How to Road Trip Through the South (for non-Southerners)
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- Exploring the best way to road trip through the South. I've done more than 20 cross-country road trips and have lived in South Carolina and Tennessee. Here are many ideas and suggestions on how to best do a road trip through the southern states. Highlights and the best places to stop if road tripping through the south. I've traveled all throughout the South and am very familiar with the region as whole.
New Orleans 1:30
Deep south Lousiana 2:25
Atlanta 3:31
Congree national park 4:19
Charleston (and savannah) 5:03
Myrtle beach (skip it!) 6:27
Morehead city, Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras national seashore 7:00
Raleigh Durham, Chapel Hill 7:49
Asheville 8:28
Blue ridge mountains, Great smoky mountains national park 9:45
Nashville 10:43
Memphis 12:09
Thanks!
Why skip Myrtle?
Put the times first. Looks much neater.
No don't skip myrtle beach!!! I went on the Skywheel a few weeks ago it's awesome
lmao 828 is the Asheville area code.
I’m from Memphis and it’s refreshing to hear someone actually speaking positively about my city! It’s not all bad like ppl think
U attractive...automatic like for that..
I won't know if I don't check it out for myself.
My brother just visited Memphis and said it was a big mistake, he was harassed by beggers, bums, and dope heads.
I know Nashville is all the rage, and is overall more prosperous and booming than Memphis, but I've been to Nashville already, but Memphis is WAY higher on my list - as its more particularly interesting to me. I LOVE soul, blues, and rockabilly from the 60s/late 50s! Saw BB King twice when he was still alive, saw Lonnie Brooks back in college, and saw Buddy Guy in Chicago. Country is alright too, depending on what, but Memphis is like ground zero for some of the most influential music of the mid-late 20th century.
It is refreshing to hear positive feedback on Memphis after hearing so many negative things from other CZcams videos.
The red river gorge area of Kentucky is a must see for a south trip. There are red sandstone arches, and the whole area is basically a wooded canyon.
The South is a fun place to travel if you have time to explore the 'back roads'. I recall doing a motorcycle trip a coupe years ago, and stopping in some little podunk gas station in TN in the middle of nowhere. And as soon as I pulled up, probably a dozen curious little black kids suddenly appeared outta nowhere, swarming over my bike, and asking questions, like "hey man, Is that your _motor?_ Nice kids, we must have chatted for over an hour, and the great thing about carrying a Polaroid when traveling is you can leave 'em with pictures!
As a southerner who's traveled all over the country, I agree. I like traveling southern back roads. You never know what you're going to come across going through those back areas.
Thumbs up for the Mr Bungle album cover on your wall!
I came here to say exactly that
I hear the comments from the Florida folks, but like Texas, there are reasons it's not included in "the South". But Virginia???! Richmond in particular? Come on, Kyle!!
As someone who has lived in Georgia my whole life, I still have not checked off every "typical" thing people do when visiting Atlanta, so there is a ton to do. But, I can promise you that there are just as many great places to visit around the state beyond Atlanta, especially if you love the outdoors. Go see wild horses run on Cumberland Island and enjoy any of our relaxing beaches without thousands of drunk tourists. Georgia is where the southern end of the Appalachian Trail stops, and there are plenty of state parks situated amongst those beautiful mountains and waterfalls north of Atlanta full of hiking, fishing, cabins,etc.
I was just enjoying another binge of watching your awesome high quality videos, and I turned this one on thinking it’ll be yet another great video , which of course, it is! But what compelled me to leave a comment is the fact that you have a Mr Bungle album as part of your backdrop! MANNNNNNNNN- YOU HAVE THE BEST TASTE IN MUSIC!! God Bless
Thanks for this. We just finished a mini-road trip driving north from a heavenly stay in South Florida. We stopped in St. Augustine and Savannah, both of which we loved. We love that part of the country and we look forward to a longer road trip. All of your suggestions looked really great.
Nice itinerary! There are so many great places to visit in The South, but you've hit many of the most iconic areas. And a road trip is definitely the best way to explore The South. Some of the best and most memorable experiences for a road-tripper on this route would be the short stops and scenery in-between destinations. You have to get away from the big cities to really get a feel for The South ... both the good and the bad.
North Florida has got the best springs in the United States. Best places for snorkeling and tubing. Ponce De Leon Springs, Wakulla Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, Suwannee River, Fanning Springs, etc.
