Hoogtepunten The Deep South

About the destination: New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. New Orleans is located in the Mississippi River Delta on the east and west banks of the Mississippi River and south of Lake Pontchartrain. The area along the river is characterized by ridges and hollows. Saint Louis Cemeteries, historic cemeteries constructed in the 18th century, are one of the most important sight of the city. Located in iconic Jackson Square we find St. Louis Cathedral. This national historic monument is the oldest continually operating cathedral in the country. One of the most famous neighbourhoods of America is New Orleans’s French Quarter. Enjoy the historical architecture, jazz clubs and restaurants that are affluent in the area. The French Quarter is also the hotspot of Mardi Gras celebrations. Mardi Gras is the city’s impressive carnival. Millions take part in the carnival and enjoy its parades and balls. New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States. Louisiana’s Cajun, creole and African-American cultures have had a significant impact on the architecture, art, and music of New Orleans.

About the destination: Nestled in the heart of Cajun Country, Lafayette, Louisiana, offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and unparalleled culinary delights. Known as the "Happiest City in America," Lafayette is a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, all of which are reflected in its eclectic music, dance, and cuisine. Whether you're strolling through the historic downtown district, savoring a bowl of authentic gumbo, or dancing the night away to the infectious rhythms of zydeco, Lafayette promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. One of Lafayette's crown jewels is its lively cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the world-famous Festival International de Louisiane, a free, five-day music and arts festival that attracts performers and visitors from around the globe. For a more intimate cultural experience, visit Vermilionville, a living history museum and folklife park that offers a glimpse into the life of the Acadian, Creole, and Native American communities from the mid-18th to late-19th centuries. The Acadian Cultural Center is also a must-see, providing insightful exhibits and ranger-led programs that delve into the region's unique heritage. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in and around Lafayette. The nearby Atchafalaya Basin, the largest wetland and swamp in the United States, offers opportunities for kayaking, bird watching, and guided swamp tours that allow you to get up close with the area's diverse wildlife. For a more tranquil escape, head to the beautiful gardens at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic Bayou Teche. No matter your preference, Lafayette's natural landscapes provide a serene backdrop for relaxation and adventure alike. Of course, no trip to Lafayette would be complete without indulging in its gastronomic treasures. The city is renowned for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, with a plethora of restaurants offering mouth-watering dishes like boudin, crawfish étouffée, and po'boys. Don't miss the chance to dine at one of the local seafood joints, where you can savor freshly caught Gulf shrimp, oysters, and crab. For a truly immersive experience, consider joining a Cajun cooking class to learn the secrets behind these beloved dishes. In Lafayette, every meal is a celebration of the region's rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality.

About the destination: The town of St. Francisville was established in 1809, and a number of historic structures from that period still exist. Called "the town two miles long and two yards wide" because it was developed atop a narrow ridge overlooking the Mississippi River, it was the commercial and cultural center of the surrounding plantation country. Below St. Francisville's bluffs, another early settlement called Bayou Sara had been established by French colonists in the early 1790s. It was at one time the largest antebellum Mississippi River port between New Orleans and Memphis, but was superseded by Natchez. The settlement was gradually destroyed by repeated flooding and fires, and nothing exists of Bayou Sara today. A few of its surviving structures were hauled up the hill into St. Francisville in the 1920s.This area and other former French-controlled territories east of the Mississippi River was taken over by Great Britain after it defeated France in the Seven Years' War in 1763.

About the destination: Natchez is the county seat and only city of Adams County, Mississippi, United States. Natchez has a total population of 15,792 (as of the 2010 census). Located on the Mississippi River across from Vidalia in Concordia Parish, Louisiana, Natchez is some 90 miles (140 km) southwest of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, which is more in the center of the state. Because of the way the states are aligned, it is about 85 miles (137 km) north of Baton Rouge,[clarification needed] the capital of Louisiana, which is also located on the lower Mississippi River. Natchez is the 25th-largest city in the state. It is named for the Natchez tribe of Native Americans, who with their ancestors, inhabited much of the area since the 8th century CE and through the French colonial period

