Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
The Southern United States has a lot to offer when it comes to food, music, and culture. However, many travelers miss out on valuable experiences because they have misconceptions about the South.
Southerners are famous for being kind and gracious hosts, but offending anyone with mistakes or misconceptions won’t win you any friends.
Follow our very best travel tips to avoid making these common mistakes in the South to get the most out of your experience.
When It Comes to Food, Just Say Yes
Southerners take great pride in their inventive ways of cooking and creating excellent food. From makeshift BBQ pits in Texas to Crawfish boils in Louisiana, it’s best to keep an open mind when faced with new flavors or cooking methods.
Avoiding food because of how the restaurant looks is one of the biggest mistakes in the South. Experienced travelers know it’s best to try out new places without judging the food quality on the exterior.
Don’t Assume It’s All Country
While people come from all over the country and the world to start their country music careers in Memphis and Nashville, the South has much more to offer than just country music.
Bluegrass, pop, hip hop, R&B, and jazz, the South has something to offer anyone’s taste.
The critical thing to remember is that music is a central element of how people express themselves. To learn about and truly understand the culture of the South, the music should be embraced with open arms.
Don’t Skip Out on Nature
From the Bayou in Louisiana to the Great Smokey Mountains in North Carolina, the South has some of the most fascinating natural settings in the U.S.
Skipping outdoor sightseeing trips would be a colossal mistake when traveling through the Southern States. Be sure to take a day or two to experience the natural beauty.
Learn About the Past
It’s no secret that the South has an ugly history with slavery, but avoiding the reality won’t make it go away.
Historians and advocates for the South recommend touring plantations (and the slave quarters) to learn more about how these houses operated and what life might have been like for an enslaved person.
While it might be unpleasant to talk about, learning about history is the best way to gain compassion for people whose lives are still affected by its legacy.
Mind Your Manners
When visiting the South, you might think that the ideas about Southern hospitality only apply to the residents, but this couldn’t be more untrue.
As a visitor, you’re also expected to abide by the rules of manners, chivalry, and hospitality. This might include standing to shake someone’s hand, taking your hat off indoors, and using Sir and Ma’am when addressing someone older than yourself.
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