Anyone going to Asheville NC, make sure you go to Biltmore House. You won't be disappointed. I am from Australia and have been there twice (in spring and autumn).
yess it’s literally a medieval european castle but in the american south
I moved to South Carolina a few years ago, and I agree Myrtle Beach is a pass for me, been there several times and it just gets nastier. BUT if you are traveling through there, a good place to spend a day is at Huntington Beach state park. It's just a few miles south of Myrtle Beach. It has a "wild" beach, no high-rises, a weird house called Atalaya you can tour for a couple bucks, and tons of alligators. Whenever we go the beach, that's where we go.
Super place, the causeway where you see alligators, go on organized bird walks. MB was a nice place until it got overdeveloped and the crime soared. Been there 7 times but not for a while.
The Mr Bungle album cover is killing me
PS it was the blues brothers joke for me
I'm a real fan of your videos, Geography King. You're great!
Hey! I love your videos! The photos you showed when you were speaking about the Great Smokey Mountains was of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The viaduct was built to preserve Grandfather Mountain. I would recommend folks accessing the Parkway near Asheville and follow it south. It will connect with the Great Smokey Mountains National Park near Cherokee NC.
Been watching a bunch of your content. Planning to traverse the continental US this year and you’re videos have great informational content. And I have to say: some of your wardrobe is straight out of Charlie Sheens closet!
To add to Florida: Take a airboat ride and see some alligators the tours are long with stops near swamps. Way better than any of the amusement parks.
I did just that outside of the Everglades years ago.
I'm surprised there wasn't a mention of the World's Largest Aquarium in Atlanta
The Chattanooga Aquarium is much better.
From someone who is born and bred in Atlanta, The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga eats the Georgia Aquarium for lunch. The Georgia Aquarium is so touristy and kiddy-oriented.
the nc aquarium in carolina beach is also really cool
Atlanta's was okay but a bit kid oriented for me, the best one I've seen was the national aquarium in downtown Baltimore a serious aquarium with nice exhibits
@@bobbyswanson3498 The only albino gator you will see! Luna is a pretty lady!
I road tripped to Douglasville, GA from MA for a wedding in July, during Covid. Drove Skyline and Blue Ridge Parkway all the way down. Asheville is a town I like a lot and have been before. Definitely worth your time. On the way back, I headed to Savannah and stayed on the water all the way back up to NYC. Personally, I prefer Savannah to Charleston. But I have limited time in both. The ferry into amd out of Ocracoke was a lot of fun. I only drove thru, but I'd love to spend a few days there. Cape Hatteras was fantastic. Even during Covid, it would be a great place to vacation. I stopped between Hatteras and Frisco at a parking area for about 20 cars. It is so interesting that you park and head to the intracoastal side and the water and winds are calm. There were young kids and dogs in the water. A couple guys fishing and it was serene. Cross the road and walk over the dunes and the wind whips up, as does the surf. The ocean side is so different. As for Myrtle Beach, yeah, skip that.
would love to see a guide to the blue ridge parkway or a road trip video of things to visit off of that
Great idea! That's my goal too!
The fall colors on the Blue Ridge are *gorgeous*.
My favorite place is Burnsville, NC. Mt. Mitchell is just right there and the town is charming
Thanx for the suggestions! I'm from Switzerland and I'm planning a trip in the deep south of the US. It will be my third time in the US. I've already visited the east coast (NY and surroundings) and the West (LA, SF, Vegas and surroundings). I will be there next year when the covid scenario will be more favorable. Thank you!
If passing through, be sure to check out Little Switzerland off the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC! They have a great cafe and a nice hotel as well.
OKAY IM CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH THE SELF TITLED MR BUNGLE ALBUM, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING CRAZY WHEN I SAW IT ABOVE YOUR HEAD
You are my dude!!
Being in the south all my life I wholeheartedly support this itinerary.
The WW 2 museum in New Orleans is outstanding. Charleston is excellent I loved the cartage tour great info and scenery. Patriots point museum is also very good so is fort Sumter.
Did our road trip back in 2015 to Charlotte, specifically Carowinds when Fury 325 opened. Next time, we’ll definitely drive Blue Ridge Pkwy, hit up Dollywood and Gatlinburg
Thx bud. I’m from Canada. Thinking of over wintering in the southern states to get away from the-40C winters. To many injuries that hurt in the cold.
