This forum is for talking about non-music-related stuff that the DBT fanbase might be interested in. This is not the place for inside jokes and BS. Take that crap to some other board.
So, in 2012, my (then) hubby and I will be hopping the pond and heading South.
So far the plan is to spend 3-4 weeks there and drive around in a hire car. We have the following places pencilled in:
Austin, TX Dallas, TX Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Lynchburg, TN Muscle Shoals, AL Birmingham, AL Athens, GA Tallahassee, FL (this is negotiable as it's quite a distance between GA and LA) Baton Rouge, LA New Orleans, LA
We're hoping to end our tour in NOLA for Halloween 2012... and catch maybe a DBT or Isbell show at the 40 Watt
I understand that is VERY premature but it's gonna need lots of planning and saving... and I like to be organised
ANY advice would be greatly recieved as neither of us have been to the US before. Feel free to suggest places to see, stay, eat and things to do.
What is it that you're trying to accomplish or experience?
I mean, i get the presumably musical connections of some of those places, and i assume i know why lynchburg's on there, but overall it's a rather non traditional approach to seeing the US. Clearly you have an idea in mind so it wouldn't make sense to comment w/out an understanding of that idea.
What used to be is gone and what ought to be ought not to be so hard
I want to see the South... well, most of it. Since I was a young girl i've wanted to tour The Southern states and to be quite honest, I don't exactly know why.
You're right, music is a HUGE influence on the tour but so is seeing the Country itself.
Ok so let me try and explain:
Austin is easy to fly in to Dallas because it's Dallas and I want to see the commercial side of Texas Memphis; Graceland Nashville; music Lynchburg is (obviously) for Mr Jack Muscle Shoals; music (this will be a fleeting visit) Birmingham because I'm from near Birmingham in the UK Athens to go to the 40 Watt Tallahassee and Northern Florida; Nature, wetlands and swamps Baton Rouge because it's LA's capital and it's a stop off before NOLA NOLA because I've been desperate to go there the most. I was supposed to go in 2005... and, well, we know what happened then.
I'm not conventional at all. I hate beach holidays, I have no interest in the more popular tourist areas of the US (New York, L.A., Orlando etc) and I like being in control of the holiday planning; hence the tour. I love nature, history (particularly music history) and people. I just love having a good time.... oh and I like a drink
If you're big into Hank Williams, mosey on down to Montgomery from Birmingham. And stop by Monteagle Mtn on the way to Nashville and eat at the Smokehouse...
I would skip Tallahassee unless you have a lot of time. It is just a capitol city with a couple of colleges, nice place but kinds boring unless you are from there. The Apalachicola river basin is neat though, maybe check out the town of the same name if you have time and then head north from LA. Also, the Okefenokee swamp in South Georgia. Little River park in NE AL is nice.
Go by Mobile otw from NOLA, and head through Tuscaloosa otw to Birmingham. Go by Atlanta otw to Athens.
dime in the gutter wrote:skip dallas and add luckenbach, tx.
Why?
What about flying straight into Dallas and skipping Austin to save some valuable days?
Smitty wrote:If you're big into Hank Williams, mosey on down to Montgomery from Birmingham. And stop by Monteagle Mtn on the way to Nashville and eat at the Smokehouse...
blackwll wrote:I would skip Tallahassee unless you have a lot of time. It is just a capitol city with a couple of colleges, nice place but kinds boring unless you are from there. The Apalachicola river basin is neat though, maybe check out the town of the same name if you have time and then head north from LA. Also, the Okefenokee swamp in South Georgia. Little River park in NE AL is nice.
Go by Mobile otw from NOLA, and head through Tuscaloosa otw to Birmingham. Go by Atlanta otw to Athens.
Smitty wrote:
blackwll wrote: Little River park in NE AL is nice. .
Assuming you're referring to Little River Canyon in Fort Payne? DEFINITELY worth the trip.
