Southern Flavors

Start off in the unofficial capital of the South. Upon arrival in Atlanta, pick up your rental car and check in to your hotel. Consider a walking food and cocktail tour of Midtown to sample a variety of cuisines at local restaurants, or explore Atlanta’s international culinary scene. You’ll find authentic Asian cuisine from a dizzying array of origins in the Buford Highway corridor, vegan and organic dishes in West End, and a variety of eclectic options in the funky Little Five Points neighborhood.

After breakfast in Atlanta (consider the iconic Flying Biscuit Café for some impossibly fluffy biscuits), drive east to Columbia, South Carolina, a college town buzzing with creativity and energy as well as an up-and-coming food scene. Indulge in some barbecue or Southern comfort food, then walk it off with a stroll through the lovely Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden or along the scenic Riverfront Park.

After breakfast, head to South Carolina’s Lowcountry and the picturesque city of Charleston. From fresh oysters to soulful Gullah cuisine, Charleston is a food lover’s paradise. In between meals, soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Downtown’s cobblestone streets and candy-colored historic mansions, find some treasures at the Charleston City Market, or consider a tour of Fort Sumter.

Enjoy breakfast in Charleston, then cruise down the coast. Salty sea breezes and sweet tea are abundant in the charming seaside town of Beaufort. Sample barbecue, home-made pimiento cheese, and locally-caught shrimp while enjoying picturesque waterfront views.

After breakfast, it’s just a hop, skip, and jump to your next destination, Hilton Head Island. While Hilton Head is most famous for its pristine beaches and world-class golfing, it’s also a prime destination for authentic Lowcountry cuisine. Choose from fine dining Southern-style on the waterfront or shuck your own oysters and feast on hushpuppies with locals at a casual eatery.

Consider a sunrise breakfast on the beach before departing Hilton Head for Savannah, Georgia. It’s called “The Hostess City” for a reason: you’ll find that warm, Southern hospitality at every turn here. Sample classic Southern fare at the iconic Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room or go upscale with a dinner at the Olde Pink House. After dinner, stroll the moss-draped squares with a cone from the legendary Leopold’s Ice Cream. The more adventurous may even consider a nighttime ghost tour of Savannah, rumored to be the most haunted city in the US.

After breakfast, head back to Atlanta. You may want to stop along the way in Macon for some of the city’s famous soul food. This afternoon and evening, consider seeing some of Atlanta’s historic sites, beautiful green spaces like Piedmont Park, or exploring the city’s exciting nightlife.

Say “goodbye, y’all!” to Atlanta as you return your rental car at the airport and board your return flight.