Cape Hatteras and avon County are beutiful..went there as a kid and it felt special..n kitty hawk was really cool as a kid too...
Back in 2018, I went to see the fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains but I went too early. You need to go the end of October not the middle of October. I still had a good time and loved Asheville. I plan to go there next year and see the Biltmore Estate. I recommend taking the blue ridge parkway from Asheville to the Grrat Smoky Mountains. It is very scenic and the visitor center is in Asheville too. Congree National park is one I look forward to seeing.
With your channel seeming to be growing rapidly, it might be a good idea to do a vlog series of a road trip...so we can see you in action during a road trip of yours. The driving, hotels, sightseeing etc. Thanks for the interesting informal videos
At the visitors center in Charleston you can get a self-guided (walking) tour map of the historic district. It's the way to see the town. Casual, at your pace and very interesting.
Your route map has you traveling out of NOLA, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, then up to Atlanta via Montgomery. This is a much more interesting drive than the one you describe in the video. Just be sure to take US 90 rather than I-10 out of New Orleans for a very interesting drive. When you get to Mississippi, swing over to the welcome center and visit NASA's Infinity Center for tons of cool space related stuff. Then get back on 90 and head to Bay St. Louis and on to the drive through the charming coastal towns along the beach. Then head to Mobile. Some interesting things to see and do there.
I'd recommend laid back Wilmington, NC over the NC Triangle. Very historic.
always great content
Georgetown, Pawleys Island, and Murrells Inlet are a good alternative to Myrtle Beach. Georgetown is beautiful and historical, Pawleys Island has a great beach and "shabby" vibe, and Murrells Inlet is a waaay better seafood town than Calabash, NC.
Also, you forgot to mention Knoxville on the way out of the Smokies!
U from sc huh?
I really like Chattanooga
Chattanooga is a must see. And most don’t realize it. Agree.
Good video as always!
No Charlotte NC? So much unique stuff there.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is fun and historic if you have lots of time. 40 MPH speed limit. It's run by the National Park Service and the Trace is around 300 years old.
A little late to the party, but there is a nice side trip North of Knoxville where you go into Kentucky to visit Cumberland Falls.
Just gonna bypass Wilmington to Morehead? Just drove thru Beaufort and Swansboro NC? Can't miss these small towns. Blackbeard was killed in Beaufort!! Maybe I should check out The History King. Let's not forget New Bern...
You left out Hilton Head. Agree with Asheville. Also some great bed and breakfasts there.
This guy obviously hasn’t visited the other states that he left out. In Kentucky: Check out Mammoth Caves National Park, the largest cave system in the USA. The Thoroughbred horse farm tours especially during warm weather is a must. Kentucky Derby is a bucket list item for sure. The Bourbon industry tours are unique. The Corvette Museum in Bowling Green for car lovers. These are just a few of many.
If you don't overeat enough on Kyle's tour, take a quick jaunt from NC up to Wakefield, VA (southside Virginia) and top off at the Virginia Diner. And if you have the time, sprint over to Wilmington NC--great beaches, food and Civil War history too.
Some of my ancestors were settlers in Carteret County near Moorhead City.
For Florida, since it isn't mentioned at all here for some reason. Places that are great to stops are the beaches along the panhandle and Appalachicola which is one of the last fishing villages in the state. Also, stop by places like St. Augustine and Jacksonville both cities have a lot of great southern history of course St.Augustine being the oldest city in the US is an experience in itself. Not going to mention many places farther South into Florida since this is a Deep South road trip and these places are very southern unlike South Florida and MOST of Central Florida
He went over why he left Florida off. Most places in Florida you'd want to stay longer than a couple of days. Florida almost demands a road trip on its own.
I love the south coming from the Midwest (Chicago)
The culture is so rich and Atlanta is indeed great (besides the traffic :))
Two things. If Pat Huval's restaurant is still in Hendersonville, LA, it's a good place to eat. And, the NC mountains are great during the summer. Mild temps.
How could you skip over Gatlinburg and Dollywood?? Those are the most authentic, non-commercialized experiences in Tennessee!
I live in Knoxville and I absolutely hate Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. If I want to spend time in the mountains, I always take the little extra time to go on the Western NC side or even SW Virginia.
