Deep South USA Road Trip Itinerary: New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville & the Great Smoky Mountains
Introduction
From jazz-filled evenings in New Orleans and the legendary Blues Highway to Graceland, Nashville's live music scene and the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, this unforgettable Deep South road trip combines music, food, history and adventure in one incredible itinerary.
Some holidays are about ticking off famous landmarks. Others are about immersing yourself in a destination's culture, history and atmosphere. A road trip through the American Deep South manages to do both.
Beginning in New Orleans, following the famous Blues Highway through Mississippi to Memphis, continuing to Nashville, and finishing amongst the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains, this itinerary offers an unforgettable journey through America's musical heartland.
From legendary recording studios and iconic live music venues to world-famous BBQ, mountain cabins and scenic drives, this is a trip that remains long in the memory.
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New Orleans: Jazz, Carnival Season and Louisiana Cuisine
New Orleans is unlike anywhere else in the United States.
The city's colourful streets, unique architecture, world-famous cuisine and rich musical heritage make it the perfect starting point for a Deep South adventure.
While most people have heard of Mardi Gras, one of the best-kept travel secrets is visiting during the early Carnival season. You still experience many of the incredible parades and celebrations, but without the huge crowds, peak accommodation prices and packed streets associated with Mardi Gras itself.
Food lovers should also consider visiting during crawfish season, which typically runs from January through June, with the best and most plentiful crawfish available between March and May. This is when traditional crawfish boils are in full swing across Louisiana and provide one of the most authentic Southern dining experiences available.
The Birthplace of Jazz
No visit to New Orleans would be complete without experiencing its legendary music scene.
As the birthplace of jazz, music forms part of the city's identity and can be found everywhere from historic venues to intimate neighbourhood bars.
While Bourbon Street is famous for its lively party atmosphere, many visitors also spend time on Frenchmen Street, one of the city's best-known live music districts. Popular with both visitors and locals, it's packed with jazz clubs, bars and music venues where you can hear everything from traditional New Orleans jazz and brass bands to blues, funk and soul.
It's certainly no hidden secret these days, but it remains one of the best places in the city to spend an evening immersed in live music.
Many visitors spend an entire evening moving between venues, discovering new artists and soaking up the unique atmosphere. The quality of musicianship is exceptional and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the city's rich musical heritage firsthand.
Don't Miss the National WWII Museum
One attraction that genuinely exceeded expectations was the National WWII Museum.
Even travellers who don't normally gravitate towards museums are often amazed by the scale and quality of the exhibits. The immersive displays, personal stories and interactive experiences bring history to life in a way few museums manage to achieve.
Allow far longer than you think you'll need. What might seem like a half-day attraction can easily become a full-day experience.
New Orleans Highlights
- Early Carnival season parades
- Frenchmen Street live music venues
- The French Quarter
- Bourbon Street
- Traditional jazz clubs
- Crawfish and Creole cuisine
- Mississippi River cruises
- National WWII Museum
Driving the Blues Highway from New Orleans to Memphis
Leaving New Orleans behind, the journey north follows sections of the famous Blues Highway (Highway 61).
This isn't simply a drive between destinations; it's an attraction in its own right.
Travelling through the Mississippi Delta offers a glimpse into the birthplace of blues music, passing small towns, roadside diners and historic communities that helped shape modern American music.
Take your time with this stretch of road. Some of the most memorable moments come from unexpected stops, local conversations and discoveries that never make it into travel guidebooks.
The route perfectly links New Orleans and Memphis while showcasing a side of America many visitors never experience.
Memphis Travel Guide: Music, History and Legendary BBQ
If New Orleans excites the senses, Memphis speaks directly to the soul.
Music is woven into the city's identity, particularly along Beale Street, one of America's most famous entertainment districts. Lined with historic bars, blues clubs and live music venues, Beale Street delivers exactly the atmosphere many travellers imagine when they picture the Deep South.
Whether you're enjoying a drink while listening to a blues band or simply soaking up the atmosphere, a night on Beale Street is an essential Memphis experience.
Music Attractions Not to Miss
- Beale Street
- Sun Studio
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- The Peabody Hotel
Music lovers could easily spend several days exploring the city's legendary recording studios and learning how Memphis helped create blues, soul and rock 'n' roll.
The city is also home to some of America's most famous BBQ restaurants. From slow-smoked ribs to pulled pork sandwiches, Memphis takes barbecue seriously and you'll quickly understand why.
