If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling through the Deep South, Griff’s Great American South is the perfect travel inspiration. In this six-part series, comedian and travel enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones takes viewers on an unforgettable road trip across the Deep South, exploring the history, culture, music and cuisine that make this region truly unique.
Read on to explore the highlights of Griff’s journey, from bayou adventures with local Cajun fishermen to line dancing in Nashville’s honky tonk bars.
Charleston, South Carolina
Griff begins his journey in the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Known for its historical buildings, Charleston has plenty of landmarks to explore. Griff explores Civil War landmarks, the city’s history of slavery and how its culture shaped the South’s identity.
The New South: Atlanta & Dahlonega, Georgia
In the second episode of Griff’s Great American South, Griff heads to Atlanta to learn more about the pivotal civil rights movement before discovering Dahlonega’s Appalachian gold rush and bluegrass traditions. Finally, Griff visits a world-renowned soul food restaurant, learning how to make stuffed collard greens with Chef Deborah Vantrece.
Chattanooga & Nashville, Tennessee
In Tennessee, Griff explores Chattanooga’s powerful dam systems and their secret role in the atomic bomb’s development. In Nashville, the country music capital, he finds himself in the lively honky tonk bars, line dancing with a Welsh champion and visiting the city’s stunning Parthenon replica.
Memphis, Tennessee
In Memphis, Griff explores the origins of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll along the Mississippi River. Memphis is known for its musical heritage, with legends like BB King to Elvis Presley. It’s also home to some fun and unique local traditions, like the famous duck march at The Peabody Hotel.
New Orleans, Louisiana
On his penultimate pit stop, Griff visits New Orleans, also known as the ‘Big Easy’ due to its laid-back atmosphere. Here Griff learns about the history of the Creole people, heads to a jazz bar to soak up New Orlean’s music scene and even tries out a spot of fishing with Cajun locals in the bayous.
Birmingham, Alabama
On the last stop, Griff heads to Alabama, a lesser visited state that has had a surge in high-tech businesses. Here Griff takes us to Birmingham, exploring its roots in England’s industrial revolution. Finally, Griff learns more about Tornado Alley, which is prone to frequent hurricanes.
The Great American South, Your Way
Whether you want to dance the night away in Nashville or savour the flavours of New Orleans, our range of holiday offers has you covered. Watch Griff’s Great American South for inspiration, then let us help you experience it first-hand!
Start planning your Deep South itinerary today with our team of Personal Travel Planners and discover more with American Holidays.
