Sometimes you need to take a weekend and go somewhere new. You need a few days to relax, eat some good food, and see the sights. If there is one thing the South does best, it’s provide the perfect places to do just that. In these cities, you can take just a weekend and be guaranteed great music, incredible food, beautiful landscapes, and creative architecture. Here are some of my favorite Southern cities I’ve visited. (Most more than once!)
New Orleans, Louisiana
I’ve never heard of anyone having a bad time in New Orleans. There’s so much to see, and more importantly, so much to eat! I’ve visited New Orleans 5 times now and there’s still things for me to do there. When you go, you can’t leave without taking a food tour or learning about all the haunted spots in the city. New Orleans is an incredibly unique city, the architecture and the atmosphere are truly one of a kind.
Memphis, Tennessee
If you love BBQ and blues, Memphis is the place to be. Home to the famous Beale street where you can hear the sweet sound of an electric guitar coming from every bar and every restaurant, and countless museums and music halls of fame. Here you can see the humble beginnings of rock n’ roll where legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash started to pave the way for the future of music. The National Museum of Civil Rights is here, held in what used to be the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. You can visit Sun Studios, the Rock N’ Soul museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and Elvis Presley’s very own home in Graceland.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah Georgia will show you exactly what they mean by Southern charm. In Savannah you will get blissfully lost walking down streets lined by great, beautiful oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Spend your mornings in coffee shops or at the farmer’s market and your nights at Mata Hari’s speakeasy or on the Slowride 15 person bicycle tour. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known for Country music and hot fried chicken, but there’s more to it than that. No matter what day of the week it is you will find live music somewhere and it is not limited to country music. With Belmont University in town, talented artists come to Nashville from all over the world to do what they love. The food there is almost as amazing as the music. Try the pulled pork at Edly’s, the hot chicken mac and cheese at Mad Donna’s, or the biscuits at The Loveless Cafe. Nashville is also home to a ton of beautiful parks. You should make a point to visit at least one while you’re in town.
St. Augustine, Florida
They say that Florida is the only place in the world you have to go North to get South, but St. Augustine is in Northern Florida so I think it counts. St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States and the only place on this list where you can also go to the beach. The Floridian is my favorite restaurant in St. Augustine, and my favorite coffee shop is DOS Coffee. If you’re making the most of St. Augustine you’ll want to stay in one of their Bed and Breakfasts, and if you love to camp you want to snag a reservation at Anastasia State Park.
P.S.- If you eat at The Columbia, order the Tony’s Special salad. You’re welcome.
You could spend days or weeks hanging out in these sweet Southern cities, the choice is yours, but either way you’ll have a great time. Be sure to check out my city guides for New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, and Savannah before you plan your next trip! Comment here or on my instagram and let me know what your favorite cities to spend a weekend in are!