The South
Fill in the blank: Southern _________. Many of us would think Southern charm or Southern hospitality because the South is known for its beautiful and historic destinations, good food and friendly people. The South is a great place to sit back and sip a glass of sweet tea with your travelers or tour one the region’s many historic homes and mansions in destinations such as Natchez, Mississippi, or Atlanta. Whether you’re a fan of the Memphis dry rub or the vinegar-based sauces of Carolina style, don’t forget to sample the different varieties of barbecue alongside a tall, cool glass of sweet tea.
Must Do: Charleston Tea Plantation
Kicking back and sipping on sweet tea is one of the better parts of Southern culture. See how tea is made at the Charleston Tea Plantation, located on Wadmalaw Island in South Carolina’s low country. Groups can tour the factory, enjoy a trolley ride through the tea fields or just spend some time enjoying the undeveloped beauty of the island.
www.charlestonteaplantation.com
Must Taste: Tabasco, Avery Island, Louisiana
Try Tabasco, a staple ingredient in many Southern dishes, and see how it’s made on Avery Island in southern Louisiana. Sample some of the Tabasco products in the gift shop, then bring home your favorites or stop in to eat authentic Cajun dishes at Restaurant 1868. Groups can also take a culinary tour or a cooking class on Avery Island.
Must See: Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville, Tennessee
Country music is an essential part of the South and has formed the backbone of Nashville. Groups visiting Music City can experience the glitz of the music scene with a tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame or have an interactive session with a local songwriter. Make sure to check out RCA Studio B and stand where Elvis and other country music stars have recorded some of their biggest hits.
www.countrymusichalloffame.org
Heartland
During the early 1900s, many European immigrants came to the United States seeking new homes, so it’s not surprising that they looked for someplace that reminded them of their old ones. Some did so by congregating with others who shared their culture, creating famous ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Greektown or Little Italy in Chicago. Many Heartland cities celebrate their diverse ethnic backgrounds, and visitors can share in the culture of the many immigrants who settled the area as the country expanded westward. These immigrants brought their culture with them, and today visitors can sample authentic Italian and Greek dishes or celebrate traditional festivals like Chinese New Year and feel like they’re miles away in Rome, Beijing or Munich.
Must Do: Chicago Cultural Alliance neighborhood tours
Explore the rich culture of Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods with tours from the Chicago Cultural Alliance (CCA). CCA offers both walking and bus tours to see the sights and sample iconic dishes from each culture. Neighborhoods included are Chinatown, Humboldt Park and Devon Avenue, among others.
www.chicagoculturalalliance.org
Must Taste: Sprecher Brewery Tour, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sprecher Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is known for brewing Old World-style beers and also features a Bavarian beer garden. Stop by to try one of about 20 European-style beers and 10 sodas they have on tap, or sign up for a brewery tour. Reserve tastings are also available on Saturdays for a more in-depth look at the brewery’s various offerings.
Must See: Driehaus Museum, Chicago
The Driehaus Museum, located in a Gilded Age mansion near the Magnificent Mile, features a collection of American and European fine art from the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, including one of the largest private collections of work by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
