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The 4 Necessary Southern Experiences On Everyone’s Bucket List
Going down south is one of the freeing trips anyone can hope to take in the United States. While each state has its own unique vibe and architecture, it can sometimes feel like stepping into a whole other world when you go down past the USA’s equator. There are experiences that are uniquely southern and should be experienced at least once in life. To get a real taste for the American Dream, these are the four quintessential experiences in some classic locations.
1. Ghost Touring In New Orleans
Whether you believe it or not, not many will disparage the reputation that New Orleans has as the city of the dead. With so many myths and legends protruding from the city foundations, it’s no wonder there are a variety of extensive tours available to give a history of the massacres and legends that litter the streets, with New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours being one to look into.
There are tours of cities all over the country, but none have the uniquely beautiful backdrop that New Orleans has, or the tragic history that will be learned whilst on it. Of course, stopping in the famous city will also allow you to have one of the famous ‘Hand Grenades’ on Bourbon Street and take in some of the extensive and irreplaceable jazzy blues that parade most corners of the French Quarter.
2. Wandering Down 6th Street In Austin
Another necessity for the southern explorers is a trip to Austin, a commune and celebration of the weird and wonderful. In this eclectic little town, which houses the University of Texas and so many hot sauce emporiums that it has a festival dedicated to it, there is a lot that should be experienced at least once.
Where the real life resides in this small and popular town is the legend of 6th Street. The home of one of the biggest bar scenes in the entire country. A trip wouldn’t be complete without a wander down the infamous strip on any given evening, hosting an array of bustling bars and tattoo parlors.
Being a university town it also has its fair shake of revelry and entertainment with live music, starting your evening on one of the three sections of 6th street and ending up at a WhataBurger at 3am with a cavalcade of new friends and stories you’ll likely not remember is a staple of the city.
3. Strutting Down South Beach In Miami
TV shows throughout time have tried to peg the insanely diverse city of Miami as a singular entity, it is anything but. Housing a rich history of cultural cohesion and residing in one of the most popular locations for Spring Breakers.
A trip through the south certainly requires a strut down the infamous South Beach. Watching the various locals parading through the holidaymakers on any summer afternoon is entertainment enough, throw in a cocktail at one of the dozens of establishments that line Ocean Drive and you’ll have a tale that will regale your friends for years to come. The beach itself is a beautiful spot to sit a spell and enjoy the waves rolling in.
With the large Latin-American influence that the city has, there are also ample opportunities to explore the rich backstory of the city through a variety of museums and local cuisines.
4. Mint Juleps and Galloping in Lexington
One of the final nails that your trip needs to hammer in, is a trip to Kentucky. The birthplace of Bourbon and home of the most famous derby in the world. Any adventurer will have a tale of the Kentucky Derby, and being in the southern states requires a visit to the famous grounds the race is run on.
Spending a warm sunny afternoon in the stands with bettors regaling wins or shaking their heads at a loss is all part of the experience. Even if you’re not into the betting, the experience is a world unto itself, sitting back and watching the animals perform with a ubiquitous mint julep in your hand is certainly one of the experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.
These are only a few of the many unique ways to see the southern states, get out there and start exploring!