So skip Tallehassee, go straight from Muscle Shoals, via Highway 72 (HAS to be done) to Birmingham, onto Athens (via Atlanta) back to Montgomery, onto Mobile then NOLA. Would y'all skip Baton Rouge?
I don't think we'll be able to de-tour enough to do NE AL and South GA
I agree with skipping Tallahassee. I travel there frequently for work, nothing much there. I would recommend adding a stop to Charleston or Savannah..or both. Oh...and Asheville, too.
Austin, TX Dallas, TX Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Lynchburg, TN Muscle Shoals, AL Birmingham, AL Athens, GA Tallahassee, FL (this is negotiable as it's quite a distance between GA and LA) Baton Rouge, LA New Orleans, LA
Don't skip Austin. Austin is great. From Austin head south and take I-10 East thru Houston into Louisiana (Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Nola). From Nola stay on I-10 to Mobile and then take I-65 north to Birmingham. Then I-20 east to Atlanta to I-85 North to 316 to Athens. If you really want to see the south, I recommend Charleston, SC but that's a bit of a haul, even from Atlanta. From Athens, head west (somehow) to I-75. I can't remember the road that takes you through Rome, GA to Ft. Payne, AL. Make sure to stop at the Alabama (the band, not the state) Hall of Fame. From Ft. Payne go west (don't know the roads- Hwy 72 for a bit?) through Huntsville to Muscle Shoals, AL. Then I-65 north to Nashville and I-40 west to Memphis. Lynchburg, TN is a waste of time. JMO. From Memphis take I-30 west to Dallas (if you must). Then back to Austin. If you find you have time, San Antonio, TX is a cool town too.
Being a Brit, I suspect you don't really have a good feel for the distances you're talking about, so that's consideration 1. TX is incomprehensibly large to most of the rest of us.
W/ all due respect to the locals among us, Dallas is among the most skipable big cities in the US. There's nothing to see there. It is a prime example of everything wrong w/ big modern US cities. The only thing in its favor is that Houston is worse. By reputation, Austin's a great college town w/ lots of good music, but on a time and distance to value ratio, I'd recommend skipping TX entirely. Going to Austin but not to Dallas seems like even more of a time sink than seeing them both (i.e. all that driving for one "second level" city).
I'm w/ you on New Orleans, one of my favorite cities in the world. I'm sure i don't know it as well as others on this board but i can certainly give you specific recommendations. Don't know anything about baton rouge, nor have i heard any particular reasons why one would visit. Dime can presumably provide more insight. If i wanted to see the South and was heading from or towards N.O., i'd follow the Mississippi. Memphis to NO or vice versa is a great trip w/ 2 great end points - lots of musical byways, espy blues related, lots of southern history & civil war sites, lots of great eats and lots of locations associated w/ writers like Faulkner. You also might consider starting/ending further north, in St Louis. I think St L is worth a visit, but i suspect i'm in the minority on that one.
Agree w/ those who recommend skipping Tallahassee, and all of FL for that matter, unless u want to head down as far as the Everglades.
Birimingham's a nice enough small city, w/ a bit of history, but not really sure what you'd do there, tho i guess you've got your personal reasons for heading there.
If you're gonna do Athens, I'd suggest heading north to Savannah GA and Charleston, SC as well as the nearby islands along that part of the coast. Much prettier and a lot more history and interesting stuff than, say, Tallahassee.
The 2 things missing from your itinerary which to me are almost automatically associated w/ "doing the South" are Civil War battle sites and national parks (not as essential as a Yellowstone or a Grand Canyon, but still...).
If you do skip TX, a trip might start and end in Washington, DC, doing a rough rectangle: Head S thru some of the major civil war sites in VA, on to Charleston & Savannah, then Athens, Birmingham, the Shoals, New Orleans, then N along the mississippi, including Baton Rouge, to memphis (or St L) then E to lynchburg, nashville, the shenendoahs and back to DC. Obviously there are plenty of diversions and stopping off points along a route of this length and diversity. One I'd definitely recommend is Charlottesville, VA, home of the U of VA, a wonderful university town and one of the most beautiful campuses ever (designed by Thomas Jefferson, and the stop would also include a visit to Jefferson's home at nearby Monticello). How much time you spend in DC is up to you, but even as a non traditional tourist, I'd think you'd want to spend a couple of days as long as you were in the neighborhood.
