Rev your engines and get ready to embark on a soul-enriching road trip through the American South, exploring the vibrant cities of Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas in Texas, along with the enchanting landscapes of Oklahoma and New Mexico.
From the twangy tunes echoing in Austin’s live music scene to the rich history of San Antonio and the urban charm of Dallas, these two road trips each promise a captivating and unforgettable adventure for your clients in the USA’s Wild West.
Both road trips boast incredible culture, nature and cuisine, and are bookable through the lovely folks at Infinity Holidays.
So what are you waiting for?
Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the region!
Road Trip #1: Route 66 and Texas Hill Country
Fast facts
- Starts: Dallas, Texas
- Ends: Fort Worth, Texas
- How long: Allow 10 days
- Distance: 3,234 km
- Best times to visit: May-Jun & Sep-Oct
Strap in for the ultimate joyride through Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico – home to more tunes, tales, and twang than your grandma’s honky-tonk piano – and finally see what the “Wild West” is all about. Cruise through Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, soak in the spicy culture, and immerse yourself in the region’s diverse tapestry of music, history, and culture – saddle up, partner!
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Dallas and ascend 470 feet to the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck to revel in 360-degree views before treating yourself to an elegant dinner at the Five Sixty Restaurant, perched 50 stories high. Then, dive into the city’s urban charm aboard the vintage M-Line trolleys and explore the expansive Dallas Museum of Art. Don’t miss the Bishop Arts District, where independent shops, galleries, and cafes await.
Then venture northward for 332 kilometres until you read reach Oklahoma City. Along the way, absorb the serene landscapes of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Then take a detour to Sulphur, Oklahoma, where the Travertine Nature Center and Little Niagara waterfall beckon. Learn some history at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, exploring the tales of the iconic highway and the Dust Bowl era.
Continue your American odyssey along historic Route 66 to Amarillo, where the journey becomes a living history lesson. Visit the Cadillac Ranch and explore the city’s unique Route 66 landmarks. Relish a taste of Texas at Ann’s Chicken Fry House, an iconic stop serving the state’s signature dish, chicken-fried steak. Yum!
With your belly suitably full, travel westward to Santa Fe, passing through Adrian, Texas, the midpoint of Route 66. In Santa Fe, immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene along Canyon Road and explore the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Then, discover the rich heritage of the Puebloan people at Bandelier National Monument and savour the unique flavours of New Mexico chilli peppers.
Spiced out? Great! Now head south to Carlsbad, with a stop in Roswell to explore its UFO history. Make sure you keep your eye on the sky as you pass through this infamous part of the American south. Then delve into the depths of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a mesmerising underground world with impressive cave formations – it’s a subterranean stunner!
Continue east to Fredericksburg in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Reflect on the town’s German heritage and admire its colonial architecture through a walking tour and savour some local culinary delights: with more than 55 chef-owned restaurants in the downtown alone, you certainly won’t go hungry here!
After that, journey to San Antonio and explore its 18th-century Spanish Catholic missions, including the iconic Alamo. Wander along the famous River Walk, adorned with open-air restaurants and charming patios, and taste the fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions known as Tex-Mex.
Then, drive northeast to Austin, the live music capital of the world. Explore its eclectic neighbourhoods – from the funky South Congress to the natural beauty of McKinney Falls State Park – and embrace the vibrancy of its cultural scene before indulging in its renowned barbecue.
Finally, conclude your road trip in Fort Worth, where the Old West meets modernity. Dive into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, celebrating the contributions of women in the West and explore the Stockyards National Historic District, where cowboy boots, hats, and barbecue abound, offering a fitting finale to your journey.
Book this road trip package (with flights or just accomodation and car hire) through Infinity Holidays today!
Road Trip #2: Musical Roots of The South
Fast facts
- Starts: Dallas, Texas
- Ends: Charleston, South Carolina
- How long: Allow 16 days
- Distance: 4,136 km
- Best times to visit: May-Jun & Sep-Oct
- Special Events: New Orleans Mardi Gras occurs every February, The Smoky Mountain Songwriter’s Festival occurs every summer, the Dollywood Barbeque (March) and Bluegrass Festival (July).
Dive into a musical rollercoaster through the American South with this road trip extravaganza. From Deep Ellum’s rebellious beats to New Orleans’ spicy jazz, this journey hits all the high notes, passing through Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. Let the weird and wonderful ride begin!
