Southern culture is a mysterious attraction to those who didn’t grow up in the American South. There are many things about it that people just love, but it has its darker history, too. It’s not that Southerners are more sinister or cruel, it’s that the region is so romanticized that it has a history and attractiveness that stands out. Whether it’s the food, the history, the entertainment, or the people, it holds many travel destinations.
One of the first things a visitor will experience with Southern culture is the hospitality. Everyone’s heard of Southern hospitality, and it really does exist. There’s a slower pace to life, so people slow down and take time to visit. In our fast paced, impersonal world, the friendliness, alone, is a huge attraction. That friendliness is easiest found in a restaurant serving good Southern cooking. Much of the food culture of the South springs from the slave culture. You’ll notice it’s not expensive cuts of meat, but it is so tasty. The slaves didn’t get the good food, so they had to season what they got to taste good, and that culinary history is still in action today. There’s nothing like Southern fried chicken, collard greens and mashed potatoes to satisfy a hunger. Wash it down with a big, icy glass of sweat tea.
Southern entertainment is always spirited. Whether it’s the zydeco culture of Louisiana and East Texas, or New Orleans Jazz, or Southern Rock, or Country, the music of the South is meant for dancing. In fact, the influence is so strong that much of it has traveled north for urban entertainers to experiment with. Like the food, the music is about the people. The mish mash of settlers created a cultural melting pot that traded rhythms and instrumentation and subject matter to create musical influences. Some great Southern cities have economies dependant on music. Think of Nashville, Austin, Memphis and New Orleans. All have unique musical cultures, and each is its own tourist attraction for its musical atmosphere.
Give yourself plenty of time to travel and explore the attractions of the South.