Destination: New Orleans to Nashville, USA.
Travelled: May.
We’re passionate about live music, discovering new cities, enjoying great food and drink, and delving into the stories and history behind the places we visit. So, when the idea of a Southern U.S. “Music Cities” road trip came up, it didn’t take long to say yes. Our journey took us from the jazz clubs of New Orleans to the river views of Natchez, through the blues-soaked streets of Memphis, and on to the rockin’ honky tonks of Nashville — a tour full of amazing sites, vibrant sounds, and deep cultural history.
We’ve written full blogs for each stop along the way (linked below), but this is our summary of the full tour, some highlights, and a few tips for anyone thinking of doing something similar.
Getting around: a road trip with room to spare
We travelled with another couple, so comfort and space were key — especially with four of us and a mountain of luggage. We hired a Jeep Wagoneer (similar to a Chevrolet Suburban), which turned out to be the perfect vehicle for this kind of road trip. There was plenty of room up front, huge luggage capacity in the back, a smooth ride, and surprisingly decent fuel efficiency for a vehicle of its size. It was also mid-priced to hire, making it a great value choice for a longer journey like this.
New Orleans – 4 nights of jazz, soul, and stadium shows
Read our full New Orleans blog here →
Our adventure began in the Deep South with four nights in New Orleans — an unforgettable, intriguing city of contrasts. We based ourselves in the French Quarter, which put us right at the centre of the action. Between the historic buildings, the buzz of Bourbon Street, and the elegance of the Garden District, there was always something to see and hear.
We timed our visit to coincide with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (NOLA) – a spectacular experience in itself. As well as the local acts playing brass, soul and gospel across smaller stages, we also got to see huge names including the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Joe Bonamassa. Seeing these legends perform in the city where so much music history began was a bucket-list moment.
Beyond the festival, we explored local food joints, enjoyed riverfront views from the paddleboats, and soaked up the rhythm of a place that seems to live and breathe music. We also joined a guided walking tour to learn more about the city’s rich, complex history — including the impact of Hurricane Katrina, Creole heritage, and the role of music in resistance and community.
Stops along the way – Plantation history and small-town charm
Leaving New Orleans, we hit the road heading north. Our route took us up the I-10 to Baton Rouge, where we visited Magnolia Mound, a historic plantation site that today functions as a museum. It gave us a sobering but important glimpse into the troubled past of the Deep South and the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on these estates. Next, we stopped for lunch in St. Francisville, a picturesque Mississippi River town with 19th-century charm. We wandered the quiet streets, explored a few boutiques and historic houses, and imagined the bustle of its trading days. It was a peaceful, scenic break before continuing on towards Natchez.
Natchez – 1 night of history and Southern grace
Read our full Natchez blog here →
Natchez felt like stepping into a time capsule. With just one night here, we made the most of our stay at The Guest House Historic Mansion — an elegant B&B in the heart of the historic downtown. The rooms were spacious and character-filled, and it was easy to walk to nearby shops, the riverfront, and notable landmarks. We even enjoyed drinks on the porch at sunset… though we learned the hard way to pack insect repellent!
We visited Temple B’nai Israel, the oldest Jewish synagogue in Mississippi, and learned about the town’s once-thriving Jewish community. Walking the quiet streets lined with antebellum homes, it was easy to picture a time of horse-drawn carriages and river trade.
A 40-minute narrated horse-drawn carriage tour is a great way to get your bearings. We also walked down to the Mississippi riverfront, where modern-day paddle steamers still dock. Dinner was at Pearl Street Pasta — hearty, tasty food in a warm setting.
Memphis – 3 nights of blues, soul, and the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Read our full Memphis blog here →
We arrived in Memphis via the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, followed by a longer drive up the I-55. Our base was the iconic Peabody Hotel, a grand and bustling place famous for its resident ducks that march through the lobby each day. The hotel has hosted celebrities, politicians, and musicians — and its rooftop bar offered some brilliant views of the city.
Our first evening we hit Beale Street, a neon-lit celebration of blues, BBQ and buskers. Highlights included B.B. King’s Blues Club where the house band delivered hit after hit with incredible energy.
We spent a full day at Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home. It’s more than a house — it’s an entire complex with themed exhibits, his car and bike collections, glittering jumpsuits, private planes and much more. You can read all about it (and see loads more photos) in our dedicated Graceland blog post →.
We also explored Sun Studio, where Elvis first recorded, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, home to legends like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. Both offered fascinating insights into the roots of American music — and we even got to try out a few instruments at Stax!
Another powerful moment came at the National Civil Rights Museum, housed at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. The museum provides a moving, in-depth look at the struggle for civil rights in America.
We also took a cruise on the Mississippi aboard a paddle steamer and grabbed meals at places like Flying Fish (quick, tasty and fun) and Majestic Grille, a former cinema turned art deco dining spot.
Nashville – 3 nights of country swagger and rockin’ nights
Read our full Nashville blog here →
Our final stop was Nashville, and wow — what a contrast. Bigger, shinier, and buzzing with energy, the city felt very different from the more laid-back places we’d come from.
We stayed at the stylish Virgin Hotel, located in the Music Row district. Modern, well-equipped and full of energy, it was a great base for exploring.
We took an open-top bus tour to get our bearings and take in the sights — from the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park, to the Ryman Auditorium, Vanderbilt University, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Broadway’s vibrant nightlife district.
A highlight was the Johnny Cash Museum, where we immersed ourselves in the story of “The Man in Black” through recordings, personal artefacts and powerful video clips — including his famous Folsom Prison concert. Afterwards, we headed to the Johnny Cash bar for a drink and live music.
We explored Broadway, packed with music bars like Whiskey River Saloon, Chief’s, and our personal favourite: Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse, where the band covered classic rock anthems from the Stones to Skynyrd — loud, lively, and brilliant fun.
The following day we visited the Musicians Hall of Fame, which includes hands-on areas for wannabe drummers and guitarists. Later we wandered Printers Alley, a hidden gem full of music bars and speakeasy-style lounges.
Dining in Nashville was top-notch. We particularly enjoyed Sadie’s – Mediterranean dishes and cocktails in a relaxed setting.
One incredible tour, four unforgettable cities
Every stop on our Music Cities Tour offered something different — from the heritage and soul of New Orleans, the quiet grace of Natchez, and the rich musical legacy of Memphis, to the high-energy honky-tonk heartbeat of Nashville.
Each city had its own culture, rhythm, and character — and we’re already dreaming of returning. If you’re even a little bit curious about America’s music heritage, this tour is an incredible way to experience it.