BBQ, Blues & Bayou Feasts
TN 38104, USALA 70116, USA
TN 38104, USALA 70116, USA
Embark on a soulful culinary pilgrimage through the heart of the Deep South, from the smoky BBQ pits of Memphis to the vibrant jazz halls of New Orleans. This journey traces the legendary Blues Highway, serving up iconic flavors, rich musical history, and unforgettable cultural experiences at every turn.
Kick off your culinary tour at a Memphis institution celebrated by locals and visitors alike. Order the slow-smoked pork shoulder or ribs and experience the fall-off-the-bone tenderness that defines Memphis-style barbecue.
Photo by acchronicles
Explore the birthplace of soul music where legends like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s recorded their hits. Dance on the Express Yourself dance floor and marvel at Isaac Hayes' gold-plated Cadillac.
Photo by ERROL DILLON
Immerse yourself in the neon-lit heart of Memphis music. Wander down the iconic street, pop into legendary clubs like B.B. King's Blues Club or Rum Boogie Cafe, and let the live blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll wash over you.
Photo by Kevin Maloy
Stay at the historic and opulent "South's Grand Hotel." Don't miss the famous twice-daily Peabody Duck March through the grand lobby, a cherished tradition since the 1930s.
Begin your journey down the Mississippi Blues Trail at this engaging museum housed in a historic train depot. It offers a fantastic overview of the history and significance of the blues before you delve deeper into the Delta.
Photo by Enrico “FreakyFast”
Visit the historic cotton plantation widely regarded as the birthplace of the Blues. Walk the grounds where pioneers like Charley Patton and Howlin' Wolf lived and worked, shaping a new American art form.
Photo by Terrence Rioux
Dine in a charming 1880s home known for its classic Southern comfort food. Experience their famous round tables, where you can enjoy family-style service with fried chicken, Mississippi catfish, and a bounty of traditional sides.
Photo by S Holloway
Spend the night in an elegant antebellum Greek Revival mansion. This historic inn offers a taste of Old South luxury and is perfectly located for exploring Vicksburg's historic downtown.
Photo by Anchuca Historic Mansion and Inn
Gain insight into the evolution of plantation life from the early 1800s to today at this historic and still-working cotton farm. The tour provides a powerful narrative on the lives of both enslaved people and landowners.
Photo by Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins
Arrive in New Orleans and immediately immerse yourself in the city's historic heart. Stroll past iron-lace balconies, listen to the sounds of jazz spilling from doorways, and soak in the unique, vibrant atmosphere of the Vieux Carré.
Experience the ultimate backyard party in the Bywater neighborhood. Pick a bottle of wine from their shop, order amazing food from the kitchen, and find a spot in the magical courtyard to enjoy fantastic live jazz under the stars.
Check into a literary landmark in the French Quarter. Be sure to have a drink at the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge, the city's only revolving bar, for a classic Sazerac cocktail.
Indulge in an iconic New Orleans dining experience with a weekend Jazz Brunch in the Garden District. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant offers refined Creole cuisine, impeccable service, and a live jazz trio roaming the dining rooms.
Take a guided tour of New Orleans' oldest and most famous cemetery (required for entry). Wander through the maze of historic above-ground tombs and learn about the city's unique burial traditions and notable residents, including Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
End your trip with an intimate, unforgettable performance at this legendary institution dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz. Experience acoustic, up-close sets from some of the city's most talented musicians in a rustic, historic setting.
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
