History Meets Hospitality in the American South

The American South provides the backdrop for some of the most significant events in United States history. As the organizing ground for much of the Civil Rights Movement, the region is rich in historical landmarks and cultural artifacts. Add to that the region’s mild weather, abundant nature and world-famous cuisine, and you’ll find no shortage of stuff to schedule on your adventure through the Southern States.

Today, its cultural cache spans hip-hop and high-end comfort cuisine, but in 1864 the city was nearly burned to the ground in the American Civil War. Re-emerging as the center of the ‘New South,” Atlanta eventually became an organizing ground for the Civil Rights Movement, led, in part, by one of Atlanta’s most prominent natives, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Within an hour from the city are plenty of opportunities to spend time in nature, such as Springer Mountain, where you can hike from the Appalachian trail’s official southern start.

Where to Stay:

• Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis

What to Eat:

• Visit the world’s largest drive-in restaurant and downtown Atlanta institution, The Varsity. The famously friendly staff will greet you with “What’ll ya have,” to which we recommend replying, “two chilli cheese dogs, a side of onion rings, and a frosted orange.”
• For more premium local fare, visit The Plate Sale, a pop-up dinner series in Atlanta and Athens serving up gourmet goods like cucumber and kohlrabi in shrimp sauce and a pork sausage dish, though the menu changes by the season.

What to See:

• The King Center is home to the world's largest repository of source materials on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, including Dr. King’s birth home.
• Learn more about the Civil Rights Movement at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
• Hike from the official southern start of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain.

One of the original industrial cities in the American South, Birmingham was born from the iron and steel industry and has since established a name for itself in banking, medical research and Southern culinary prowess. A trip to “The Magic City” should include stops at some of the many historical sites in the area such as the Civil Rights District. Also, make sure to sample some authentic soul food, and then take a drive further south to one of Alabama’s Gulf Coast beach towns.  

Where to Stay:

• Marriott Birmingham
• Courtyard Gulf Shores Craft Farms

What to Eat:

• For a soul food staple, try the fried chicken from Eugene’s Hot Chicken.
• Like BBQ? Sample the Southern mainstay from SAW’s Soul Kitchen.

What to Do:

• Learn about Birmingham’s role in the Civil Rights Movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
• Charter a fishing boat on the Gulf of Mexico with Captain Darrel’s in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
• Visit Birmingham’s first black church, 16th Street Baptist Church, which still holds service on Sundays.

While in Jackson, drive along the Mississippi River, check out some of the city’s museums, and consider adding the town of Tupelo to your itinerary for a chance to see where Elvis was born.

Where to Stay:

• The Westin Jackson
• Courtyard Jackson Ridgeland

What to Eat:

• Visit Brent’s Drugs, a classic American diner that’s been serving Jackson since the 40’s.
• Want something sweet? How about Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, where they serve up pies based on the recipes of the founders’ maternal grandmothers.

What to Do:

• Follow the Mississippi Freedom Trail, a series of markers created in 2011 to recognize the people and places that played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
• Check out some museums like the Eudora Welty House, where the Pulitzer-prize winning writer lived, as well as the Old Capitol Museum, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum.