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Head South! This is where you'll discover the true heart & soul of America

If the USA was a human body, its heart (and soul) would definitely be located in its South. But you don't have to perform an autopsy to get your hands on a slice of this incredible part of America.

If the USA was a human body, its heart (and soul) would definitely be located in its South. But you don’t have to perform an autopsy to get your hands on a slice of this incredible part of America.

No, it’s much easier and far more enjoyable than that – all you need to do is a book a holiday there!

America’s southern states look, taste and feel different to the rest of the country, and the whole region ticks all those boxes that make a destination come alive: delicious food, amazing music, and incredible history.

Yet each of the USA’s seven southern states are so much more…

But where do you go? And what do you do?

Well, that’s what this guide is about…  Join us as we dive into the south and learn what each of these seven states has to offer…

 

1. Georgia

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Mountains, small-town America and modern, progressive cities – Georgia has it all. The birthplace of Coca-Cola and a regular Hollywood filming location, Georgia’s old-world charm is infectious, and you’ll be making plans to come back about five minutes after you leave!

Before you head to the airport though, don’t leave without walking around the Savannah Historic District, visiting Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, and eating delicious southern fare at King + Duke Atlanta.

 

2. Tennessee

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Come for the whiskey, Graceland and music, but stay for about a thousand other reasons, such as the best smoky ribs you’ve ever had in your life, and equally awesome hospitality.

School yourself on music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, explore the heart and soul of American Blues in the Beale Street Historic District and try Nashville’s famous hot chicken at Hattie B’s.

 

3. Alabama

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The birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and jazz icons such as Nat King Cole and Zelda Fitzgerald, Alabama also hosts the largest space museum in the world, the U.S. Space & Rocket Centre.

You’ll find amazing craft breweries here too (definitely go on a beer tasting tour of Birmingham), a historic studio that Paul Simon and the Rolling Stones once recorded in, and amazing eateries, such as Acre, Auburn – famous for its sophisticated twist on southern fare and emphasis on local ingredients.

 

4. Louisiana

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Famous around the world for its rambunctious Mardi Gras street festival and around the USA for its crawfish, Louisiana is the delicious result of multi-cultural influences which is reflected in the state’s music, food and architecture.

For a taste of it all, take a wander through the French Quarter in New Orleans starting on Canal Street and continuing on to Bourbon Street, take a trip to Avery Island – the home of TABASCO – and eat authentic Cajun fare, or just check out the Warehouse District and bar hop until the break of dawn!

 

5. Mississippi

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Mississippi may be hard to spell, but it isn’t hard to see the appeal of this grand southern state. Noted in the history books as the birthplace of Blues, Mississippi has produced some of the 20th century’s most famous personalities – including Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey and BB King – as well as the teddy bear!

For some wildlife spotting, head to the Gator Ranch and jump on a high-speed airboat as you zoom along the state’s wetlands past alligators, birds and other marine life.

 

6. Missouri

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The locals have figured out the good life here, and it consists of lazy days spent alongside the Mississippi River with a bottle of Budweiser and smoky barbecued goodies. This philosophy of life probably inspired Mark Twain and T.S. Elliot to write, and Walt Disney to imagine – all of whom were born here.

In terms of what to do here: catch an outdoor theatre show at St Louis’ inner city oasis Forest park, line up for rides at the Silver Dollar City Theme Park in Branson, and grab something to eat at Lambert’s Cafe, where staff literally toss bread rolls at you – only when you request them!

 

7. Kentucky

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Even if you’ve never visited America’s southern states, you’ve definitely tasted at least one example of its ingenuity. Around 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is produced here, and the state was also home to the Colonel, the maestro behind KFC.

But besides liquor and chicken, there are bucket loads more reasons to visit Kentucky. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory to “ooh and ahh” over a 120ft replica of Babe Ruth’s 34-inch Louisville Slugger, take a tour inside the world’s longest known cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park, and cap of an eventful day at Roc, an Italian eatery that’s swapped the urban concrete jungle of Manhattan for Louisville.

So when are you going to America’s deep south?

Learn more about the fabulous south, including where to stay and other recommendations on what to do and where to eat at engage.exciteholidays.com/travel-south

Remember: there’s currently a campaign running where agents can score 500 bonus rewards points for every night booked in the South during from Monday 12 – Sunday 25 March 2018.

So get booking!

READ: Want to win a cool one million Excite Holiday points? YES you do!

READ: Excite Holidays launches into the US market with a glitzy bash!

Name your three favourite southern states and what you love about them in the comments below…

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