New Orleans to Nashville - An Epic Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

The Ultimate Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

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Last updated on March 21st, 2026 at 06:50 pm

I’ve taken a couple of road trips through America’s Deep South – and they ended up being two of my favourite trips ever.

Traditionally, the Deep South includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, but depending on who you ask – and the kind of trip you’re planning – places like Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida often get thrown into the mix, especially when you’re talking about music, food, culture, and history.

Highlights from my trips included New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, and Savannah, along with a few unexpected stops along the way. Both trips were packed with legendary music, mouthwatering food, fascinating history and a lot of fun.

So if you’re looking to plan an incredible road trip through America’s Deep South, then this is the blog post for you.

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My Deep South Road Trip Route – Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia

There are so many amazing places you could include on a Deep South road trip – it’s a huge region, and chances are you won’t have time to see them all. The best way to plan a trip like this is to choose a few key destinations you really want to visit and build your itinerary around those.

At the same time, it’s worth leaving a little space in your schedule for the unexpected stops and adventures you come across along the way. Those unplanned moments often end up being the best parts of a road trip.

Deep South Road Trip – Part 1: New Orleans to Nashville

Our first trip turned into a musical pilgrimage through some of the most legendary music cities in the world: New Orleans in Louisiana, followed by Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee, and finishing in Gatlinburg near the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park (near the birthplace of the incredible Dolly Parton).

I come from a musical city myself – Liverpool – and grew up listening to country, soul, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. I was in bands when I was younger, so visiting the places that inspired the songs I love – where they were written, recorded, and first performed – felt pretty special.

But… we actually started in Austin, Texas (not New Orleans), then spent a few days on a ranch in Bandera, and stopped briefly in Houston to visit the famous Space Center Houston before heading on to New Orleans to begin the main Deep South route.

I loved Texas – but if I were planning this trip again, I’d probably save it for a separate road trip. Texas feels like its own world. It’s quite different from the other places I visited during my time in the Deep South and it deserves more time to explore properly, so I won’t include it here.

Deep South Road Trip – Part 2: Nashville to Savannah

The second trip was meant to be a continuation of the first trip, starting in Nashville, then the Smoky Mountains (again), before heading all the way down to the coast. The plan was to drive to Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains, then on to Charlotte, North Carolina, down to Charleston, South Carolina, and finish in beautiful Savannah, Georgia.

But a couple of days before we arrived, Hurricane Helene (how appropriately named!) hit Asheville and the surrounding area hard. Roads were washed away, parts of the region were closed, and we had to reroute, which, as it turned out, led us to some incredible places we hadn’t planned to visit, including the iconic Mountain Lake Lodge, better known to many as Kellerman’s from Dirty Dancing – more on that below!

Both of our trips that were just over 2 weeks each – including Texas and we went to Nashville & the Smoky Mountains on both trips, so you could do the whole route in 3 weeks if you wanted to. It would be pretty fast-paced, but do-able.

I’ve done quite a few USA road trips now – from California & Vegas, Hawaii, and most recently Montana, Wyoming & South Dakota – and every single one has been amazing in its own way. I can’t get enough.

But trips like this can be overwhelming and tricky to plan, which is why I like writing posts like this, sharing what I did, what worked well, and what I’d change if I did it again. Hopefully it helps you plan your own epic Deep South road trip too – and it helps keep the memories alive for me as well.

Deep South Road Trip Itinerary Map

My Suggested Route & Key Stops

New Orleans, Louisiana: Lively, soulful, and completely one-of-a-kind. Think jazz spilling onto the streets, ornate French Quarter balconies, beignets at Café du Monde, and a rich cultural blend of French, African, and Creole influences.
Memphis, Tennessee: Home of the blues and the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. Visit Graceland, walk in the footsteps of music legends at Sun Studio, and soak up the energy of Beale Street. Memphis also has a powerful civil rights story, with important sites like the National Civil Rights Museum.
Nashville, Tennessee: The country music capital of the world with a fun, creative energy. Tour the legendary Grand Ole Opry, listen to live music in the honky-tonks along Broadway, and dig into Nashville hot chicken or biscuits for days. It’s loud, lively, and a brilliant road trip stop.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee: A quirky mountain town perched on the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Expect family attractions, moonshine tastings, and easy access to hiking trails and scenic drives. A little kitsch, but full of character.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: America’s most visited national park, famous for its misty mountain views, lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife (including black bears). Hike up to Clingmans Dome, drive through Newfound Gap, or simply enjoy the peaceful Appalachian scenery.
Asheville, North Carolina: A laid-back mountain city known for its artsy vibe, craft breweries, and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wander the creative downtown, drive sections of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, or visit the grand Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home.
Charlotte, North Carolina: A modern, fast-growing city with a mix of southern charm and big-city energy. Known as a major financial hub, it’s also a good stop for museums, food, and sports – plus it makes a convenient gateway between the mountains and the coast.
Charleston, South Carolina: One of the most beautiful and historic cities in the South. Think pastel houses, cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and incredible cuisine. It’s charming, elegant, and packed with history.
Savannah, Georgia: Atmospheric, romantic, and full of character. Savannah is known for its leafy squares, Spanish moss-draped oak trees, historic mansions, and laid-back southern feel.