What used to be is gone and what ought to be ought not to be so hard
Gotta tour the old south to really get a feel. Start in Va, the eastern shore is the oldest and one of the coolest places in all of the US. Several dialects spoken there are not found anywhere else in the US, Smiths ISland and Chincoteague for example but out of the way. Also VA has some cool civil war sites, some old settlements, the Shenandoah Valley to Charlottesville. NC/SC has the worlds best BBQ, the oldest Mtn range in the world(above water) and possibly the prettiest, the prettiest skies(carolina blue skies), Asheville NC(the coolest town on the east coast and beer city usa), the #1 visited national park in the country, the barrier islands, Charleston( the best seafood in the country), a few plantations, the gullah culture, NASCAR(not much more southern than that), moonshining, redneck riviera(Myrtle Beach), etc. The Blue Ridge Pkwy. Have to hit Charleston SC and Savannah GA if you are doing the south. The houses and the food and the experience are great. That is the south. Athens to see where it all started. Atlanta has some damn good restaurants. Skipping VA/NC/SC/GA is not really a tour of the south. Also skip Florida, nothing but a bunch of yankees down there anymore,lol. Beantown makes some good points and I would just add some onto what he said. Texas is more a western/midwestern state than a southern state. Alabama is cool, not sure how much there is to see though other than Muscle Shoals, NOLA is a must, TN is actually a northern state, MS is a must too if you are into the blues and they have some pretty good bbq. Dallas sucks, have a t shirt that says so,lol(its an american football thing, you probably wouldnt understand.) Id say do the south east if into the history, then fly down to NOLA. Just my opinion too, and my opinion is usually worthless. If you make it by my way, western part of SC, stop in and say hi. Can tell you where to get some damn fine southern cooking.
beantownbubba wrote:Dallas is among the most skipable big cities in the US. There's nothing to see there.
Serving up a big ole steamin crotch grabbin' fuck you combo plater for you btb!!!
I do not consider Dallas a destination. I think Sian hit the nail on the head with the commercial side of Texas statement. But there is some historic significance. The sixth floor museum where Oswald was when he shot JFK is a must see. The Texas Theater, where Oswald was captured, has had a mini rebound from near porno palace and is now showing films again. Morbid and historic. Plus the remote possibility of seeing a Slobberbone show with some of the biggest rock douches in the hemisphere.
As I re-read before posting, I'd skip Dallas too.
If you drive Alabama, Hwy 80 between Selma & Montgomery, AL. has some serious historic significance.
Atlanta is worth spending at least a day in. If you are going to Athens, you will be flying into Atlanta anyway. Atlanta is a great city.
One of my favorite cities below the Mason Dixon line is Lexington, Kentucky. That area is the horse breeding capital of the US. Keeneland is, IMO, the best horse racing track in the country. Most movie directors use Keeneland when shooting a horse race scene that is set in the 1920's or 1930's. They only race there four to six weeks out of the year, in early April and again in the fall. It is horse racing at its best.
In addition to NOLA, I would suggest either Charleston, SC or Savanah, GA. Both cities have plenty of antebellum architecture. You really get a feel for what the old south was like.
You do have to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia.
I don't know how important seeing Austin is for you, but it is kind of out of the way of the rest of the cities on your agenda, as in a couple days of driving. You will get plenty of music in Nashville, NOLA, Memphis and Athens. And if you come at the right time you may be able to catch David Hood and The Decoys in Muscle Shoals. You might want to leave out Texas altogether and fly into Atlanta instead. Austin can be part of another trip where you see the desert southwest.
I have nowhere else to go. There is no demand in the priesthood for elderly drug addicts
As a native Floridian and alumnus of Florida State University - I agree with everyone who says to skip Tallahassee. There just isn't that much going on there.
