Top 4 Road Trips in the Southern United States: Epic Journeys for Food, Music, and Scenic Beauty
The Southern U.S. offers award-winning local cuisine through dedicated nonprofits, a thriving craft moonshine scene, exceptional music, art, and natural wonders, plus countless roadside attractions. It's the ideal destination for your next road trip. Explore these four standout routes—ranging from quick weekend escapes to more relaxed itineraries—packed with authentic experiences.
Louisiana's Perfect 10
Lake Charles to New Orleans: 205 miles
This I-10 stretch from Lake Charles to New Orleans delivers a culinary journey from boudin to etouffee, with stops for gumbo, fried chicken, and jambalaya.
Begin in Lake Charles, savoring local rice-and-pork sausage (boudin) at classics like Famous Foods or modern favorite Sonnier's Sausage and Boudin. On October 26, attend the renowned Boudin Wars in nearby Sulphur.
Explore Shell Beach Drive's historic mansions and the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu (or experience Mardi Gras itself from January 6 to February 25). Consider a casino visit or the birdwatcher's paradise Grosse Savanne Eco-Trail.
Next, Lafayette in Cajun Country demands dancing—Zydeco, Swamp Pop, or two-step—at local venues. Dive into Cajun history and gumbo origins at Vermilionville Living History & Folk Life Park and Acadian Village.
In Baton Rouge, visit the Old State Capitol, River Road African American Museum, and Rosedown Plantation. Savor iconic fried chicken with Civil Rights history at its namesake spot since 1935.
Detour via LA-61 to Gonzales, Jambalaya Capital of the World, for dishes at The Jambalaya Shoppe or The Cabin Restaurant, or the May festival.
Arrive in New Orleans for Mother's etouffee, Parkway po'boys, Central Grocery muffulettas, Arnaud's French 75 Sazeracs, and Cafe du Monde beignets.
Stroll the Garden District's mansions, Audubon Park's oak trails, historic cemeteries, or Magazine Street boutiques like Saint Claude Social Club. Dance on Frenchman Street and unwind at the new Maison de la Luz.
Virginia's Crooked Road
Rocky Mount to Breaks Interstate Park: Approximately 300 miles
Virginia's Crooked Road, part of the Heritage Music Trail, immerses you in Appalachian roots of country music across 19 counties, four cities, and 54 towns. Focus on these highlights.
From Rocky Mount, visit Ferrum's Blue Ridge Institute and Museum for Crooked Road Royalty and Crooked Road Musical Styles exhibits. On October 26, join the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.
In Floyd, catch music at the Floyd County Store—Friday jamborees, Saturday Americana, Sunday bluegrass. Learn fiddle or flatfoot dance at the Handmade Music School; don't miss the ice cream.
Nearby Galax hosts Friday Blue Ridge Backroads Live at the Rex Theater and events at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Stay at the historic Doctor's Inn.
In Abingdon, shop at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, hike or bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, and visit the Martha Washington Inn & Spa.
Bristol's Birthplace of Country Music Museum covers the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Nearby, the Carter Family Fold honors country pioneers, linked to June Carter Cash of Walk the Line.
End at Norton's Appalachian Traditions Village and Country Cabin II for jams, then the Ralph Stanley Museum. Hike Breaks Interstate Park's trails.
Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Whalebone Junction to Beaufort: 138 driving miles + 25 ferry miles
This unique byway along North Carolina's Outer Banks includes ferry travel, linking 21 villages, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout seashores, and the tallest U.S. brick lighthouse. Ideal for fall with mild weather and fewer crowds; check post-Hurricane Dorian updates.
North of Whalebone Junction: Climb dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, and attend the October 19 Outer Banks Seafood Festival.
Stop at Bodie Island Lighthouse and National Wildlife Refuge for birding, especially during fall migrations or festivals like Wings Over Water (Oct. 15-20, Dec. 6-8).
In Rodanthe, see the Nights in Rodanthe house (Inn at Rodanthe) and Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station.
Spot kiteboarders at Canadian Hole, climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton, and visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. Enjoy sunset drinks at Wreck tiki bar in Hatteras.
Tennessee Tunes
Memphis to Nashville: 210 miles
Start in Memphis, celebrating its bicentennial with fall events like the November 24 Shelby County bash. Follow the new Memphis Women’s Legacy Trail from Beale Street to Elmwood Cemetery.
Explore the Wolf River Greenway, new Grove at Germantown Performing Arts Center, and updated Graceland with exhibitions on Earth Explorers, Muhammad Ali, and motorcycles.
In Nashville, enjoy classics like Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe alongside new spots like chef-driven Hathorne and boutique Russell hotel.
Fuel up for fall festivals: September’s Americanafest, October’s Artober arts celebration, and Southern Festival of Books featuring Ann Patchett, Pico Iyer, Dani Shapiro, and Paul Theroux.