Rev up your engines in Dallas and dive into the historic Deep Ellum. Once a Blues and Jazz mecca in the ’20s, the area saw a revival in the ’80s and ’90s with venues like Trees attracting the likes of Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Today, it’s a global hotspot for music, art, shopping, and dining, especially during the lively Deep Ellum Arts Festival in April.
Next, continue with the musical theme by driving to Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World.” From iconic venues like the Paramount Theatre to classic joints such as the Continental Club, Austin’s music scene is a testament to its rich legacy. Explore Rainey Street, Sixth Street, and the South Congress neighbourhood for an immersive experience.
Continue your road trip adventure to Houston. Make sure you pause in San Antonio to check out some of the city’s diverse music scene. Plenty of heavy metal acts ply their musical trade here, so try and catch a show or two whilst in town – headbangers rejoice! Major venues for famous touring acts include the Shadowland Ballroom, AT&T Center and The Paper Tiger. Upon arriving in Houston – a city famous for launching the musical careers of Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top, and Destiny’s Child, just to name a few – visit some of its iconic venues like the Continental Club on Main Street, White Oak Music Hall and Little White Oak Bayou. Who knows, you may be tapping your foot to a future musical super-star!
Sufficiently tapped out, travel next along the Gulf Coast, stopping in Port Arthur to pay homage to Gulf Coast icons at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. In Lafayette, embrace the Cajun tunes before reaching the musical crescendo in New Orleans. After devouring the city’s culinary offerings – try the Jambalaya! – check out some Jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Zydeco rhythms at Preservation Hall and Frenchmen Street. If you can, try and coincide your visit here with the Jazz & Heritage Festival (April to May) or Mardi Gras (February).
Next, travel north along the Mississippi Blues Trail following the iconic Mississippi River. Pause in Baton Rouge, the cultural hub of Louisiana with over three centuries of history reflected in its delightful cuisine, unique architecture, and vibrant local culture. Continue your blues-infused journey through Natchez, Vicksburg, and Indianola, the heart of the Mississippi Delta. In Indianola, explore the B.B. King Museum, a tribute to the legendary singer and guitarist, and delve into the roots of Blues, shaped by African-Americans toiling in cotton fields and playing in lively juke joints.
From Indianola, detour north on the Mississippi Blues Trail to Dockery Farms, a historic site in Cleveland pivotal in the birth of Blues, featuring legends like Charlie Patton – you certainly won’t regret it! Move on to Tupelo, Elvis Presley’s birthplace, with a captivating attraction including his home, chapel, museum, and park. Then, head to Birmingham for a lively Jazz scene at downtown nightclubs like Ona’s Music Room, owned by the youngest Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee, Ona Watson.
Before departing Birmingham, explore the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in a captivating art-deco building. Then continue north for a two-hour drive to Chattanooga, hometown of Bessie Smith and Usher, making sure you don’t miss the Songbirds Guitar Museum – a 2017 attraction showcasing guitars from the 1920s to 1970s.
Next, discover Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a haven for music enthusiasts. Enjoy its live music scene in unique venues, including distilleries, and try and plan your trip to attend The Smoky Mountain Songwriter’s Festival, held every summer and drawing top industry talent from all around the country, or the Dollywood Barbeque (March) and Bluegrass Festival (July).
After Gatlinburg’s musical journey, explore the allure of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and wander through its diverse trails, revealing stunning landscapes and waterfalls. Then drive onwards to Athens, Georgia, which is renowned for its college-town vibe and legendary acts like the B-52s. Make sure you catch a live show (or two) at the historic Morton Theatre, then head to Atlanta, famed for Hip-Hop and R&B. Before you leave, experience the vibrant scene at Little Five Points and catch live events at the iconic Variety Playhouse.
Finally, conclude your musical odyssey in the charming embrace of Charleston. Set foot on a walking tour on cobblestone streets to unveil the city’s antebellum mansions and colourful architecture. Before tying a bow on your Americana adventure, experience some live music at venues like the renovated Charleston Music Hall or quaint downtown bars and beach taverns for a laid-back evening with talented musicians.
Book this road trip package (with flights or just accomodation and car hire) through Infinity Holidays today!
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