If you’re keen to explore North America then look no further than the USA’s The Deep South for your next long haul pilgrimage. Famed in particular for producing Elvis Presley, Country, Blues and Rock n Roll music, the cities of Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans lay in wait to offer a traditional southern welcome that will resonate for a whole lifetime. It’s especially perfect for a rugby tour for all ages and here’s why…
A direct flight from London with British Airways lands you in New Orleans a.k.a ‘Big Easy’ city, recognised for its around the clock nightlife and spicy, singular cuisine reflecting its history as a melting pot for French, African and American cultures. There are plenty of excursions that offer cultural insight to keep you occupied around your sporting fixtures.
Nearby Bayou Swamp gets you up-close-and-personal to alligators, snakes, and many other animals as they bathe in their natural habitat. At dusk, for the more mature tours it’s time to hit Bourbon Street, the heart and soul of the French Quarter. Think bright lights, live music 24 hours a day and everything else that comes with it and you can pretty much paint your own picture. Rumour has it, what happens in Bourbon Street, stays in Bourbon Street. But fear not, if drinking’s not quite on the agenda, there’s an amazing choice of restaurants to whet your appetite instead.
From New Orleans, head north through Mississippi to Memphis, home of the Blues & birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, where there’s plenty to explore both by day and night alongside their fantastic rugby venues. With your free time, we recommend the National Civil Rights Museum and historic Sun Studios before finishing off the day with a delicious meal, sampling the local delicacy. If you’re looking for something more lively head to the iconic Beale Street.
Of course, no Deep South trip would be complete without a visit to Graceland, arguably one of the best and most iconic tours in the USA, alongside the Johnny Cash Museum just off Nashville’s Broadway for the more country enthusiasts. An educational tour of the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, open to all ages, is also another must.
Huw Jones, MSG consultant said:
“I get excited just thinking back to my time in the Deep South. The itinerary gets better as you progress through the cities, with Nashville just about edging it for me in terms of all round appeal. The South has that mysterious edge that a visit can only unlock. A must for all intrepid rugby tourists”
We’ve barely scratched the surface here, but we’re confident we’ve answered the question when it comes to why your next rugby tour should be The Deep South and unexpectedly, our question of why our Director Mark has been so quiet following his trip to Bourbon Street!
Enquire about a rugby tour to The Deep South here.