Alabama and Mississippi

I had the pleasure of flying with Delta airlines in Premium Economy & the seats were incredibly comfortable with plenty of space. I’d highly recommend upgrading seats for extra comfort, the room was great and seat back TV size was superb. We spent time in Oxford, Vicksburg, and Clarksdale in Mississippi, as well as Homewood, Huntsville, and Tuscumbia in Alabama. What a beautiful combination of towns and cities made for the ideal trip filled with a plethora of amazing experiences. Not to mention loads of fun! These are a few reasons the Deep South has captured my heart. We had the greatest Southern hospitality from the time we arrived until we left. I will always be delighted to hear ‘’Yes, ma’am.’’ Everywhere we went, we received amazing service; it had become the norm. I was excited to try the Deep fried green tomatoes, which varied slightly in flavour from restaurant to restaurant but were always flawless and our groups favourite. Although I learned a lot from the trip, the most unexpected thing was how much there is to do and see in the Deep South. I feel compelled to share this with everyone. I can understand why it attracts a wide range of clientele, as it truly has something to offer everyone. We started off by flying to Atlanta and driving to Alabama, we stayed in the Homewood area of Birmingham and in the Valley Hotel Homewood Birmingham which was superb. The hotel has a wonderful atmosphere and has a brilliant restaurant and bar. Rooms were very spacious and more than comfortable I wouldn’t hesitate to return.

While based in Homewood we were able to visit the Vulcan Park and Museum, where you see the worlds largest iron statue standing tall and overlooking the city of Birmingham. There is an open air observatory platform, as well as the museum and park for indoor and outdoor activities. Great to hear the history of iron origins.

We also visited the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church & Civil rights institute which was about a 45 minute drive away. The tragedy of the bombing was a major turning point for civil rights and was very interesting & a I had a history lesson in the Civil rights movement. It’s a must visit to learn about the civil rights movements.

Next we visited Sloss Furnace a national landmark in Birmingham.

Later on we drove to the Barber vintage museum which has over 1200+ motorcycles & race cars with the adjacent road course. The collection is impressive.

Our evening ended with a Southern table cooking class at Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, great way to try southern food.

After checking out we headed to the Unclaimed baggage, in Huntsville. This is where you find lost treasures and has weekly arrivals.

We then headed to the U.S. Space and Rocket centre an hour away and this is a great place for adults and kids to visit and offers great summer camps. World’s largest space museum, contains Smithsonian’s largest artefact.

We visited the Huntsville Botanical gardens which offers 118 acres and is open year round.

Another visit to Lowe Art Mill and entertainment where we learnt to play the guitar box.

Burritt on the mountain which lies atop Round Top Mountain which is a historic mansion with great views.

Our next hotel was the Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville, my room had a great view of the rocket as the hotel is close to the U.S Rocket Centre.

We had a great evening watching the 2024 CUSA Basketball Championships; I really enjoyed the noise level and had great fun cheering along to my first-ever live American sports event.

After checking out we headed to Florence/Muscle Shoals area.

We visited Rosenbaum House which was designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and then drove 30 minutes to W.C Handy the father of the blues birthplace and museum & library.

Muscle Shoals stood out and so many well-known singers had hit songs here I really enjoyed visiting the Fame recording studios, where we spoke to the late Rick Halls wife and grandson and really bought the magic that happened here to life, it really felt special to be here. Also we visited Muscle Shoals sound studios and have to say both tours are a must whist here. If you think about how many great artists recorded hit songs here is gives you goosebumps. Whilst on our musical journey we headed to Alabama Music hall of fame.

Later we checked into the Cold Water Inn in Tuscumbia which is a lovely boutique hotel in the Shoals area.

The evening ended with live music at Champys. It’s the spot for live blues music, delicious southern fried chicken and drinks.

After checking out we visited the Birthplace and Home of Helen Keller which her personal triumph and overcoming her disabilities was fascinating.

Next we visited Tupelo and visited Elvis birthplace a must see for all Elvis fans, we enjoyed lunch at Johny T’s and I even was lucky enough to sit in Elvis’s booth and the seat he sat in. Johny t’s is like stepping back in time I love how its authentic. We then enjoyed a tour of Tupelo and went into the Tupelo hardware store where you step on the x where Elvis’s mom Glady’s bought his first guitar.

Then we headed to Oxford, wow what an incredible place. Oxfords Ole Miss university was shocking as it was huge. It has stunning buildings and large sporting venues.

Oliver Hotel is just like stepping into heaven, the smell as you walk in is beautiful. Ideal for a very comfortable stay.

Leaving Oxford to travel to Vicksburg and staying in Anchuca was a great experience to stay in a historic mansion, I enjoyed the Davis suite.

Whilst in Vicksburg head to the coca cola museum and don’t forget to finish your day with sunset views at South Rooftop bar and grill.

Next day we drove the national military park with guide were I heard about the American civil war the tour really bought it to life. American Civil War grounds, site of 1863 seige – monuments and memorials throughout rolling hills.

BB kings museum & Memorial.

Clarksdale the live blues at Morgan Freemans Ground Zero Blues bar was incredible such a memorable evening and its great live music throughout the town 7 days a week.

If you drive its convenient to travel through both states at your own pace and its exciting to explore different towns because they’re all unique.

Inspired and eager to plan a trip to Mississippi and Alabama then let me know!