There are lots of other places in between too, so you’ll probably find yourself stopping more than you expect – whether that’s a small town, a scenic viewpoint, a local recommendation or somewhere you’ve spotted on the map.

Buc-ee’s

For those of you who’ve never heard of Buc-ee’s (I hadn’t until I did this trip), it’s kind of like a supermarket crossed with a service station, famous for their clean bathrooms and fuel pumps.

Except, as well as regular brands (like Coca-Cola etc.) they have Buc-ee’s everything – food, drinks, clothes, toiletries, toys… it’s a whole experience! Definitely try and stop at one if you drive any part of this route!

On this route, they have locations in Crossville and Sevierville Tennessee and Florence in South Carolina (although it’s a little detour).

Airport Options

All of the places on this itinerary have airports nearby, so you can start or end your trip in any of these destinations.

We flew from the UK via Atlanta using Delta, Virgin, and KLM, but you could also mix and match other carriers depending on your route.

The great thing about this trip is that you can start or finish at almost any point along the route – giving you flexibility to do shorter sections of the trip and plan the road trip that works best for you.

Car Hire for Your Deep South Road Trip

I’d highly recommend hiring a rental car through DiscoverCars.com. They give you the option to pick up a car in one place and drop it off in another, which is ideal for this type of road trip.

Best Time to Travel in the USA’s Deep South

Generally speaking, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit the Deep South. Summers can be very hot and humid – especially in New Orleans – so if you’re not a fan of sticky heat, it’s worth keeping that in mind.

We did our first trip in May, and it was lovely. Warm enough for shorts and t-shirts every day, but not unbearable. All the summer activities in the Smoky Mountains – like white water rafting – were up and running. We did get a bit of rain and thunder/lightning in the Smokies, but it didn’t last long and definitely didn’t ruin anything. I think we just got unlucky with a weird patch of weather!

If Mardi Gras is on your bucket list (and it really should be), the party season in New Orleans kicks off in January and runs right through to Fat Tuesday, which falls sometime in February or March depending on when Easter is that year. The biggest parades usually happen the weekend before Fat Tuesday, so that’s the perfect time to go if you want to catch the full spectacle.

We did our second trip in late September. The weather was mixed in Nashville and the Smoky Mountains – thanks to Hurricane Helene – but it was fine everywhere else. One highlight was visiting Dollywood around Halloween. It was super fun, beautifully decorated, and amazing to ride all the rides in the dark. Plus, the park was practically empty, so we didn’t wait in any lines at all.

My Deep South Road Trip Itinerary

New Orleans, Louisiana (3 – 4 Nights)

The first stop on my Deep South itinerary is New Orleans. Or as the Americans say it ‘New Orlans’ (us British say ‘New Or-lee-ans’). Or just NOLA for short! It’s one of those legendary places that you need to visit!

The city is famous for many things – Mardi Gras, being the birthplace of jazz (and Louis Armstrong), great food, voodoo, vampires and ghosts (oh my!), the architecture and a unique cultural makeup.

Once I put it out there on social media that I was visiting NOLA, I had so many recommendations from friends and readers – and lots of people telling me how jealous they were that I was going! This set the bar high.

New Orleans has a reputation as a quirky, spooky, party city, which sounded right up my street. And after staying there for a few days I can confirm it is all those things and more! I loved it.

We spent 3 nights here which was a good amount of time, but I easily could have done an extra night!

