The Southern United States offer some of the most captivating cities in America, with a unique blend of history, culture and stunning natural beauty, and there truly is something for everyone in this region. Whether you’re looking for an exciting nightlife or a relaxing weekend getaway, the cities of the South have plenty to offer. In this article, we are going to explore just four of these cities that you could consider if you are looking for an unforgettable trip!
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina is a beautiful city located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the oldest cities in America. Founded in 1670, the city is home to rich history, beautiful architecture, and plenty of southern charm. Charleston is particularly known for its cobblestone streets and abundance of historic sites. The old city area of Charleston is recognized as a National Historic Landmark with more than 3000 buildings that date back to the 1600s and 1700s. Many of these buildings feature elaborate designs and intricate brickwork, displaying the grandeur of the time in which they were built.
One of the most iconic sights of Charleston is its Rainbow Row, a line of pastel-colored houses along the waterfront. These brightly colored homes are all located on East Bay Street, and have become an integral part of the city’s identity. These brightly colored homes were first believed to have been painted in 1931 by Dorothy Haskell Porcher Legge, who bought a section of the buildings that needed restoration following a fire. The pink was chosen carefully to reflect a colonial Caribbean scheme, and others along the street soon followed suit and painted their homes in keeping with the pastel color that Dorothy had originally used. Visitors can easily find hotels close to Rainbow Row Charleston to give them a good base to explore this street, and then the rest of the city.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is one of the most vibrant and culturally-rich cities in the South. It has been an integral part of United States history since it was established as a military base in 1779. It is the home of the Tennessee State Capitol and the largest city in the state. Nashville is a major transportation hub, making it instrumental in America’s expansion westward for centuries. Its accessibility and popularity has made it a bustling center for trade, with hundreds of companies taking advantage of its central location and amenities.
Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene, boasting some of the greatest musical talent in the country, including legendary country stars such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton. For music lovers, Hank Williams Jr. Music Row is one of the most iconic spots in Nashville with its abundance of recording studios and record stores. At night, the city of Nashville comes alive with its lively bar scene. The diverse selection of bars and pubs offer a variety of experiences to explore. From traditional honky tonk downtown spots offering live country music to trendy rooftop bars, there are many places to choose from in the city.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia is a vibrant and bustling city in the south of America. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it has been dubbed the “City in the Forest” due to its lush landscape and abundance of trees. Atlanta is home to many historic sites and monuments, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, the Atlanta History Center, and the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum. These cultural landmarks provide visitors with a glimpse into the city’s rich history, all of which have made it the destination it is today.
Atlanta also boasts several major professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League, and the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. The city also hosts numerous college athletic events in its numerous stadiums and arenas. Tourists can visit the iconic Turner Field, home of the Atlanta Braves from 1997 to 2016. With its classic red-brick exterior, Turner Field draws fans from all over the country to watch America’s favorite pastime in this historic stadium.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its unique culture, distinctive cuisine, and colorful history. The city was founded in 1718 by French explorers and is often referred to as the “Big Easy” due to its laid-back atmosphere and unique musical culture. It’s also known for its rich diversity and abundance of attractions, such as the historic French Quarter. The architecture here has remained largely unchanged since then and many of the original buildings remain today, including the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, which was built in 1794 and stands as the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the US.
New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations are known around the world for their vibrant atmosphere and the crowds of people that flock there every year. The festivities span two weeks, during which elaborate parades featuring floats, costumed revelers, and masked dancers make their way through the city. Floats can range from traditional to abstract in design, often with vibrant colors and decorations. Costumes are often elaborate, with the more traditional costumes often featuring characters from New Orleans mythology or Mardi Gras royalty such as King Rex, Queen Momus, and the Royal Court.
Final Thoughts
From the culture to the history, there’s so much to explore in the South of America. From Nashville’s vibrant nightlife scene to Atlanta’s rich civil war heritage, each city has something unique and special to offer visitors. So, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an exciting family vacation, these cities provide plenty of options for everyone. All you need to do is pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey through some of America’s most interesting cities. With all that they have to offer, it’ll be hard not to fall in love with this region!