Graceland: Far More Than a House Tour
No visit to Memphis is complete without experiencing Graceland.
Even for travellers who aren't lifelong Elvis fans, Graceland is genuinely impressive. What surprises most visitors is the sheer scale of the attraction.
Many guidebooks suggest allowing just a few hours. Personally, I'd recommend significantly longer.
There is simply so much to see. Beyond Elvis Presley's famous home, visitors can explore extensive museums, archives, car collections, stage costumes, memorabilia and his iconic aircraft.
What initially appears to be a house tour is actually a major attraction that can comfortably occupy most of a day.
For music lovers, Graceland isn't simply a tourist attraction—it's a pilgrimage.
The Peabody Memphis: One of the South's Most Iconic Hotels
If you're looking for somewhere memorable to stay in Memphis, The Peabody Memphis is much more than just a hotel—it's an attraction in its own right.
Often referred to as the "South's Grand Hotel", The Peabody combines historic Southern elegance with luxurious modern comforts. During our stay, we enjoyed a beautifully refurbished king room featuring luxury bed linen, stylish décor and even duck-shaped soaps as a nod to the hotel's most famous residents.
Of course, those residents are the legendary Peabody Ducks.
The daily Duck March is one of Memphis's most beloved traditions, with guests gathering in the lobby to watch the ducks make their grand entrance and waddle along the red carpet to the fountain.
One of the lesser-known highlights is taking the lift to the rooftop, where the ducks retire to their own penthouse accommodation each evening. It's a quirky experience that perfectly captures the hotel's personality and charm.
Its central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring Beale Street, Sun Studio and many of Memphis's top attractions.
For travellers wanting to add a touch of luxury to their Deep South road trip, The Peabody is one of those rare hotels that genuinely becomes part of the holiday experience.
Nashville Travel Guide: Live Music Beyond Broadway
Most visitors head straight to Broadway's famous neon-lit bars, and while they are absolutely worth experiencing, some of Nashville's best moments can be found away from the busiest streets.
The city's lesser-known dive bars often provide a more intimate music experience, with incredibly talented musicians performing for smaller audiences.
You never know when you'll discover an artist who may be headlining major venues a few years later.
Nashville Must-See Attractions
- Grand Ole Opry
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Ryman Auditorium
- Johnny Cash Museum
- Broadway
One experience that's often overlooked is a riverboat cruise near the Grand Ole Opry. Taking to the water offers a completely different perspective of Nashville and provides a relaxing contrast to the city's energetic nightlife.
Where to Stay in Nashville
Nashville hotel rates can be surprisingly expensive, particularly at weekends.
A great alternative is to stay slightly outside the city centre. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Vanderbilt, located just a couple of miles from downtown Nashville. It offered comfortable accommodation, easier parking and convenient access to Broadway and the city's main attractions without some of the premium city-centre prices.
The Great Smoky Mountains: The Perfect Finale
After days of music, nightlife and city exploration, arriving in the Great Smoky Mountains feels like stepping into another world.
Towering mountains, forest-covered ridges, waterfalls, wildlife and peaceful cabin retreats provide the perfect contrast to the vibrant cities visited earlier in the trip.
Scenic Drives Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Even if you're not a serious hiker, the national park is incredibly rewarding to explore by car.
Some of the most scenic drives include:
- Newfound Gap Road
- Cades Cove Loop Road
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
- Little River Road
These routes showcase spectacular mountain scenery, rushing rivers, historic buildings, forested valleys and incredible views.
Waterfalls, Rivers and Hiking Trails
The Smokies are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
The national park offers hundreds of miles of trails ranging from short riverside walks to more challenging mountain hikes. Along the way you'll discover waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, wooden bridges and countless scenic viewpoints.
Even visitors who don't usually consider themselves hikers will find plenty of accessible walks with stunning rewards.
Wildlife Spotting
The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the best places in the eastern United States to spot wildlife.
Keep an eye out for:
- Black bears
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkey
- Chipmunks
- Elk
Seeing a black bear in the wild is often one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip.
Cabin Life in the Smoky Mountains
For the full Smoky Mountains experience, consider renting a private cabin.
Many cabins come complete with mountain views and private hot tubs, providing the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
There's something truly special about sitting in a hot tub overlooking the mountains while the sun disappears behind the ridges.
Anakeesta
One of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg, Anakeesta combines panoramic views, treetop walks, gardens, restaurants and family-friendly attractions high above the town.