@@benbaker7440 I agree! Tourist traps
OK you hit hot spots but left out Cajun country around Lafayette so rich in music culture and history but credit for mentionig south Louisiana its far more beautiful than many expect
Yeah there are lots of places in Kentucky worth being in this video
If you are already in Savannah, I think including St Augustine is a worthwhile reason to include a Florida stop, if you appreciate history, why not visit the oldest European founded city on the continent?
Looks like you're wearing suspenders. Great video!
Mr. Bungle! Hell yeah
Can you provide more specifics on "deep south Louisiana?" South of I-10, I know, but any particular routes or destinations I should think about?
I want to jump on the Virginia bandwagon. It's out of the way when following your route, so I see why you didn't include it for a 2-week trip. But for road-trippers coming from the north-east, it would make sense to spend a couple days there on the way to the destinations you describe. History buffs should stop in at Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello.
Charleston is also older than Savannah as I, as I recall. Charleston was already a major port by the time of the American Revolution, while Savannah didn't become a major port until a little later, but was obviously already major by the Civil war.
Charleston was first settled in the 1670s but wasn’t incorporate and given a name until the 1780s. Oglethorpe landed in Savannah in 1733 and laid the city out and established it. It became the Royal Capital of Georgia in 1750.
Dana says- There's nothing very noteworthy in North Florida to see? What about St Augustine? Jacksonville has a couple of great museums and Fort Caroline too. I can understand them not being great stand-outs if you're on a short trip, but N.FL isn't a vast wasteland with nothing of note to see or do. Alabama has several great things to see also- Huntsville has the US Space and Rocket Center.
You missed Old Salem in Winston-Salem on the way west through NC.
Great video, but what about Virginia.
I like that you skipped Charlotte even though it's one of the biggest cities in the South. My work is kind of pushing me to move there and I feel that it's just such a bland city. I've visited many times and it seems so bland.
As a resident of the Atlanta metro area, you should make some stops at the World of Coca-Cola, the Jimmy Carter museum, MLK Jr. house, the Olympic Park and here's a tip: Do NOT get stuck on I-285. You might be there for a looong time. Also, go down to the Golden Islands during the time when there aren't horrible tourists.
10:07 That is not Smokey Mountain national park. That is Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge parkway 2 hours Northeast of Ashville in High Country of NC. If you had to choose between Ashville and the High Country, I would pick the High Country any day, but that is way off your route.
How do you go to NC outer banks and not visit the birthplace of flight? (Nod to Ohio boys, but it happened here!)
Don't skip on Savannah. It's nicer and has more to do than Charleston.
Why is it offensive that they house the civil rights museum in Memphis?
The southeast is my favorite place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. Thoughts on Boone, NC?
access to hiking trails, the Blue Ridge, white water rafting. Hit the town on a Appalachian State University game weekend, if that is your thing, adds an entirely different angle to the town.
Boone is wonderful. It has a great college town vibe and really beautiful scenery.
Man... you missed the greatest stop in NC, SC. 3 words: on the border.
That place is a dump. Used to be ok maybe 30 years ago.
I'm a bit surprised he didn't include vicksburg and montgomery in this list. Can any southerners share their views on these omissions.
One stop that would include Florida for someone that’s never been to the south. It’s not the best one in Florida because they have many but Salt Springs and then you can head back north to Atlanta and continue the way he laid it out.
Are you referring to the Civil Rights Museum being centered around the Lorraine Motel where MLK was shot? I can see why that might be off-putting, but its such an important historical moment. Like they want to continue MLKs work where he left.
I am guessing Mr. Geography King is not a beach guy. Nothing worthwhile in NW FL? Only some of the best beaches in the country if not the world. Crab island in Destin, St. Andrews State Park in PCB (also has gators by the way), highway 30A...all excellent options.
Asheville reminds me of the mix of a tourist trap and an obnoxious college town.
I saw your route and thought, I don't need to see any more....
🔥
Just spend 2 weeks in Arkansas!
Dude, you forgot to include Columbia. A must stop. 😜
I should've at least mentioned the bbq.
