9 day itinerary
South
Itinerary
A 9-day trip in the southern United States can be a delightful mix of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Let’s dive into an itinerary that takes you through some of the most iconic and charming spots in the South. We’ll focus on a blend of cities and nature, with a sprinkle of local cuisine and culture. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival in , Louisiana
Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel in the French Quarter. Take a leisurely stroll around and admire the .
Afternoon: Grab a po' boy sandwich for lunch at a local eatery. Afterward, explore the and maybe pick up some souvenirs.
Evening: Enjoy a classic dinner at a Creole restaurant. Don’t forget to try gumbo! After dinner, head to Frenchmen Street for some live jazz music.
Day 2:
Morning: Start your day with beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde. Then, take a guided walking tour of the French Quarter to learn about its rich history.
Afternoon: Visit the , which is a must-see. It’s incredibly well done and very informative.
Evening: Take a steamboat cruise on the for dinner. Enjoy the views and live music as you glide along the water.
Day 3: and , Mississippi
Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the and take in the views from the observation deck.
Afternoon: Continue to (about 1 hour). Explore the historic homes, like the . Have lunch at a local café.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk along the and have dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Day 4: , Tennessee
Morning: Head to (about 3 hours). Once you arrive, visit the at the Lorraine Motel.
Afternoon: Grab some famous BBQ for lunch at Central BBQ. Afterward, explore and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Evening: Catch a live music show at one of the many venues on . You can’t leave without experiencing its music scene!
Day 5: , Tennessee
Morning: Drive to (about 3 hours). Start your day at the .
Afternoon: Have lunch at a local diner, then visit the . It’s a full-scale replica of the original in Athens!
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a honky-tonk on Broadway, and don’t forget to check out some live country music!
Day 6:
Morning: Depart for the Great Smoky Mountains (about 3.5 hours). Start your adventure with a scenic drive through the park.
Afternoon: Stop for a picnic lunch at one of the park’s many picnic areas. Spend the afternoon hiking one of the trails, like the Laurel Falls Trail.
Evening: Head to for dinner. Enjoy some local fare and maybe a moonshine tasting!
Day 7: , North Carolina
Morning: Drive to (about 1.5 hours). Visit the , America’s largest home, and explore its beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Have lunch in downtown , known for its vibrant arts scene and local breweries.
Evening: Explore the and enjoy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. has a fantastic food scene!
Day 8: , South Carolina
Morning: Depart for (about 3.5 hours). Once you arrive, take a historic walking tour of the city.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Afterward, visit the for stunning views of the harbor.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Lowcountry dinner, perhaps shrimp and grits, and take a ghost tour to learn about the city’s haunted history!
Day 9: , Georgia
Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Start your day at , where you can take a leisurely stroll.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a charming café in the historic district. Spend the afternoon exploring the squares and historic homes.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a riverboat cruise on the , enjoying dinner and the beautiful views of the city.
Departure
After a wonderful 9 days filled with culture, history, and delicious food, it’s time to head home. You’ll leave with a heart full of memories and a camera full of beautiful photos!
Feel free to tweak any part of this itinerary to fit your interests or pace. Enjoy your southern adventure! 🌞✨