Cool Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana

Take a foodie tour of New Orleans to sample classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys.
Join a free walking tour of the French Quarter to learn about the city’s history and hidden gems.
Party on Bourbon Street, famous for its live music, bars, and vibrant nightlife.
Catch a Second Line parade, a unique New Orleans street celebration (usually a funeral or wedding) with music and dancing.
Head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz and a great night out.
Grab a po’ boy from a local favorite, like Killer PoBoys or Short Stop Poboys.
Stroll the Garden District and visit Commander’s Palace for an iconic brunch experience.
Take a swamp tour to see local wildlife – but choose an ethical operator.
Enjoy beignets at a classic spot like Café du Monde.
Go on a ghost, voodoo, or vampire tour to experience the city’s spookier side.
Cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez.

Places to Visit Between New Orleans and Memphis

The journey between New Orleans and Memphis takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes without stops. Due to the long drive, we didn’t make many stops along the way. But if you wanted to break up the journey, there are lots of options

Route 61, between New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville is called the ‘Blues Highway’ and there are tons of places to visit, including:

Baton Rouge – the Louisiana state capitol.
Natchez – a charming, historic city.
Vicksburg – an important historical site of the American Civil War.
Jackson – the vibrant Miissisippi state capitol, that played an important part in the Civil Rights Movement
Yazoo City – which has a very colourful, photogenic downtown area.
Birthplace of Kermit the Frog Museum – I tried but my friends wouldn’t go for this one.
Clarksdale – home to the Delta Blues Museum.
Tunica – where you’ll find The Gateway to the Blues Visitors Center and Museum.
Tupelo – the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

Memphis, Tennessee (2 – 3 Nights)

Our next stop on our Deep South itinerary was Memphis, Tennessee – a very significant city in the Civil Rights Movement and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in 1968. It’s also the birthplace of blues, soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and the home of ‘The King.’

It’s a gritty and somewhat rundown city, but it’s also brimming with music and soul. It feels a bit like stepping back in time, blending modernity with nostalgic elements from the 50s and 60s. I feel like Memphis is one of those cities that has SO much potential, if given the opportunity.

Memphis reminded me my home city of Liverpool (which is also part of the ‘Blues Highway’). The cities are different, but also share a lot of similarities and both produced artists that would change the face of popular music – Elvis and The Beatles. John Lennon once famously said “Nothing affected me until I heard Elvis. Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles.”

While it didn’t seem like the safest city I’ve visited (reportedly the most dangerous city in the US currently), it was also was fine, especially in the city centre which was pretty touristy. Beale Street, in particular, had a significant security and police presence on the weekend, which is great, though it also suggested they were anticipating trouble. But, I like my cities with a bit of an edge.

Memphis was the unexpected hit on our US road trip itinerary and I had no idea how much I’d love it. We spent 2 nights there, which was fine, but I could have spent an extra day.

Cool Things to Do in Memphis, Tennessee

Explore Beale Street, the heart of Memphis nightlife with live music, bars, and a lively atmosphere. Drinks can be taken into the street (in plastic cups), though there’s usually a cover charge after 9pm on weekends and holidays.
Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, where you can see his house, cars, planes, and memorabilia. Allow around 4–5 hours for the full experience.
Tour Sun Studio and the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to learn about the incredible music history that shaped Memphis.
Visit the Lorraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum, then explore South Main Street for a historic walking tour of the area.
Watch the Peabody Hotel ducks, one of Memphis’s most famous traditions, where the ducks march through the lobby each day.
Browse local shops like Stock & Belle, a great boutique for unique finds.
Attend a Sunday service at Al Green’s Full Gospel Tabernacle, led by the legendary soul singer himself.

Nashville, Tennessee (3 – 4 Nights)

Our next stop is none other than Nashville, Tennesee, the “country music capital of the world”. I went to Nashville on both my trips – I loved it so much, I went back a second time. Like, if I could create my “dream city” – it would probably Nashville.

Nashville is known as ‘Music City’ or ‘Nash Vegas’ and is the place where many country music stars got their start. You can hear live music all over the city, all day, every day! It’s a non-stop party! It’s also the home of the Country Music Hall of fame and the Grand Ole Opry, so if you love music, especially country – you’ll be in heaven.

And even if you’re not a country fan, there are plenty of other great things to see and do, and many, many great restaurants to try, so I would recommend spending at least 3 or even 4 nights in Nashville if you can.

