In the South, y’all are so welcome!
AMERICA is full of hidden gems — and discovering some of the best makes for a brilliant self-drive holiday.
The musical South in particular, is a revelation to explore — packed with its own inimitable brand of culture, cuisine and character. From scenic Northern Kentucky to the tuneful meccas of Owensboro, Memphis and Nashville, this is a unique region where the whiskey is sour, the rhythms are sweet and y’all are welcome! Trailfinders’ renowned travel experts have designed a series of self-drive itineraries in the South — and their 14-day Bluegrass, Bourbon and the Blues route is a fascinating favourite, full of interest and fun surprises.
SIPPING BOURBON
WITH its abundance of beautiful buildings, bridge-lined riverfront, and world-class breweries, Cincinnati, Ohio — where this journey kicks off — never fails to surprise first-time visitors and even those who call it home. Crossing the Ohio river to Newport, Northern Kentucky, you’ll arrive in the ‘Sin City’ of its day, where gangsters profited from Prohibition. Whether it’s sipping bourbon on a distillery tour (top), listening to live Appalachian bluegrass music, or meeting the famed thoroughbred horses, Kentucky is a captivating state to visit. Historic Covington has many movie-making landmarks, including recent locations for The Vampire Diaries and Sweet Magnolias. Louisville, pronounced ‘Loo-avul’ locally and affectionately known as Bourbon City, is home to the Kentucky Derby, and was the birthplace of boxer Muhammad Ali and the Louisville Slugger baseball bat. Each are lauded in their own museum. It’s a foodie-centric city — a lovely place to eat at farm-to-table restaurants and sample cocktails along the Urban Bourbon Trail. Owensboro styles itself the Bluegrass Music Capital of the
World. Immerse yourself in its uplifting, toe-tapping heritage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, and tour distilleries. A little further on, artsy Paducah is a UNESCO Creative City, where you can visit galleries and feast your eyes on a world of incredible contemporary quilting in America’s premier quilt museum. And Memphis, Tennessee, is synonymous with Elvis Presley.
Make a pilgrimage to Graceland to see his decadent mansion, beloved pink Cadillac and iconic costumes — and his first microphone at Sun Studio.
HONKY TONK BARS
YOU could also visit Soulsville and The Blues Hall of Fame, before walking down worldfamous Beale Street for an evening in the blues clubs and juke joints. Don’t miss the legendary barbecue cuisine. Finally, you’ll rock up in Nashville, the home of country music. Broadway is awash with lively honky tonks and shops selling cowboy couture, so you are never far from a good ol’ fashioned hoe down. Take in a performance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, visit RCA Studio B where greats from Orbison to Bowie recorded hits. And tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Taylor Swift features in an upcoming American Currents exhibition. There are historic plantation mansions to explore, or head out to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. And you’re not far from Dollywood — Dolly Parton’s wonderful theme park.
A fly-drive expertly put together by Trailfinders, and packed with hidden gems and warm Southern hospitality, is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in this unique American region. So whether you’re planning a music-themed fly drive or a culinary adventure filled with culture and history, speak to the Travel Experts at Trailfinders to make sure you see the hidden gems of America’s South, on 010 4625 0130 or visit trailfinders.com.