| Why
Travel to the Southern States?
Florida is a world away from the other southern states and a USA
must-see with some of the country's top attractions.
The remaining states are tied to the Mississippi, birthplace of
the blues, hillbilly and jazz, the roots of many modern popular
musical styles and still going strong.
Many areas have a 'southern charm' if nostalgic quaintness is what
you are looking for.
There is a lot of Afro-American and Civil War related history around
here.
Downside:
-
Other than Florida, Louisiana and Georgia there are few must sees
for the international tourist, though specialist interest and further
exploration in the other states will bring its own rewards.
- There is some opportunist theft in Florida aimed especially at
tourists. New Orleans has a reputation for street crime and scams.
When
to Travel to the Southern States, USA:
Best: June and September.
Okay: July-August, but heat is exasperated
by humidity making it rather sweaty.
Main Attractions:
Florida***
Further south than other states and a very different and cosmopolitan ambience, this state has sub-tropical weather,
wild wetlands, beautiful islands [Florida Keys], extensive beaches, world's best theme parks and fascinating, lively Miami, the Florida peninsula is way
ahead of other southerners in the tourism stakes.
Louisiana**
You can hear the river callin' in this heady mix, where blues and
jazz meet Cajun and French influences at New Orleans, last stop
along the great Mississippi River and its riverside plantations.
New
Orleans***
Jazz was born here, a result of the
multicultural mix.
Excellent cuisine, live music, relaxed pace, colourful architecture
and a riotous Mardi Gras. more
info
Historic
Plantations*
upriver of New Orleans is the state capital Baton Rouge and along
the way are several historic plantations which can be visited for
varying degrees of architectural splendour.
Acadiana* in the south west of the state the colourful
Cajun culture takes over with it unique music and cuisine.
Lafayette's Acadian Cultural Center
and Vermilionville Acadian Park will give you background info but
the smaller towns are more attractive, so in the wetlands see:
Thibodaux for the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center; Abbeville and
Breaux Bridge, for crawfish and seafood excellence; New Iberia,
St Martinville, and Opelousas for traditional buildings.
Consider also: Natchitoches for the
Fort St Jean Baptiste reconstruction and National Historic District.
Georgia**
Well worth a visit just to see one of the most beautiful historic
towns in the country, Savannah, but also several other worthwhile
attractions in the Appalchian Mountains,the island coastline and
the historic towns.
Savannah*** the top state attraction is this stunning
historic town with its antebellum [prewar] splendour which is ideal for walking tours.
Head for the Historic downtown district and wander around the 21
squares.
Highlights include Davenport House and the Savannah History Museum.
Golden Isles* the barrier islands off
the Georgian coast are named after the wealthy patrons who owned
properties here. St Simons is the most populated with an old English
fort, a lighthouse and museum.
The Cumberland Island National Seashore is a nature reserve of wildlife
and hiking interest.
Appalachian Mountains** superb hiking
and whitewater at the southern end of this range.
Try Vogel Sate Park for scenic splendour, the dramatic Talluhah
Gorge, and Amicola Falls State Park.
Dahlonega is a good base, and has a gold museum, while the town
of Helen has strong influences from Germany and Switzerland.
Atlanta*
[for Martin Luther King***] the state capital, with a Centennial Olympic
Park left over from the 96' Olympic Games.
Stone Mountain Park* near
Atlanta, a great granite outcrop with carvings of confederate figures.
Consider also:
Pine Mountains for the extensive Callaway Gardens;Augusta, for the
Masters Golf Tournament; Macon, Milledgevile and Madison for historic
buildings, especially the Hay House in Macon.
Major
Festivals and Events:
Mardis
Gras, well represented in the region, but most famously in New Orleans
and Mobile, Alabama.
May, Kentucky Derby, Louisville, Kentucky, the biggest horse race in the country.
May, Masters Golf Tournament, Augusta, Georgia
September,
Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown, Kentucky
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