Cool Things To Do in Nashville

Explore Broadway and the Honky Tonk Highway, the heart of Nashville’s live music scene, filled with bars, dancing, and a fun, festival-like atmosphere.
Take an Old Town Trolley Tour. I absolutely loved this and it’s a great way to get your bearings in the city.
See a show at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville’s most iconic country music experience. Arrive early for drinks and photos with the giant Opry guitar.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you can explore exhibits dedicated to legends like Dolly Parton and Vince Gill.
Spend time in The Gulch and Midtown, known for rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, and some of Nashville’s most Instagrammable murals. Great for pre-dinner drinks or a casual stroll.
Wander around East Nashville and 12 South, two of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods with street art, vintage shops, cafés, and famous murals like the Dolly Parton mural and “I Believe in Nashville.”
Buy some Goo Goo Clusters – they’re delicious.
Go line dancing at the Nashville Palace or sing karaoke at Santa’s Pub.
Catch live music at the Bluebird Cafe (featured heavily oin the show, Nashville), the Station Inn or the Ryman Auditorium.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee (4 Nights)

Our next stop was the Great Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains which lies on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina.

The first time we went, we stayed in a little cabin in the woods near to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Tennessee. The second time, we stayed in a hotel right in the centre of Gatlinburg.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, and I can see why. It’s beautiful, wild, historic, and adventurous, with plenty of wildlife and cultural significance. At the same time, it’s very accessible and surrounded by towns packed with family-friendly attractions, which makes it appealing to a wide range of visitors.

Pigeon Forge is big and busy – a bit like Orlando – while Gatlinburg feels like a smaller, slightly prettier version with a similar vibe, just a bit more compact and closer to the national park.

The mountains are often shrouded in mist (hence the name) and are home to a diversity of wildlife, including deer and black bears. But the most famous resident of the Smokies has got to be… none other than Ms. Dolly Parton, who hails from the town of Sevierville.

I loved our time in the Smokies – it was such a great addition to our Deep South itinerary and felt completely different from everywhere else we visited. Swapping cities, music, and nightlife for mountains, wildlife, and fresh air was a really nice change of pace.

I’m really glad we added it to the trip, and honestly, you could easily spend a lot longer there. It’s a huge area with so many hikes, scenic drives, and viewpoints, and it’s the kind of place that naturally slows you down and makes you want to stay a bit longer.

Now, in case you’re wondering, Appalachian can be pronounced ‘Appa-latch-iun’ or ‘Appa-lay-shiun’ – both are correct, according to the locals I spoke with!

Cool Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains

Go hiking and chase waterfalls, with trails like Rainbow Falls.
Explore Cades Cove, a stunning 11-mile loop that you can cycle, walk, or drive. Along the way you’ll see historic cabins, churches, open pastures, and often wildlife including black bears. It’s especially great on Wednesdays from May to September when the loop is closed to cars.
Try white water rafting on the Pigeon River, where you’ll find exciting Grade 3-4 rapids and several local outfitters offering guided trips.
Spend a day at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s famous theme park filled with rides, shows, and entertainment. Don’t miss the legendary cinnamon bread.
Visit the towns of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge for shops, restaurants, distilleries, and attractions like the Dolly Parton statue, The Island entertainment complex, and dinner shows.
Take in the scenery on some of the area’s best drives and overlooks, including Newfound Gap, Townsend Wye, Morton Overlook, and Wears Valley, which are particularly beautiful at sunset.

Asheville, North Carolina (2 Nights)

Asheville, which lies southeast of Gatlinburg, was originally meant to be one of the highlights of our route through the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the wider Appalachian Mountain range.

Our plan was to drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road through the mountains towards Cherokee, one of the most beautiful drives in the area. We were then going to visit the Oconoluftee Indian Village and pass through the Cataloochee Valley to go elk watching.

Unfortunately, just before we arrived, Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding and damage across the area, and many roads and parts of the region were closed, so we had to change our plans and take a different route.

Even though we didn’t make it there this time, I still wanted to share some of the things we had planned to do in Asheville, as it looks like an amazing place and hopefully this will help if you’re planning a trip there in the future.

