Wiyum
Established
I was born in New Orleans, raised outside of Nashville, and I've lived in Chattanooga and Atlanta for a time as well. Here's what my advice would be:
Rent a car. Traveling by bus would be way too slow, too much of a hassle, and it wouldn't help you get around within the places you'll be visiting, most of which will be spread out and only traversable by car.
You'll be fine if you wear a smile, show enthusiasm, and refer to adults as "sir" and "ma'am." That's how they raise folks down there, and it is expected merely as a sign of mutual respect.
If you want to watch any movies to prepare you, I'd begin and end with David Gordon Green's first two films, "George Washington" and "All The Real Girls." They show the real South, verifying certain stereotypes but moving well past them, and certainly represent the South I grew up in.
Visit small and mid-sized towns. Crossville, Cookeville, and Johnson City, TN are all good middle-sized ones. I wish I could recommend my longtime home of Franklin, TN, just south of Nashville, but it has gentrified well beyond having much of its character anymore, sadly. Its historic downtown district has, in the past decade, changed from a postcard preservation of 50s era South to a modern commercial district with all the boutiques and chains modern comforts demand. As far as cities go, I'd say you begin in Savannah, and certainly hit Atlanta or North Carolina's Triangle, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans. Maybe I'm biased, but that'd be the route I'd take.
Eat as much local food as you can. The barbecue will be amazing and varied along any route you construct. Should you visit Memphis, make sure to visit Mason, TN, nearby, and visit Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken. It truly is the best chicken in the world. I know a few NYC chefs take a nearly annual pilgrimage to Gus' to remind them what it is they're shooting for when they fry a bird.
But I'd agree with everyone else: save for the few cities you decide to hit, I'd avoid interstates and stick to small towns. You'll have a great time no matter what route you take.
Rent a car. Traveling by bus would be way too slow, too much of a hassle, and it wouldn't help you get around within the places you'll be visiting, most of which will be spread out and only traversable by car.
You'll be fine if you wear a smile, show enthusiasm, and refer to adults as "sir" and "ma'am." That's how they raise folks down there, and it is expected merely as a sign of mutual respect.
If you want to watch any movies to prepare you, I'd begin and end with David Gordon Green's first two films, "George Washington" and "All The Real Girls." They show the real South, verifying certain stereotypes but moving well past them, and certainly represent the South I grew up in.
Visit small and mid-sized towns. Crossville, Cookeville, and Johnson City, TN are all good middle-sized ones. I wish I could recommend my longtime home of Franklin, TN, just south of Nashville, but it has gentrified well beyond having much of its character anymore, sadly. Its historic downtown district has, in the past decade, changed from a postcard preservation of 50s era South to a modern commercial district with all the boutiques and chains modern comforts demand. As far as cities go, I'd say you begin in Savannah, and certainly hit Atlanta or North Carolina's Triangle, Chattanooga, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans. Maybe I'm biased, but that'd be the route I'd take.
Eat as much local food as you can. The barbecue will be amazing and varied along any route you construct. Should you visit Memphis, make sure to visit Mason, TN, nearby, and visit Gus' World Famous Fried Chicken. It truly is the best chicken in the world. I know a few NYC chefs take a nearly annual pilgrimage to Gus' to remind them what it is they're shooting for when they fry a bird.
But I'd agree with everyone else: save for the few cities you decide to hit, I'd avoid interstates and stick to small towns. You'll have a great time no matter what route you take.
Justin Smith
Established
Aside from the fine recommendations already mentioned:
August 6-9 is the annual Highway 127 Yard Sale, which is 654 miles long! It stretches from Ohio, through Kentucky, Tennessee, NW tip of Georgia, and ends in northern Alabama. Depending on your focus, it would be an excellent way to meet "salt of the earth" locals. (I would assume, I've never actually attended as my wife hates yard sales
)
Here's a map: http://www.tourdekalb.com/WLY map 2001.jpg
and the official website: http://www.127sale.com/
August 6-9 is the annual Highway 127 Yard Sale, which is 654 miles long! It stretches from Ohio, through Kentucky, Tennessee, NW tip of Georgia, and ends in northern Alabama. Depending on your focus, it would be an excellent way to meet "salt of the earth" locals. (I would assume, I've never actually attended as my wife hates yard sales
) Here's a map: http://www.tourdekalb.com/WLY map 2001.jpg
and the official website: http://www.127sale.com/
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
Huh? the Deep South isn't exactly like finding a remote indian tribe in the Amazon.
