From the birthplaces of celebrated artists and vinyl shops to recording venues and southern culinary delights, each stop has a story to tell. What to bring: a harmonica to play to the rhythm of the blues, your favorite playlist and appetite for southern culinary delights.
Starting point: Nashville, Tennessee
Your tour begins in Nashville, Tennessee. Fly to Nashville International Airport and rent a car to begin exploration. Nashville is known as the “City of Music” due to its indigenous cultural scene and its more than 120 live music venues. Check out the history of country music with a behind the scenes tour of the Grand Ole Opry, home to the world’s oldest live radio show and the most famous country music scene. Among the live music, visit some of the most incredible local restaurants, such as Swetts, known for its fried chicken served in the style of a cafeteria.
History of United States music in Memphis, Tennessee
Head southwest to Memphis, where you’ll find the unmissable Stax Museum of American Soul Music (Stax Museum of Soul Music in the United States). The old house of Stax Records was rebuilt to resemble its former historical glory. Famous artists such as Isaac Hayes and Aretha Franklin recorded songs in this legendary place.
Even the King of rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis Presley, had to start somewhere, and that place was the Sun Studio. Known as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, this famous studio was also the starting point for great music greats such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. As you dance through this part of musical history to the rhythm of the feet, you will surely be hungry. For Tops Bar-BQ, which has served sandwiches of shredded pork and beef breast for more than 60 years? In the evening, stroll along the lively Beale Street (Beale Street) to see street performers live.
Pause in Tunica
In Tunica, Mississippi, nicknamed “The gateway to the blues.” A stop at the entrance to the Blues Visitors Center & Museum will help you discover the main landmarks of the delta blues. Head for lunch at the Blue & White Restaurant to sample the home-style midday buffet with southern delights such as country ham, fried chicken and catfish. In Clarksdale, visit the colorful Ground Zero Blues Club, owned by Academy Award-winning celebrities and a rotating list of the most popular musicians of the moment.
Reach the Crossroads in Clarksdale, Mississippi
Clarksdale, home of music greats such as Muddy Waters and Bukka White, is a must for any blues fan. Leave time to visit the Delta Blues Museum, which tells the history of blues and that has musical instruments, costumes and other objects of interest. It even has the old house of Muddy Waters. Spend the night at the emblematic Riverside Hotel, where several prominent blues musicians have stayed. Do not miss New Roxy, where acts Sam Cooke, superstar, pioneer of soul music and native of Clarksdale, along with other famous musicians. On the way back, make sure you see the iconic sign on Crossroads, where local tradition says that Robert Johnson made a pact with the devil to play the blues well.
Southern fusion in New Orleans
Next in the itinerary is New Orleans, Louisiana, a culturally diverse city with French, Spanish, Cuban and Creole influence. Hop on a streetcar to go shopping on Magazine Street (Calle Magazine) or visit the ornate Garden District. The streets are covered by stately mansions and leafy oak trees. The action takes place in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a cultural pillar that has long inspired musicians, writers and artists.
A New Orleans institution, Café du Monde is the perfect place to eat fresh fritters, fried dough that is eaten hot sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar. Slowly drink an au laity coffee or a cup of chicory coffee with subtle touches of chocolate. Later, head to the vibrant streets and visit the famous Bourbon Street (Bourbon Street) where revelers go out and go from bar to bar. The locals go to Frenchman Street (Frenchman Street) to witness live jazz at a dozen points of musical attraction.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
As a local Tour Guide in Ann Arbor, I would like to suggest you that Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of the best places. – Though these are two geographically distinct locations, the University of Michigan groups Matthaei Botanical Gardens – with its exotic plants and walking trails – and Nichols Arboretum – a beautiful 123-acre park along the Huron River – together.