Atlanta
This college city is known as the Capital of the New South. Although a modern centre, Atlanta still has some historic neighbourhoods which are a reminder of its historic roots. The headquarters of CNN (the world’s largest news service provider) and fizzy drink producer Coca-Cola are both located in Atlanta and offer tours of their buildings. The city has a number of different districts including;
Sweet Auburn – this historic district is Atlanta’s principal African-America area and is where Martin Luther King Junior was born and raised.
Buckhead – this upmarket district has some of the best upmarket hotels, restaurants and shops as well as some great architecture. Peachtree Road is right in the centre of this fashionable area and has over 100 bars and restaurants all within 3 blocks!
Little Five Points – a trendy neighbourhood with restaurants, cafes, shops and bookstores.
Macon
This friendly, charming town is the hometown of music legends James Brown, Little Richard and Otis Redding. Visit the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Hay House (Palace of the South) and the cottage home of famed confederate soldier Sidney Lanier. The town also has the Museum of Arts and Science, many shops and some great places to eat. Away from the town you can visit the beautiful Oconee National Forest for some mountain biking, hiking and fishing.
Memphis
‘Home of the Blues’ and the ‘Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, Memphis has produced musical stars such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, BB King and 70′s Southern soul singer Al Green. Dozens of clubs line Beale Street and there are many museums which depict the city’s musical heritage. Nearby is Gracelands which comes second only to the White House in Washington DC as the most visited house in America. There are plenty of attractions and things to do for the whole family in Memphis, including Memphis Zoo and plenty of great shopping opportunities, restaurants and bars.
Nashville
This diverse and cosmopolitan town is known as the home of country music. Shaped by many different music influences, including rock ‘n’ roll, jazz and classical, Nashville is home to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. A trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without a trip down memory lane at the Country Music Hall of Fame, a visit to the Grand Ole Opry at the OprylandT complex where Elvis Presley once performed and for history buffs, a walk along the Tennessee Antebellum Trail which takes you to historical sites of the pre-Civil War.
New Orleans
Not to be missed on your cheap package holidays to America is the diverse and exotic city of New Orleans. Known as the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ and the ‘City of Festivals’, New Orleans is home to the famous Mardi Gras. Wherever you go the air is filled with the sound of all kinds of music including jazz, blues, zydeco, gospel, Cajun and new-age rock. Take the ferry across Old Man River, experience an airboat ride through the swamps or simply just sit back and enjoy some fantastic food and amazing cocktails whilst listening to the wonderful live music in one of the many French Quarter courtyards.
Savannah
Overlooking the beautiful Savannah River at the top of Georgia’s 100 mile coast, the city which was founded in 1733 is home to 1,000′s of restored buildings, parks and 22 unique garden-like squares. Regarded by many as the finest example of English Regency architecture in America, Owens-Thomas House has an outstanding English inspired parterre garden and an original carriage house which is home to one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the South. Savannah has many museums and cemeteries to visit including the Savannah History Museum, the Eighth Air Force Museum, the Telfair Museum of Arts and Science, the Bonaventure Cemetery which features in the best selling novel ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ and Laurel Grove Cemetery where 1500 confederate soldiers are laid to rest. Whilst in Savannah don’t forget to visit the bench where Forest Gump sat in the legendary film of the same name.