Americans are positive, hard working and generous to those in need of help. Its a place where the many have made their dreams come true without the need for nobility or aristocratic backgrounds. Its a place where people try hard to level the playing field. Welcome aboard and enjoy our country.
Eric T
Well-known
I just happen to be in New Orleans today. If you like street photography, it is hard to beat the French Quarter. It is a unique variant of American culture. I just went out for about 1.5 hours in the French Quarter with my M8 and CV 15mm. I haven't downloaded the photos yet but if get anything interesting, I'll post them on Flickr.
Eric T
Well-known
I agree entirely with 35mmdelux.
I would add that we are a very competitive society where hard work and creativity are rewarded. Our economy is down now but our country has millions of very clever people dreaming up lots of new ideas to be successful. Some of these ideas wlll rise to the top and change society all over the world.
So come enjoy our country. It is truly a wonderful place. We are not without faults but we have a tremendous capacity to improve.
le vrai rdu
Well-known
alleluia
come on, their is clever people all over the world too
come on, their is clever people all over the world too
los
Established
get a job or volunteer. guests will not have the same experience as friends and family. or co-workers. a guy having a drink in a pool hall may be cool to you for an hour while you chat. go to work with him for a week, and then tell me about the man.
the world is a lot smaller now. you don't get to know a place or culture by chatting someone up over a coke. you'll need to make more of an effort if you really want to know.
born and raised near atlanta, ga
the world is a lot smaller now. you don't get to know a place or culture by chatting someone up over a coke. you'll need to make more of an effort if you really want to know.
born and raised near atlanta, ga
steamer
Well-known
Well the OP asked what's great about America and so far everyone has been sticking to the South, but for me what's great is the West. While I live in Tokyo and I love it, I dream of a drive up California's highway 395 in the desert along the eastern Sierras, it is gorgeous and will set your soul free, go to death valley, or go up the coast on highway 1, it is breathtaking. A drive through Eastern Oregon or Nevada, or Arizona, all that space, all that beautiful desolate beauty is so compelling, that's what floats my boat.
johne
Well-known
Keep in mind that north of the Ohio River was France until 1763. Kentucky is really five regions, each distinct. Tennessee is similar. Arcadia Press specializes in local history. You might want to decide on a region and check their inventory.
JRobertson700@comcast.net
I AM AN HISTORIAN FOCUSED ON KENTUCKY
JRobertson700@comcast.net
I AM AN HISTORIAN FOCUSED ON KENTUCKY
kansas_parker
Established
If you're going to be in Georgia and Alabama, especially the southern parts, I would suggest you at least check out North Florida. St. Agustine, Port St. Joe, Ponce de Leon, Defuniak Springs, even the tourist shtick of Panama City Beach are all worthwhile places to visit, not to mention some areas in Pensacola. I would also recommend Athens, GA and as many Civil War battlefields as you can fit in. Drive on at least one Interstate (I would recommend I-10) so you can experience that wonderful piece of America...the tourist information rest area.
novum
Well-known
No, James Dickey made that "cr@p up". It's an excellent book, since Dickey was both a fine fiction writer and poet. The movie--meh. And Dickey was a Southerner.
I'm an Austinite, so my vote on where to go is invalid. We're even more special than Texans in general.
dan denmark
No Get Well cards please
have to agree with Novum...any city whose mayor would wear a KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD T-shirt has to be one of the coolest places around. is the Armadillo World Headquarters still going? going back a long way here...1975-ish. once i was hitchhiking from SA to Austin and got picked up, told we had to make a slight detour and ended up at willy nelson's birthday party. you can imagine who else was there. i think it was hs 40th, but who cared...
but yes, texas seems out of the itinerary for this thread. much like a good bit of australia, where i live now, the deep south is a very well kept secret... explore and enjoy.
but yes, texas seems out of the itinerary for this thread. much like a good bit of australia, where i live now, the deep south is a very well kept secret... explore and enjoy.
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
OK, I am a yankee but I have the benefit that my family is mixed: mom was from New Albany, Mississippi and dad was from Buffalo, NY. ANd I have been treated well whereever I've gone in the South.
Couple of things to add to this thread:
The bus system in the US is a pale shadow of what it once was; I would not count on it for much.
Food: If there are truly local restaurants where you are, try them. Mostly good, mostly inexpensive. But in the more rural areas, if you see signs or hear of "Pancake breakfast for local fire dept" or similar, those are usually a lot of fun and food for not too much $.
Same thing for "free will dinners" or church socials, attend any of those you can. Welcoming people and usually very good home cooking type of food.
If folks find that you are genuinely interested in them and their town and are not condescending about it they will often be very happy to share some of their experiences and local history.
