Road trip through the Deep South: chasing the Blues
Dreaming of cruising the roads of the Deep South to the sound of the blues, and getting lost in the rich musical history of a country that’s shaped soundtracks all over the world? We’ve put together a 10-day itinerary that hits all the essential spots in three iconic Deep South cities: New Orleans, Memphis, and Nashville.
This journey takes you through mysterious landmarks, legendary crossroads, and roads straight out of a Hollywood movie set. If you’re planning a road trip, get ready for an experience that blends the sacred and the soulful sides of music.
Days 1–4: New Orleans
Recommended stay: 4 days
New Orleans is the birthplace of music and a city known around the world for its unmistakable charm and its European-inspired architecture and atmosphere. There’s no better place to begin your blues journey. In New Orleans, music isn’t just art—it’s the heartbeat of everyday life.
Start with a visit to the French Quarter, the city’s historic neighborhood along the Mississippi River, where jazz fills the air alongside the scent of powdered sugar and Creole cooking.
If you’re flying into town, you can kick off your road trip by picking up a rental car from one of the many agencies at the airport. Reputable companies like Hertz offer five-seat vehicles for about $900–$1,000, which also includes drop-off at the final stop of your trip in Nashville.
Where to eat in New Orleans
If you’re in town, don’t miss a visit to Café du Monde, where you can try hot, fresh beignets starting early in the morning—paired with a strong café au lait that’s as bold as the city itself.
For a Southern-style brunch, head to The Ruby Slipper Café, where you’ll find all the classics: creamy grits, flaky buttermilk biscuits, and hearty gravy.
Want to take a deeper dive into the city’s rich food culture? Consider joining a food tour with stops like:
- Red Fish Grill, where you can try their famous alligator gumbo.
- Napoleon House, known for a chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya that tells Louisiana’s story with every bite.
What to do at night in New Orleans
With its vibrant colors and nonstop music, New Orleans transforms after dark. On Bourbon Street, you’ll run into street performers, pop-up bands, and spontaneous dance parties.
For a more traditional take on the city’s musical legacy, make your way to Preservation Hall, a historic venue where some of the best jazz musicians in the city play live every night.
What to buy in New Orleans
Food is always the best souvenir in the South. One great option is to stop by Leah’s Pralines on St. Louis Street, where you can grab glazed pecans and bacon brittle—two delicious local treats that are perfect for bringing a taste of New Orleans home with you.
Days 5–7: Memphis
Recommended stay: 3 days
From New Orleans, it’s about a five and a half hour drive to Memphis, a must-visit for any road trip through the Deep South. Along the way, consider stopping in Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley.
Once you arrive in Memphis, head straight to Beale Street, the epicenter of the city’s music scene. This is where B.B. King got his start, and the soul of the blues is still alive in every bar and venue.
Next up is Sun Studio, where legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits. And no music lover’s trip is complete without a stop at Graceland, Elvis’s iconic home that remains preserved just as it was in the 1970s.
Where to eat in Memphis
If you’re looking for a true local culinary experience, the cheesecake at Amelia Gene’s is unforgettable.
For something more substantial, check out Catherine & Mary’s, where classic Italian dishes are reimagined with Southern ingredients—a nod to the cultural influences that shaped the American South.
Where to stay in Memphis
Memphis is full of life, color, and rhythm. Staying in the heart of Downtown has both pros and cons, so consider booking a hotel in Memphis outside downtown that gives you easy access to major Deep South routes and a quieter night’s sleep, while still being a quick drive from Memphis’s top attractions.
What to do at night in Memphis
The BB King’s Blues Club is the perfect spot to soak up the Memphis nightlife with live blues. Even after the passing of its namesake, the venue continues to be a staple of the city’s music scene, hosting both local and international acts.
Want even more? Head over to Handy Park, where impromptu jam sessions often break out under the open sky.
Days 8–10: Nashville
Recommended stay: 3 days
The final leg from Memphis to Nashville is a shorter one—just over three hours on the road. Though best known for its country roots, Nashville is a treasure trove of musical styles, from gospel and jazz to rock and indie.
If you’re looking for authentic live performances, check out The Bluebird Café or The Listening Room Café, where singer-songwriters take the stage to share music and stories.
For a dose of music history, visit RCA Studio B, where Dolly Parton recorded classics like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
At the end of your journey, you can drop off your rental car at the same agency you used in New Orleans—right at the Nashville airport. All that’s left is to catch your flight and take home the memories of a legendary road trip.
Where to eat in Nashville
For something new and nostalgic all at once, try Audrey, the restaurant from James Beard Award–winning chef Sean Brock. His Appalachian-inspired menu offers comforting dishes that feel like family recipes—think chicken and dumplings or warm sesame cake, crafted to bring back memories and share stories of the region.
What to do at night in Nashville
While New Orleans and Memphis might be known for their nightlife, Nashville holds its own.
The real magic happens in the city’s small venues, where you can catch the next big thing before they hit the charts. Wander around Broadway and discover cozy music cafés where tomorrow’s stars take the stage today.