I agree w/everyone who says to skip Texas & Fla. They are fine places (I was born in Texas), but they make the logistics of your trip very cumbersome. I think you should fly into Tenn. check out Nashville & Memphis & head south to NOLA. Check out LA & head East Through Miss & Alabama. Head to Atlanta & Athens then go North through the Carolinas & Virginia & check out Wash D.C. (where you can fly home from). You can come see me in SOUTHERN Maryland too ('coz I live near D.C.). This tour will really show you the South, and gives you a decent chance of catching DBT @ the Halloween Richmond shows. It is also a trip that maximizes your limited time and minimizes unnecessary driving (while covering most of the South).
A thousand clusterfucks will not kill my tiny light
Get in touch with me if you decide to come through Mississippi. I'll take ya out for lunch or dinner or whatever meal is appropriate for the time of day you're passing through.
Depending on the time of year and my budget, I could even escort you to N'Awlins. My favorite city in the world and it is just 2 1/2 hours south of Jackson - the capitol of Mississippi and my hometown.
Consistently holding bullshit up to the light of reason
You must go to Charleston, SC! It is beautiful and so rich in history. Tons of things to do there, a great walking around city, and don't even get me started on how great the food is. UR got sent there on business a number of times so we made vacations out of it. I would explore the city by day, and we'd eat (and drink) through each night.
Jay Gonzalez - the Swiss Army Knife of Musicians - Patterson Hood
CooleyGirl wrote:You must go to Charleston, SC! It is beautiful and so rich in history. Tons of things to do there, a great walking around city, and don't even get me started on how great the food is. UR got sent there on business a number of times so we made vacations out of it. I would explore the city by day, and we'd eat (and drink) through each night.
CooleyGirl wrote:You must go to Charleston, SC! It is beautiful and so rich in history. Tons of things to do there, a great walking around city, and don't even get me started on how great the food is. UR got sent there on business a number of times so we made vacations out of it. I would explore the city by day, and we'd eat (and drink) through each night.
Sian-of-the-dead wrote:I'm not conventional at all. I hate beach holidays, I have no interest in the more popular tourist areas of the US (New York, L.A., Orlando etc) and I like being in control of the holiday planning; hence the tour. I love nature, history (particularly music history) and people. I just love having a good time.... oh and I like a drink
If you opt out of the "more popular tourist area" of NYC you're missing a lot! That city is amazing!
I wasn't born in the south but I got here as soon as I could!!
I don't think we'll be able to de-tour enough to do NE AL and South GA
My big recommendation for this trip would be to get off the interstate as much as time allows if you really want to SEE the south....but watch out for Smokey (COPS) in the small towns, speed traps abound.
Just a thought but rather than back track out of Athens through Atlanta to Montgomery, you could head south to Augusta (If you are into golf and/or James Brown at all) then continue south to Savannah and the Okeefenokee Swamp or skip Augusta and head south to Macon from Athens and catch the GA music HOF (Think Allman Bros and Ottis Redding). From Macon you can catch I-16 and head to Savannah/Hilton Head/ Okeefenokee then take I-95 down into N. FL to continue your trip westward towards NOLA. I would put Savannah high on my list. Atlanta sucks balls. Its the anti-South. JK there's some cools stuff for out of towners - Lots of shopping down town if you are interested, worlds largest aquarium, Fernbank museum, High Museum of Art, etc... make sure you make a stop by Little Five Points off Moreland Ave. on the Eastside (See Starr Bar, Variety Playhouse, Criminal Records, etc.).
Someone mentioned heading through NE AL. I hope you do and if you do, I would recommend coming through NW GA on your way to Atlanta/Athens. Lots of history here. Cherokee Indian capital at New Echota/Starting point for infamous Trail of Tears. Civil War history. and you'll want to go through Rome and make a stop at Berry College - largest college campus in the world (28,000 acres) and my alma mater . Absolutely stunning natural campus.