Keep an eye on the weather while you're driving. Tornadoes are a real possibility and can be deadly. They do happen more in the mid-west than in the South but in August you'll be there during the season for 'em.
August is also a good time for county fairs and local music festivals.
And remember to bring some cash.
Sounds like a fun trip! Lot of area to cover, though. The States you asked about toal just a bit less than 100,000 sq KM more than France.
Rob
Couple of things to add to this thread:
The bus system in the US is a pale shadow of what it once was; I would not count on it for much.
Food: If there are truly local restaurants where you are, try them. Mostly good, mostly inexpensive. But in the more rural areas, if you see signs or hear of "Pancake breakfast for local fire dept" or similar, those are usually a lot of fun and food for not too much $.
Same thing for "free will dinners" or church socials, attend any of those you can. Welcoming people and usually very good home cooking type of food.
If folks find that you are genuinely interested in them and their town and are not condescending about it they will often be very happy to share some of their experiences and local history.
Keep an eye on the weather while you're driving. Tornadoes are a real possibility and can be deadly. They do happen more in the mid-west than in the South but in August you'll be there during the season for 'em.
August is also a good time for county fairs and local music festivals.
And remember to bring some cash.
Sounds like a fun trip! Lot of area to cover, though. The States you asked about toal just a bit less than 100,000 sq KM more than France.
Rob
Gumby
Veteran
OK... I stand corrected. But I'll bet he was a Southern city slicker! As long as folks remember that it is fiction rather tahn a documentary, I'm OK with the story... and even the movie.
Photosynthetech
Established
Oh man. I almost forgot. If you come in August you will be coming during hurricane season. If your in Louisiana and you need a place to stay during a hurricane, let me know. You can PM me for my phone number.
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jslabovitz
Member
If you're looking for alternate places to stay, beyond the corporate-chain hotels and high-priced B&B's, you might check out http://couchsurfing.org. There you can find people who are interested in having visitors stay for short periods in an informal way. I'm a member, although have not yet hosted or stayed elsewhere yet.
wgerrard
Veteran
Indeed. But, hurricanes don't appear suddenly. Keep up with the weather and you will be able to adjust your itinerary, if that's necessary.
Tornadoes and the thunderstorms are a different matter, as has been said. Local radio will keep you updated. Here in the States, the Weather Service declares a "Tornado Watch" for a given region when conditions are conducive to tornado formation. A "Tornado Warning" is issued for a much smaller area when an actual tornado has been detected, either visually or on radar.
There's really no need to do anything different during a "Tornado Watch" other than keep an eye on things. The Weather Service will err on the side of caution, so many "Tornado Watches" don't produce tornadoes.
A "Tornado Warning" is entirely different, of course. I know tornadoes occur in Europe, but I believe they are smaller and shorter-lived than many tornadoes here.
That said, if you hear a tornado warning on your car radio, pay attention to the localities cited. Don't panic if the sky outside is clear and the warning has been issued for a place miles away.
If, however, the skies are stormy and you know the locality cited is nearby, seek shelter.
Now, the good news: Chances are good that you will not see any tornadic weather. But, you will absolutely see hot and humid weather. August in the South will typically see temperatures in the nineties, with humidity to match. Temps above 100 would be no surprise. Dress accordingly. Bring sunglasses and a hat. The South is significantly closer to the equator than France and the sun can be deceptively harsh. You can pick up a sunburn in 10-15 minutes, so grab some good sunscreen lotion.
FYI: As others have said, don't consider using buses or trains. Rent or lease a car. (If you are going to be here for more than a few weeks, a short-term lease may be cheaper than a rental. I know it is for an American visiting Europe.) You'll need to check the web for leasing info and, also, for insurance info.
Another approach might be to pick a number of cities as bases for exploration. Rent a car in each city, and then fly to the next one to continue your tour.
Last recommendation: Stay close to the water and the mountains. The coastal areas of the southeast and the Appalachian Mountains have much more to offer than the typical interior spaces, in my opinion.
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Gumby
Veteran
This is a good recommendation, and generally true. The interior spaces might have some photographic interest if one likes shooting farms, fields, barns, and old houses.
David Murphy
Veteran
I've been all over the US. I recommend seeing the West if you see nothing else. This area is unique in the world.
kxl
Social Documentary
Civil War Battlefields
Civil War Battlefields
Based on your statement, a student like you would probably get a lot out of visiting the various civil war battlefields that dot the landscape of those states you mentioned.
Civil War Battlefields
Based on your statement, a student like you would probably get a lot out of visiting the various civil war battlefields that dot the landscape of those states you mentioned.