The American South has a reputation that’s a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s known for sweet tea, delicious (though sometimes greasy) food, country music, the blues, friendly people, and stunning, diverse landscapes. On the other hand, it’s often associated with guns, bigotry, rednecks, and other negative stereotypes.
As a liberal Northerner, I was kind of hoping those negative stereotypes would prove true, so my own beliefs could be validated. But what I found instead was an incredible region filled with kind, helpful people, picturesque countryside dotted with farms and forests, and food bursting with flavor. From Charleston to New Orleans, and everywhere in between, the South turned out to be far more extraordinary than I expected.
Now, nine years later, I found myself back on the road through the South. America is a more politically divided place now, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. The South has moved further right politically, and I wondered if there would be heated debates about “that president,” gay rights, guns, and more. Would I feel like an outsider?
After months of traveling through the region, I came to realize that the South isn’t as culturally or politically uniform as it once was. It’s a huge and diverse area, and my experience left me with a range of impressions.
1. The Food Will Make You Happy
Food is a big deal in the South, and it’s rich in both flavor and variety. Every region has its own specialties: barbecue in Missouri, Memphis, and North Carolina; Creole cuisine in New Orleans; Cajun dishes along the Bayou; fried chicken in Nashville; a growing organic food scene in Atlanta; and even upscale dining in Oxford, Mississippi.
Before visiting, I thought Southern food would be all greasy and heavy, but while it’s definitely hearty, I was blown away by how flavorful and diverse it is. There’s something for everyone, and if you leave hungry, it’s your own fault!
2. Music is the Heartbeat of the Region
Music is everywhere in the South. Whether it’s in Nashville, Memphis, or New Orleans, or in tiny towns you wouldn’t expect, live music fills the air. From jazz to country to blues to bluegrass, the music scene here is alive and thriving. I found myself dancing, jamming, and singing, and it was a blast.
3. The People Really Are Friendly
There’s a stereotype that Southerners are the friendliest people in America, and while I’m not sure I’d go that far, they’re certainly very friendly. Southerners are upbeat, talkative, and always eager to help. Strangers would wave hello, ask how my day was, invite me for a drink, and generally make an effort to make me feel at home. Southern hospitality is real, and they seem to have an endless supply of sweet tea, which I couldn’t get enough of!
4. The Landscape is Breathtaking
The Southern landscape is nothing short of stunning. The Smoky Mountains offer dense forests and inviting rivers and lakes. The Louisiana bayou, with its moss-covered trees, feels almost otherworldly. The hills of Appalachia stretch on for miles, and the Mississippi Delta, with its swamps and marshes, is rich with biodiversity. And let’s not forget the beaches in Florida – they’re so white, they practically sparkle.
I could spend months exploring the parks, rivers, and mountains here.
5. To Understand the South, You Have to Know Its History
As a former high school history teacher, I was eager to visit cities with deep historical roots, like Natchez, Vicksburg, New Orleans, Savannah, Memphis, Richmond, and Charleston. These cities played a huge role in shaping the country, especially during the colonial period and the Civil War. They’re full of historical landmarks and cultural significance.
In places like these, you can trace the birth of many American political and cultural movements. You can see where the Civil War began, where battles were fought, and where slavery’s impact is still felt today. Understanding this history sheds light on much of the Southern pride, culture, and current attitudes.
6. It’s Politically Conservative
While places like Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and Austin have become more liberal, much of the South has grown even more conservative in recent years. Outside of the major cities, the airwaves are dominated by right-wing talk radio and Christian programming. Conversations I overheard often revolved around “that guy” (referring to the former president) or derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ people.
While there are liberal pockets, the South as a whole remains solidly conservative.
7. Racism is Still an Issue
One of the more disheartening aspects of my travels was witnessing the casual, almost “off-the-cuff” racism that persists in the region. I encountered it in various forms — from a B&B owner making a comment about Jews to people in Nashville talking about Black people as “workers” because “that’s just the way it is.” In Atlanta, I heard people making fun of gays, and college students in Mississippi told racist jokes.
While many didn’t seem to intend malice, their comments were thoughtless and offensive. If you asked them, they’d probably say it was “just a joke,” but it’s still harmful. The fact that these attitudes seem to persist without challenge shows that progress is still slow. That said, I don’t believe everyone is a deep-seated racist, and the South has certainly made progress. But racism is still very much alive, and with the political shift to the right, I fear it won’t be disappearing anytime soon.
Even with its flaws, the South is a region that keeps pulling me back. There’s something about its cultural richness that makes it one of the most fascinating places in the country. Its cities are booming, and there’s always something new to explore.
I encourage you to visit, to venture out of the cities, and to explore the small towns and the countryside. The food, the people, the music, and the slower pace of life are all worth experiencing. Traveling helps break down barriers and misconceptions, and the more you see, the more you understand.
The South and I may not agree on everything, but it’s far from the backward, stereotyped region many people think it is. It’s vibrant, lively, and full of surprises. A trip to the South will leave you with a deeper appreciation for its unique character and the wonderful people who call it home.
