Expressnews
The scenic roads of the Southern region of the United States make for some of the most captivating road trips, showcasing the history and culture of each destination and offering visitors a glimpse into the charming local lifestyle. With various road trips to choose from across the states, we have put together three that truly capture the South in all its glory.
A Classic Southern Road Trip from Atlanta to Charleston
History, culture, and excellent food highlight Atlanta and Charleston, two standout cities in the Southeast. Pick up a rental car and drive north on Interstate 85 to downtown Atlanta, about 20 miles north of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The top destinations are grouped in three areas in the heart of the city: downtown, Midtown, and the Sweet Auburn Historic District. Sample Coke products from around the world at the World of Coca-Cola downtown. Just across, explore Centennial Olympic Park, built for the 1996 Olympic Games. For local and international art, visit the galleries in Castleberry Hill, southwest of downtown, or explore Midtown, packed with galleries. Atlanta’s dining scene is globally inspired yet rooted in Southern tradition, from Mary Mac’s fried chicken to Fat Matt’s barbecue, South City Kitchen’s Southern classics, and Polaris’s cocktails with skyline views.
From Atlanta, drive east on Interstate Highway 20. Take a quick detour to the State House in Columbia, South Carolina, where cannonballs hit the building during the Civil War. Continue east on Interstate Highway 26 to Charleston, a busy seaport and trade centre since the 1700s. Museums and guided tours delve into the city’s colonial and Civil War history. Learn about pirates and the Revolutionary War at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. Explore Charleston’s historic district on a horse-drawn carriage, stroll along Rainbow Row, the Battery walkway, and White Point Gardens, shop on King Street, browse art galleries, or take a boat to Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.
Charleston has an innovative dining scene offering Southern coastal specialities like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits.
A Family-Friendly Road Trip through Missouri on Historic Route 66
Missouri features a long section of Route 66, one of the most famous roads in the USA. Nicknamed “the Mother Road,” 2026 marks the Centennial year of Route 66, boosting its legendary status and making it a great time to explore one of the USA’s most iconic road trips.
Begin your journey in Missouri’s Route 66 gateway city, St. Louis, and discover the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, one of the original crossings of Route 66 over the Mississippi River, along with the historic Eads Bridge and Laclede’s Landing. Enjoy panoramic views from the Gateway Arch, indulge in a classic treat at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, visit the National Museum of Transportation, and before concluding in Maplewood, where sidewalk plaques are dedicated to local merchants who made their business in the heyday.
Travel southwest from St. Louis along Historic Route 66, stopping to photograph a rare painted barn advertising Meramec Caverns, Missouri’s largest public cave. Tour the limestone caves, explore unique rooms and formations, enjoy riverboat rides, ziplining, camping, and gold panning for a full day of adventure.
Next, drive to Cuba, the “Route 66 Mural City.” Follow Cuba’s history through the colourful murals, taste the locally famous ribs, brisket or pulled pork at Missouri Hick BBQ, and stay overnight at the Wagon Wheel Motel, the longest continuously-running motel on Route 66.
Taste of Kentucky Road Trip: Smoked Meats and Bourbon
With Kentucky producing 95% of the world’s bourbon and perfecting slow-roasted barbecue, this road trip celebrates the state’s best culinary pairing. Rent a car at Louisville International Airport for the 1.5-hour drive to Lexington, known for bourbon, breweries, and bluegrass music. Visit Alltech Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., enjoy barbecue at Red State BBQ, tour Keeneland’s racetrack, and head to Frankfort to explore the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, a Prohibition-era whiskey producer.
Following the Kentucky Bourbon Trail out of Lexington, visit the Four Roses Bourbon or Wild Turkey distilleries in Lawrenceburg. Continue to Bardstown, known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, and tour the Jim Beam American Stillhouse. Sample whiskey at the Kentucky Bourbon House, and finish your trip with a gourmet Bourbon Excursion aboard My Old Kentucky Dinner Train.
Drive through Kentucky’s farmlands to Owensboro, known for bluegrass music, festivals, and hearty burgoo stew. Visit in May for the International Bar-B-Q Festival or sample legendary barbecue year-round at Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. After a feast of smoked meats and Southern sides, continue for less than two hours to lively Louisville. Louisville blends iconic attractions like Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger, and Muhammad Ali’s legacy with a thriving food and bourbon scene. Ultimately, follow the Urban Bourbon Trail, sampling from over 100 bourbons.