The mountain views alone are worth the visit.
Ole Smoky Distillery: Moonshine, Whiskey and a Few Extras
No visit to Gatlinburg would be complete without experiencing its moonshine culture.
While the standard tastings are great fun, those looking for something extra should consider the Gatlinburg Distillery Tour.
The experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process, additional whiskey tastings and a complimentary cocktail served in a private back-room setting.
The tour also includes a free Ole Smoky T-shirt and discount coupons that can be used towards purchases in the store.
With generous tastings, entertaining guides and plenty of local character, this often becomes an unexpected highlight of the Smoky Mountains.
Dolly Parton's Stampede: More Than Just a Dinner Show
One of the biggest surprises of the entire Smoky Mountains section of the trip was Dolly Parton's Stampede.
At first glance it may sound like a traditional dinner show, but it's much more than that.
From the moment you arrive, you're immersed in an evening of entertainment, Southern hospitality and family-friendly fun. The show combines impressive horse-riding stunts, friendly competitions, music, comedy and special effects in a huge purpose-built arena.
The meal is part of the experience too, with guests enjoying a hearty Southern feast while watching the action unfold.
For visitors exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this is one attraction that regularly exceeds expectations and often becomes one of the highlights of the entire holiday.
Dollywood
Frequently rated among America's best theme parks, Dollywood offers much more than rollercoasters.
Set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, visitors can enjoy live entertainment, traditional crafts, Appalachian culture, seasonal festivals and excellent food alongside the rides and attractions.
Many visitors leave wishing they had allocated an extra day to explore.
Suggested Deep South USA Itinerary
13-Night Deep South Fly-Drive Holiday
- 3 Nights New Orleans
- 1 Night Clarksdale, Mississippi Delta
- 2 Nights Memphis
- 3 Nights Nashville
- 4 Nights Gatlinburg & Great Smoky Mountains
Where to Stay Along the Way
New Orleans
Stay in or near the French Quarter for easy access to the city's music venues, restaurants and historic attractions.
Mississippi Delta
Clarksdale is an excellent overnight stop for music lovers thanks to its deep blues heritage and authentic Delta atmosphere.
Memphis
For a memorable stay, I highly recommend The Peabody Memphis. Its combination of luxury, history, location and famous duck traditions makes it one of the standout hotels of the entire itinerary.
Nashville
Consider staying slightly outside downtown. The Hilton Garden Inn Nashville Vanderbilt offers excellent value and convenient access to the city's main attractions.
Gatlinburg
A mountain cabin with a hot tub offers the ultimate Smoky Mountains experience and creates memories that last long after the holiday ends.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Deep South?
Spring (March to May)
Perfect for:
- Crawfish season in Louisiana
- Early Carnival season events
- Pleasant temperatures
- Wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains
Autumn (September to November)
Ideal for:
- Comfortable sightseeing weather
- Autumn colours in the Smokies
- Smaller crowds
- Excellent road-trip conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About a Deep South USA Road Trip
How long do you need for a Deep South road trip?
Ideally 10–14 nights, allowing enough time to explore New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Is the Blues Highway worth driving?
Absolutely. The route provides a fascinating journey through the heart of blues history and offers a very different perspective on America.
Is Graceland worth visiting?
Yes. Most visitors find they need significantly more time than guidebooks suggest because of the sheer size of the attraction and extensive exhibits.
What is the best month to visit?
March, April, May, October and November are generally considered the most comfortable months to visit.
Is Dollywood worth adding to a Deep South itinerary?
Definitely. The combination of rides, live entertainment, Southern hospitality and mountain scenery makes it one of the best theme parks in America.
About The Travel Edit by Caroline
The Travel Edit by Caroline is run by Caroline Preston, an independent travel consultant affiliated with ATOL-protected One Travel Club.
Specialising in tailored holidays, fly-drive itineraries, cruises and bespoke travel experiences, Caroline helps clients create unforgettable journeys with expert advice and personal service.
Ready to Experience the Deep South?
Whether you're dreaming of jazz in New Orleans, driving the Blues Highway, touring Graceland, discovering Nashville's live music scene or relaxing in the Great Smoky Mountains, I can help create the perfect itinerary.
The Travel Edit by Caroline is run by Caroline Preston, an independent travel consultant affiliated with ATOL-protected One Travel Club. Every holiday benefits from ATOL & TTA protection for complete peace of mind.
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