BBQ, Blues & Bayou Feasts
BBQ, Blues & Bayou Feasts
TN 38104, USALA 70116, USA
Trip overview
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.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — TN 38104
Central BBQ - Midtown
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.
2249 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
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.
926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106, USA
Beale Street Historic District
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.
Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
The Peabody Memphis
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.
149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
Day 2 — MS 38664
Gateway to the Blues Museum
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.
13625 US-61, Tunica Resorts, MS 38664, USA
Dockery Farms
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.
229 MS-8, Cleveland, MS 38732, USA
Walnut Hills Restaurant
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.
1214 Adams St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Anchuca Historic Mansion & Inn
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.
1010 First East St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Day 3 — LA 71334
Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Gins
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.
11656 US-84, Frogmore, LA 71334, USA
French Quarter
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.
French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
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.
600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Hotel Monteleone
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.
214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Day 4 — LA 70130
Commander's Palace
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.
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
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.
425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Preservation Hall
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.
726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Deep South Flavors road trip covers about 451 mi and roughly 8h 22m of driving, comfortably spread across about 4 days.
This itinerary maps out 15 stops from TN 38104, USA to LA 70116, USA. Highlights include Beale Street Historic District, Dockery Farms, and French Quarter.
It begins in TN 38104, USA and ends in LA 70116, USA, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,455, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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