Cool Things To Do in Asheville

Have dinner and drinks at Fleetwood’s Chapel, a fun spot known for live music and a quirky atmosphere.
Visit Oconaluftee Indian Village for a one-hour experience learning about Cherokee history and culture.
Attend the Cherokee Indian Fair (usually begining of October), which celebrates Cherokee heritage with music, dancing, crafts, and traditional events.
Head to Cataloochee Valley for elk watching, one of the best places in the region to see elk in the wild, especially early in the morning or around sunset.
Explore Asheville itself, known for its creative, laid-back vibe, independent shops, breweries, and great food scene.
Cycle around the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, set within beautiful gardens and countryside.
Join Asheville’s famous weekly drum circle at Pritchard Park, which usually starts around 5pm on Friday evenings and is a long-running local tradition.

For Dirty Dancing Fans…

After chatting with the lady at our hotel in Gatlinburg, we decided the best option to get to Charlotte, was to head up into Virginia. We chose Bent Mountain, near the city of Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Parkway (which was also closed at the time), for a stop and found a lovely B&B called Bent Mountain Lodge.

Whilst we were driving there, I realised that the hotel from Dirty Dancing was kind of on the way – say whaaaat??????? It’s my favourite film so we had to go.

Locations you’ll recognise are the lodge itself, the dining room, the lake – which is dry now – the gazebo, the lawn and Baby’s Cabin. It’s a bit different now – I mean the film was made almost 40 years ago (how can that be?), but still very cool to visit.

They have a Dirty Dancing treasure hunt that you can do, (which I obviously did), had lunch at the bar and hit the shop. I also may have danced the merengue in the gazebo and sat at the Houseman’s dinner table.

I briefly considered cancelling our B&B so we could stay there instead, but we’d already paid and the people seemed really nice. And I’m really glad we didn’t – because Bent Mountain Lodge was lovely and it actually led us to one of my favourite discoveries of the trip.

Bent Mountain, Virginia (2 Nights) – Alternative Route to Charlotte

Bent Mountain turned out to be a great stop on our route. We didn’t arrive until the evening on our first day, as we stopped at Treehouse Tavern on the way for some food, which was the perfect after a long drive.

Upon arrival, we were chatting to Ginger, the owner of Bent Mountain Lodge, and mentioned Sims Country BBQ (a place we were planning to visit on the way to Charlotte) and told us there was something similar nearby in a small town called Floyd. She explained that every Friday night there’s a jamboree with live music and dancing – which happened to be the next day – and it sounded completely up my street.

We spent the following day exploring Roanoke, which was a really nice little city with a relaxed feel. In the afternoon, we headed to Floyd to have some dinner and wait in line for the jamboree – which was awesome – great music, loads of dancing, and a really authentic local experience.

Floyd turned out to be one of those places you don’t expect but end up falling in love with. It’s a small, slightly hippie mountain town that has probably become one of my new favourite places in the world. It felt creative, welcoming, and had a laid-back mountain vibe that made us want to stay much longer than planned.

The following day we headed back into Floyd for the farmers market, and the whole town seemed to be out. Even better, they all remembered us – the English people from the night before. It ended up being one of those unexpected places that completely steals your heart, and exactly the kind of discovery that makes a road trip so special.

Cool Things To Do in Bent Mountain

Go to the Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store, a legendary local music night filled with bluegrass, old-time music, and plenty of dancing. It’s one of the most authentic experiences in the area.
Visit the farmers market in Floyd on Saturdays, where locals gather for fresh produce, handmade goods, and often live music – it has a really relaxed community feel.
Explore the city of Roanoke, including its downtown area, street art, local restaurants, breweries, and views from the famous Roanoke Star overlooking the valley.
Stop by Mountain Lake Lodge, the main filming location of Kellerman’s from Dirty Dancing. They also have Dirty Dancing weekends.
Drive along parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the United States, known for its mountain views, overlooks, and hiking trails along the route.
Enjoy local food and drinks at places like The Treehouse Tavern, a cosy spot known for good food and a laid-back mountain atmosphere.

A Friday Night Stop at Sim’s Country BBQ

Our original plan between Asheville and Charlotte was to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at scenic spots like Rattlesnake Lodge, Craggy Gardens, Blackstock Knob, Mount Mitchell, and Glass Rock Knob – but since we weren’t taking that route, these were all out.

Luckily, another one of our original stops was still doable. I’d spotted Sims Country BBQ in Granite Falls on Google Maps before we even left home and knew I wanted to go, so I was really glad we were still able to make it there. It’s about two hours north of Charlotte and a small detour, but it looked exactly like my kind of place.