Good Luck and Happy Travels!
Never going back to Buttholeville. (Good luck with that!)
Right, sorry I haven't replied, been uber busy of late. I printed off all your replies and discussed with my hubby-to-be. We're happy to skip Texas completely (he wasn't too happy about the long drives across it in the first place) and we have a new itinarary thanks to all your advice
Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Lynchburg, TN Muscle Schoals, AL Birmingham, AL Atlanta, GA Athens, GA Montgomery, AL Mobile, AL Biloxi, MS NOLA, LA
We're hoping to finish up in New Orleans on Halloween 2012 My general manager at work has toured The South a few times and this was also based on her advice.
CG - Charleston, SC is a long way out We're driving and we'll be on a strick time scale so I don't think we'll be able to branch out that far Maybe next time... and maybe you guys can join us?
Lurleen - Thanks so much! We'd love to meet up and possible have company for NOLA! The whole point is to experience all The South has to offer, and that includes the people. We'd be happy to meet up with anyone who's kind enough to offer
GuitarManUpstairs - Thank for the advice. My GM at work actually mentioned Savannah so I'll look into your suggestions through and propose it to the hubby-to-be
I highly recommend Savannah too. Lots of southern history there, beautiful mansions, ghost tours, etc. The town is dripping in southern atmosphere--plus its the home town of Johnny Mercer, Paula Deen and the legendary Late nite Johnny Neff.
Looks like a bunch of little whiny fucksticks to me
Sian-of-the-dead wrote:Right, sorry I haven't replied, been uber busy of late. I printed off all your replies and discussed with my hubby-to-be. We're happy to skip Texas completely (he wasn't too happy about the long drives across it in the first place) and we have a new itinarary thanks to all your advice
Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Lynchburg, TN Muscle Schoals, AL Birmingham, AL Atlanta, GA Athens, GA Montgomery, AL Mobile, AL Biloxi, MS NOLA, LA
We're hoping to finish up in New Orleans on Halloween 2012 My general manager at work has toured The South a few times and this was also based on her advice.
CG - Charleston, SC is a long way out We're driving and we'll be on a strick time scale so I don't think we'll be able to branch out that far Maybe next time... and maybe you guys can join us?
Lurleen - Thanks so much! We'd love to meet up and possible have company for NOLA! The whole point is to experience all The South has to offer, and that includes the people. We'd be happy to meet up with anyone who's kind enough to offer
GuitarManUpstairs - Thank for the advice. My GM at work actually mentioned Savannah so I'll look into your suggestions through and propose it to the hubby-to-be
If you go from Memphis to New Orleans, you will pass me. We have a joke that Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA are the two biggest cities in Mississippi.
Consistently holding bullshit up to the light of reason
Sian-of-the-dead wrote:Right, sorry I haven't replied, been uber busy of late. I printed off all your replies and discussed with my hubby-to-be. We're happy to skip Texas completely (he wasn't too happy about the long drives across it in the first place) and we have a new itinarary thanks to all your advice
Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Lynchburg, TN Muscle Schoals, AL Birmingham, AL Atlanta, GA Athens, GA Montgomery, AL Mobile, AL Biloxi, MS NOLA, LA
We're hoping to finish up in New Orleans on Halloween 2012 My general manager at work has toured The South a few times and this was also based on her advice.
CG - Charleston, SC is a long way out We're driving and we'll be on a strick time scale so I don't think we'll be able to branch out that far Maybe next time... and maybe you guys can join us?
Lurleen - Thanks so much! We'd love to meet up and possible have company for NOLA! The whole point is to experience all The South has to offer, and that includes the people. We'd be happy to meet up with anyone who's kind enough to offer
GuitarManUpstairs - Thank for the advice. My GM at work actually mentioned Savannah so I'll look into your suggestions through and propose it to the hubby-to-be
If you go from Memphis to New Orleans, you will pass me. We have a joke that Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA are the two biggest cities in Mississippi.