That can be your next video. How to road trip and hit the best BBQ. You'll have to work in some hiking spots though so folks don't clog up their arteries too much or put on too much weight. :-)
Its to far away for most but the tip of Florida's saltwater crocodiles have finally bounced back from REAL close to extinction . Yes, I said Crocodiles. And yes, They act like Crocodiles too. They would like to eat you. Not lazy like alligators
The largest city in the region is actually Jacksonville FL. Good guess though, as Atlanta has the largest metropolitan area in the region.
In reference to cities, the term "largest" generally refers to population, as that is the essence of cities- people. When we talk about "big cities", we're referring to the ones with the most people not areal footprint. New York is certainly the largest city in the US although it does not have the largest footprint, which is why I referred to Atlanta as the largest city in the region (and as you correctly stated the largest metro area).
@@GeographyKing Right, when going from south Georgia to north Georgia, Atlanta is always burdensome and in the way. I have found it more practical to go through Alabama to avoid Atlanta, when heading north. I-65 is nice, I-75 always too crowded.
I just realized where the Civil Rights Museum is located at in Memphis.... all I have to say is “wow”
I think Myrtle Beach is much better for families than the Outer Banks of NC. So much to do. Hotels right along the beach. Just pick the nicer parts of the area.
I can't agree with the Atlanta suggestion, due to the out of control traffic jams if you're driving.
Thanks a lot for the tips! Doing two weeks in Feb from Europe. You have an email I can get some opinions?
James Dare I can answer any questions here in the comments section or you can email me at geography_king@hotmail.com
North Florida Is like really southern Georgia. Some of the people are from Valdosta or Waycross. Seriously.
I'm originally from Brunswick, GA and I agree. From where I grew up, it wasn't uncommon for us to head down to Jacksonville. North Florida really feels no different from south GA.
Dang, no Richmond 😢
Make sure everywhere you stop you tell them how much better you do everything back home in the Big Craphole or Filthydelphia or the Windy Shitty!!!
Florida got completely passed by.
Why is it offensive where the National Civil Rights Museum housed?
As a white dude from California born in the late 70s, my opinion on the subject isn't worth much since by race, age, and geography I can't relate but I just find it kinda cringy that the Civil Rights museum is housed at the hotel where MLK was assassinated. I'd have thought that people would want that building demolished but again I don't really have much say on the matter.
@@GeographyKing I appreciate your video. As a board member at the National Civil Rights Museum, I invite you to visit it with me on your next visit to Memphis, where I might in person share another perspective on why the history of that sacred spot is so important to preserve, including its appearance.
Thank you. I very much appreciate your comment. I might very well take you up on that offer next time I am in Memphis, which usually in March or April.
@@GeographyKing Excellent. I’m not sure the best way to establish more direct communication, since I may not always see responses here on CZcams. I’ll share my phone number here in the next message, and if you will acknowledge receiving it, then I’ll delete it. Calling or texting is always the best way to get me. Looking forward to meeting you in the spring.
@@mekaeg Hello. I know it's been a while since this comment, but I plan on being in Memphis next week and was wondering if you were still interested in meeting with me. You can email from the "About" page of my channel.
you would be a Mr Bungle fan
Coming from the west & enter the south in LA? Excuse me? You missed a whole state.
You just gonna skip the Gulf Shores/Pensacola area?
He skips battleship park too.
No Savannah? It’s stunning!
When this video was made, Atlanta as a place to see was good advice. But don't come here now. It's become overtaken by a vicious crime wave.
All of your pics of the smokies were anuwhere but! hack
You forgot Orlando
What if you are Black? Would you get hassled by cops
Seriously?
For non-southerners...?
What does that even mean?
People not from the south. Hope that clears that up?
@@leonhenry4861 😂 oh thanks. It was just an oddly specific title. As if there is a road trip guide through the south for southerns as well
@@DBZSeanzie ha ha ha ha ha, it’s just click bate my guy, they wanted you to click on the video and watch it so they make money.
@@leonhenry4861 😵😵😵😵😵
I guess Virginia not the south
And yea, North Florida and North Central Florida just has deer , woods, sand, heat, and cold most winters. But just not constantly like the far north can be. Not much " Gotta see it " stuff like you said. And the Gulf of Mexico doesn't have as nice a water as the other side of Florida, The Atlantic.
Atlanta is a hard pass. Has to be the most disappointing big city yet. ZERO culture and one giant mall. When the aquarium is the only thing to do there or go to the Varsity, it's def a hard pass.