It’s only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5–9pm, with an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet and live bluegrass starting at 6:45pm. And yes, I did plan the whole trip around being there on a Saturday.

The locals were so friendly and curious about these out-of-town visitors, and the atmosphere was great. An incredible, authentic experience – the kind of detour that makes a road trip truly memorable. This and the Floyd Country Store were my two favourite things we did on this trip!

After a night of amazing food, music, and dancing, we continued on to Charlotte, perfectly fuelled for the next stop on our trip.

Charlotte, North Carolina (2 Nights)

I enjoyed my time in Charlotte, although if I’m honest it was probably my least favourite stop on this particular road trip. That’s not because it isn’t a great city – it absolutely is – but it’s a modern, functional city, without quite the novelty factor of the other places on this itinerary. I can imagine it would be a cool place to live.

That said, it was still fun to spend a couple of days here and enjoy a change of pace. We explored the city, wandered through its different neighbourhoods, and I loved all the street art. We even went on a comedy bus tour, which was a really entertaining way to see the highlights.

One of the standout experiences was going to a Charlotte Hornets (vs the New York Knicks) basketball game and it’s definitely worth doing if you’re in town and they’re playing. Charlotte may not be as quirky as some of the other stops on this road trip, but it’s a lively, fast-growing city with plenty to do, from restaurants and bars to breweries and local attractions.

Cool Things To Do in Charlotte, North Carolina

Take a comedy bus tour around the city for laughs, local stories, and quirky highlights.
Catch a Charlotte Hornets basketball game and soak up the live NBA atmosphere.
Explore Uptown and the NoDa neighbourhoods with street art, quirky shops, coffee spots, and trendy bars. Don’t miss OldNews Vintage for unique finds.
Sample Charlotte’s food and drinks scene – local breweries, Southern-inspired restaurants, and coffee shops.
Optional experiences include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Discovery Place Science Museum, or a stroll along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.

For Dawson’s Creek Fans…

If you’re so inclined, another stop you could add to this route is Wilmington, North Carolina although it probably works best as an overnight stop, as it’s a detour that adds a little over three hours (without stops) to the journey between Charlotte and Charleston.

Now, you might remember that Dawson’s Creek was set in the fictional small coastal town of Capeside, Massachusetts. Well… it was actually filmed in the lovely coastal town of Wilmington in North Carolina.

If you’re a fan of the show, there are quite a few filming locations you can still see around town. And even if you weren’t a teenager in the 90’s (like me), Wilmington is still a really nice place to visit. The historic downtown is full of beautiful old buildings, shops, and restaurants, and the riverwalk along the Cape Fear River is a great place for a stroll.

You’re also close to some lovely beaches, including Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, which makes it a good place to slow down for a night if you have the time.

Charleston, South Carolina (2 – 3 Nights)

Charleston is a lovely city. It’s one of those places that feels effortlessly charming, with historic streets, pastel-coloured houses. Walking around the historic district feels a bit like stepping back in time, but the city still has a lively atmosphere with great restaurants, bars, and plenty going on.

One of the things I enjoyed most about Charleston was simply wandering. Around almost every corner there’s something beautiful – hidden courtyards, historic homes, waterfront views, and little spots to stop for a drink or a bite to eat. It’s a very easy city to explore without a strict plan.

We were only there for a couple of days but managed to fit a lot in, and it worked really well as part of our Deep South road trip. That said, it’s definitely the kind of place where you could slow down, stay longer, and really soak up the atmosphere.

Cool Things To Do in Charleston, South Carolina

Explore McLeod Plantation and learn about Charleston’s complex history. I enjoyed the tour and it’s told from the perspective of the enslaved people.
Rent bikes from The Bicycle Shoppe and explore Charleston at a leisurely pace.
Take a sunset cruise on the Carolina Belle and see the harbour and city skyline from the water.
Go on a horse-drawn carriage tour with the Palmetto Carriage Works.
Eat and drink at Henry’s on the Market, a lively spot in the historic district.
Wander through Charleston City Market and browse local crafts, souvenirs, and food stalls.
Visit the Angel Oak Tree, a short drive from the city and one of the oldest and most impressive trees in the United States.
Catch a show at Charleston Music Hall, a great venue for live music and performances.
See the famous Rainbow Row houses, colourful historic homes that are one of Charleston’s most photographed spots.
Stop by the Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park, another iconic Charleston landmark.
Stroll along Folly Island Beach and Pier and enjoy the ocean views or a relaxed walk by the sea.