About the destination: Memphis is a city that belongs to the US state of Tennessee, is also the county seat of Shelby. The city lies between the Wolf and Mississippi rivers. Memphis is definitely one of the most known and most popular cities in the United States. For those who love music, Memphis is a mandatory city because it is the birthplace of some styles of music like blues, soul and rock and roll. In the legendary Sun Records some privileged voices such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbinson, Jerry Lee himself Lewys or Johnny Cash recorded some of their albums. A popular tourist attraction is visiting the home of Graceland, which belonged to the King of Rock Elvis Presley. It is the second most visited home across the United States and there are several guided tours. For those who love basketball, Memphis is also a suitable city as it has basketball team in the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies, and you can watch their games or make a tour in their stadium FedExForum with has a capacity for 18,119 people. But besides all this, in Memphis there are plenty of activities to do. Lovers of culture and art can visit museums such as the National Civil Rights Museum, where you can learn the history of this city and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art where there are greatexhibitions every day. Memphis is also known for its good climate and its gastronomy, do not forget to try the barbecue ribs. Finally, it has a very raucous nightlife and is full of bars and pubs as the BB King's Blues Club.

About the destination: Nashville is a city that belongs to the US state of Tennessee and is the administrative seat of Davidson County. This city is known worldwide as the "City of Music" because there is a big music industry, particularly in country music. If you love music you cannot forget to visit the great Grand Ole Opry is a perfectly designed theater where there are concerts every day. Here they have past stars like Dolly Parton. Furthermore it is known as "The Athens of the South", with its neoclassical architecture and its educational facilities. It is a city with a lively music scene. If you like culture, visit museums such as the Tennessee State Museum where you learn can learn all the story about this town or the Adventure Science Center, where you'll find everything about science. If you like natural parks and nature do not forget to visit the Opryland Hotel Gardens, a huge garden with all kinds of vegetation and which a river passes through, all within a glass dome. As for nightlife, Nashville is a lively city where there are many places to have fun and have a good time at night such as The Big Bang Dueling Pianos bar with a great music atmosphere or the Robert's Western World, a pub with western atmosphere. Undoubtedly, Nashville is the ideal city to come visit family and to have a great experience.

About the destination: Gatlinburg is a city located in Sevier County in the US state of Tennessee. Every year, eight to ten million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And for good reason. You’ll find lots to do and see at this sprawling National Park, and the vista is definitely more than enough to keep anybody coming back. The wealth of flora found at the park is unmatched. The park’s grounds bloom with over 1,660 kinds of flowering plants and wildflowers all-year-round. You can even take wildflower walks to view the many flower species found in the park. Fauna at the National Park is equally abundant. Visitors can expect to spot a wide variety of birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. The National Park is also the largest protected bear habitat in the East. Gatlinburg is definitely an ideal vacation destination for nature lovers. To fully experience everything the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer, you can opt to literally take a hike with the expert guides of A Walk in the Woods. A Walk in the Woods offers nature entt dhusiasts a wide variety of guided hikes and backpacking trips on the trails at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For this and a lot more reasons Gatlingburg it is an amazing place to visit and to enjoy.

About the destination: Atlanta is the capital of and the most populous city in the state of Georgia and is, today, a national centre of commerce. Situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Atlanta has the highest elevation out of major cities east of the Mississippi River. An Atlanta tour must include the Atlanta History Center. Learn about the city’s roots and its role in the Civil War. Atlanta is the major setting for Margaret Mitchell’s novel “Gone With the Wind,” and you can learn about the author and the book at the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum. Stop by the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site which includes this inspiring leader’s birthplace home, his final resting place, the church where he once gave sermons, as well as a museum and memorial. From there, your Atlanta sightseeing should continue at the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, the Centennial Olympic Park, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the Stone Mountain Park. On the outskirts of the city we have the beautiful Stone Mountain Park. If you take the Summit Skyride, you’ll get an outstanding view of the city.Atlanta is the flagship for the New South, a sprawling city with trendy bars, top-notch restaurants and high end boutiques, but all adorned with Southern charm. Atlanta has a very modern skyline but is intrinsically proud of its heritage.