If you’re planning a budget-friendly Road trip through this region, a detailed guide that compresses it all into a 14-day road trip around the South can go a long way in aiding your trip. Here’s our welcome to a blissful but affordable road trip around your favorite southern cities.
Which US States Are Considered the “South”?
First, it’s worth knowing exactly what cities or states are in question here. Based on the federal government’s approach, here are the states considered part of the US South.
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- The District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Of course, you wouldn’t be able to explore all these areas in one road trip. However, with this handy guide, you have a budget and itinerary that gives a feel of what’s possible in the area.
Spend Two Weeks in the American South on a Budget-Friendly Road Trip
Your two weeks exploring the American South could go thus:
- Days 1-2: Memphis, Tennessee
- Day 3: Tupelo, Mississippi
- Day 4: Birmingham, Alabama
- Days 5-6: Atlanta, Georgia
- Days 7-8: Savannah, Georgia
- Days 9-10: Charleston, South Carolina
- Days 11-12: Asheville, North Carolina
- Days 13-14: Nashville, Tennessee
Days 1-2: Memphis, Tennessee
Spend at least two full days in Memphis, especially if it’s your first time here. You could spend an entire day eating all the delicious Southern barbecue you’ve craved in Memphis. Or, you can soak in cool live music from Memphis’ Beale Street.
Other exciting things to explore include the Underground Railroad, the Sun Studio, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Day 3: Tupelo, Mississippi
Within a couple of hours on Day 3, you’ll arrive at Tupelo, Mississippi. Interesting things to do here include:
- Seeing Elvis Presley’s birthplace
- Pop into Queen’s Reward Meadery for some sneaky-strong honey mead
- Visit the Natchez Trace Parkway
You could spend the night here if you have some time. Or, feel free to take the next couple of hours traveling to Birmingham.
Day 4: Birmingham, Alabama
Spend the day visiting the best of Birmingham’s historical and palatial spots. Historical threads of the Civil Rights Movement linger here, while the Vulcan Park forces you back into modern reality with its soaring heights and mammoth iron cast statue.
You can also check out mouth-puckering cocktails at the Avondale Brewing Company before retreating to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens to soak in everything you’ve seen here.
Days 5-6: Atlanta, Georgia
Your next stop is Atlanta. But first, you might have to pay attention to your wristwatch because you’re entering a new time zone here.
Beyond its busy airport, Atlanta is a great place that shows off the cultural diversity of the South. Exciting places to visit here include the
- Jimmy Carter Library and Museum
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
- National Center for Civil and Human Rights
- The Vortex Bar & Grill
- Dwarf House
Thankfully, the city has comfortable accommodation options for every price point. So, spending the night here shouldn’t eat too much into your budget.
Days 7-8: Savannah, Georgia
Four driving hours away from Atlanta, Savannah is one of the country’s most romantic cities. With plenty of delicacies and sights to keep visitors at home, here are a few exciting places to see:
- Savannah’s Squares
- Hearse Ghost Tours
- Mercer Williams House Museum
- The Old Pink House
- Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski National Monument
Days 9-10: Charleston, South Carolina
Only a few hours from Savannah, Charleston easily ranks as one of the US’s most whimsical cities. Here’s a highlight of things to do within a couple of days here:
- Shop in the French Quarter
- Visit the Pineapple Fountain
- Tour a few of Charleston’s Historic Homes
- Check out Civil War relics at Fort Sumter.
Days 11-12: Asheville, North Carolina
Another four driving hours gets you to Asheville. With so many exciting places to visit and things to do here, you’ll want enough time to soak in the city. Here are some ideas worth considering over a couple of days:
- Visit Biltmore Estate
- Check out the Thomas Wolfe Memorial
- See 12 Bones Smokehouse
- Visit Asheville Craft Beer
- Liger to watch a demo at Lexington Glassworks
- Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Days 13-14: Nashville, Tennessee
Five hours from Asheville takes you to Tennessee. Feel free to wind up even more days here if you’ve got more time – or love country music. Cool places to consider visiting here include:
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Monell’s
- Marathon Village
- Grand Ole Opry
Conclusion
For many, America’s southern region is a top favorite travel destination. Road trips through states like Tennessee, Alabama, and the Carolinas can provide a truly historical and cultural experience, especially for people who live in the other part of the country (or a different global climate entirely).
This guide can provide a good jumpstart to exploring this part of the country when you’re on a budget. Hopefully, you’ll find a couple of spots that’ll keep you returning on another visit.