April is a high month for those events, even in the south. Food or musical festivals, maybe. Tooth rottingly sweet local stuff like the county fair, less so. That type of thing is generally a summer/fall thing.

Home cooked meals are kind of problematic by definition. But one idea is a dude ranch, although those are generally expensive.

You're pretty close to the Kentucky Derby (early May, I think), and horses are huge in that area, so possibly a horse race is possible. A trail ride shouldn't be hard to find.

It occured to me that you'd probably enjoy a powwow but the only one I can find in late April is the gathering of nations in New Mexico. Which would be awesome, most likely, but it's clear across the country.

As for the locals...can't help you there at all. The closest I've come to that experience is waiting in line at an amusement park and staying at a tiny bed and breakfast.
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 07:18 PM
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Hi Marvelousmouse
Thank you for your response! I did find that same rodeo page just last night! I got very excited!!!
All those things I listed aren't must do but just things that come to mind when I think of my fairy tale "Deep South"

I did look up a few dude ranches but i think they're going to have to wait until my next trip & possibly give it about a week on one in Colorado or Wyoming or similar.

I am curious, if you come from a town like that what time of the year you would recommend? My friends in Texas advised against the heat of mid-summer. I don't really have anything holding me here in terms of work commitments etc so I can actually go any time!
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 08:12 PM
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Sigh. I had a lovely reply for you but somedays Fodor hates my phone.

Highlights... (I did not actually grow up in the south, I grew up in a small farming community on the west coast).

- summer in the south is brutal. If you are heat/humidity sensitive, I agree with your friends. If it rains (and I mean torrential) it does not cool you down, you go from sweaty and uncomfortable to sweaty, drenched, and miserable.

- I didn't mind it. Went camping in Florida in July, actually. But heat doesn't bother me too much (it's the humidity) and it was go then or don't go at all. I actually think spring is a perfect time to go to the south. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the festival thing. If you go in the summer, go for loose quick drying clothing- the only way I can stay cool is to wear a very light weight dress. NOT denim shorts.

- when you do the west, though, DO go during the summer. Hit some national parks, at least one state fair, an outdoor theater (live and drive in- former is fabulous and latter is a dying breed).

-speaking of national parks...it occurs to me that national park week is late April, and there are NPs on the west coast as well. Congaree (Carolina) Everglades (Florida) and Mammoth Cave (Kentucky) off the top of my head. There might be a free day, there could be special events as well.

If it were me: I would try to work your trip so you can catch something like Jazz fest in NO or the Kentucky Derby. Both iconic American events that I haven't attended but would love to do so!
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 08:13 PM
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East coast, dang it phone. "There are NPs on the east coast as well"!
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 08:31 PM
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Awesome!!! Thank you so much for your help & guidance.
I am considering going a little later, the only reason I wanted to go March or April was because I have itchy feet!
Being Australian I am well versed in heat - both dry & humid & I know exactly what you mean regarding denim!
I will definitely look up different festivals!
Thanks again
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 08:40 PM
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Oh, itchy feet I can totally understand!! I haven't been on my Christmas trip yet (Germany) and am already wondering about a summer trip lol.
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Old Oct 18th, 2016, 10:34 PM
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End of March and most of April, SC is a glorious wealth of flowers, the best in the country. Aim to be there then. Visit some of the plantations around Charleston and Savanah. Talk about history and culture. You have it all there.

Another fabulous place is Ashville, NC. An amazing amount of history relating to a great American Family at the Vanderbuilt House and a Mecca for American fine crafts.

Memphis and Nashville - music

Others are right. Washington DC is a must!
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Old Oct 20th, 2016, 02:32 PM
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These suggestions all look fantastic! I also didn't realise there's the information pages here so I've been reading up more on the suggestions and think I'm definitely on the right track!
Thank you for taking the time!
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Old Oct 25th, 2016, 12:53 PM
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If you know the general route you will be taking through Alabama (North-South or East-West), I would be happy to give you some off the beaten path highlights and include Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi as well.
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Old Oct 25th, 2016, 05:42 PM
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Hi Travelmonkey
Likely East to West but I have plenty of time so I can travel around quite a bit & as I will have a car am not limited by transport etc. Any suggestions you have would be fantastic!
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Old Oct 26th, 2016, 07:32 AM
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The Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May. In April, if you want to see horse racing, visit Keeneland in Lexington. It is a beautiful track. In the area, you could also visit Shaker Village, near Harrodsburg. Great place to dine there for a bit of a home cooked like meal. A bit further north than your planned trip but might be worth a look.
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Old Oct 26th, 2016, 08:30 PM
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Thank you Charsuzan I will definitely look into them!
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