Savannah, Georgia (3 – 4 Nights)

Savannah was one of my favourite stops on our Deep South road trip. It’s effortlessly beautiful, a little decadent, slightly mysterious, and somehow both sophisticated and relaxed at the same time. The city feels slow in the best possible way – full of elegant old homes, leafy historic squares, and huge oak trees draped in Spanish moss (which, fun fact, isn’t actually Spanish or moss).

One of the things I loved most about Savannah was simply wandering between the squares and seeing what we stumbled across – grand old mansions, quiet streets, beautiful houses, and plenty of great spots to stop for a drink or something to eat. It’s the kind of city where you don’t really need a plan; just walking around is part of the experience.

There’s also a slightly spooky, intriguing side to Savannah. Ghost tours, historic cemeteries, and the stories tied to the city’s past give it a bit of an edge, which only adds to the atmosphere. It reminded me a little of New Orleans and Charleston – but Savannah has its own personality.

We stayed for three nights, which gave us enough time to see a lot without rushing, though I could easily have stayed longer as there is so much to do! We were there just before Halloween too, which made the whole city feel even more atmospheric.

Cool Things To Do in Savannah, Georgia

Take the Old Town Trolley Tour to get an overview of the city with stops at key landmarks.
Go on a city walking tour and see Chippewa Square aka the famous square from Forrest Gump.
Join the Genteel & Bard History or Ghost Tour for a deep dive into Savannah’s past.
Visit Tybee Island, especially if there’s a festival happening – we caught a pirate festival! Grab a bite at Fannie’s on the Beach or The Crab Shack.
Experience a Savannah food tour to sample the city’s best bites. Although it was funny when they took us for an English sausage roll.
Treat yourself to Byrd’s Famous Cookies, a classic Savannah snack that’s perfect for a sweet pick-me-up. They also have a shop in Charleston.
Indulge in ice cream at Leopold’s, a Savannah institution.
Explore the American Prohibition Museum for a fun and quirky history stop.
Take a ghost tour of the Old Sorrel Weed House for a spooky experience.
Explore the house from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Stroll down Jones Street, one of Savannah’s most famous and picturesque streets with moss-draped oaks.
Visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and admire the stunning architecture.
Stop by The Olde Pink House for historic charm and dining.
Catch live music at Dueling Pianos at Savannah Smiles.
Explore River Street Market Place for shops, street performers, and souvenirs.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Georgia Queen for views of the city from the water.
Visit the Forsyth Farmers’ Market in Forsyth Park for local food, crafts, and a lively weekend atmosphere with locals and visitors alike.

Useful Deep South & USA Road Trips Tips

Most nationalities need to apply for the visa waiver programme called ESTA – don’t forget to apply before you go, as they won’t let you in otherwise. Once approved, it lasts for 2 years.
Watch out for holidays and events, as everywhere is busier and prices go up.
If you want to drink, you need to be 21 and you need to show your ID… EVERYWHERE.
Remember that price you see isn’t usually the price you pay – they add tax on after!
Remember tipping is customary in America – usually 18 – 25% in the US in restaurants.
Paying for meals when you’re in a group can be a bit of a pain, as they put tax on after. To make it easier, we tended to have one person pay the bill. Then we used Splitwise to divide it up. We each paid for what we ate and then split the tax and tip equally.
Take a tour within the first 24 hours of reaching a city to get your bearings, whether that’s a walking tour or a food tour etc!
Try all the food. It’s soooo good!
Go easy on the cocktails. Most of the time they’re expensive and sugary.
Travel insurance is super important anyway, but especially in the US where medical bills are outrageously expensive. Check out World Nomads travel insurance.

Final Thoughts

I loved these trips so much and would do them both again in a heartbeat! The Deep South is full of charm, character, and surprises – from the music and history to the food, the landscapes, and the unforgettable local experiences. Every stop brought something different to the table, and even the unexpected detours turned out to be some of the most memorable moments.

Take your time, leave space for spontaneity, and let the magic of the South sweep you along – it’s a road trip that stays with you long after the journey ends.

I hope you enjoyed this Deep South itinerary and that it helps you plan your own epic road trip through the Southern States.