Whether you are looking to craft the perfect international menu for your next dinner party or planning a trip to the US, learning more about the heritage and culture of the American South is non-negotiable. This region is packed with traditions, authentic cuisines, and globally-relevant historic landmarks worth exploring. In this quick-start guide, you’ll find some inspiration to learn more about the American South and fall in love with states like Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Let’s dive in!
Discover the Birthplaces of Blues and Jazz
Whether you are a Blues and Jazz lover, or just passionate about music, there are some destinations in the American South that you really shouldn’t miss out on. For example, in the Mississippi Delta, towns like Clarksdale celebrate the roots of blues with vibrant festivals. Here, you can also visit historic landmarks such as the Delta Blues Museum. For Jazz aficionados, New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, offers a fantastic experience, bringing back to life the legacy of legends like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton.
Learn More About Soul Food
Be careful here: not all Southern food is considered soul food! Understanding the origins of this cuisine and learning to love it can truly help you understand the complex past of the American south.
Here’s a quick overview that will hopefully inspire you to learn more. Soul food originates from African American rural communities in the Southern states. Staples include fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread, and other available ingredients to these communities. If you are looking to learn more, some Southern cities, like Atlanta, host soul food festivals, while historic food venues, like Bertha’s Kitchen in Charleston give you the chance to taste authentic dishes.
Experience the World-Famous Southern Hospitality
The Southern states are well-known worldwide for their unique, welcoming hospitality. Southern hospitality is much more than friendly greetings! In cities like Charleston and Savannah, this hospitality manifests with charm, kindness, charity, helpfulness, and invites to family meals, social gatherings, and festivals! Whether you are just visiting the area or looking to draw inspiration from it, the Southern hospitality is sure to leave a lasting impression!
Taste Some Southern Cuisine Delicacies
Southern cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions! As well as soul food dishes, this cuisine also includes iconic dishes such as Mississippi Pot Roast, gumbo, jambalaya, and biscuits with gravy. Plus, this way of eating brings together flavors from a wide range of influences, including French, Spanish, and African cuisines. At the same time, new restaurants and chefs are bringing these traditions and recipes to the modern day thanks to farm-to-table movements, plant-based alternatives, and modern additions. All you need to do is immerse yourself in the culinary landscape of the American South and start exploring!
Explore Historic Civil Rights Landmarks
Last but not least, no immersion in the American South can be complete without a tour – or virtual tour – of the main historic civil rights landmarks. Consider visiting cities like Montgomery and Selma, and touring the Equal Justice Initiative Museum and the Edmund Pettus Bridge. If you are just getting to know the culture of the American South from home and are not yet planning a visit, be sure to take time to educate yourself about the sacrifices of civil rights pioneers and their quest for justice and equality. This knowledge will give you a deeper understanding of the region’s culture and heritage.
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