Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans are amongst our favourite destinations here at Paramount Cruises, and once you read our top tips from each of these Southern cities you’ll be sure to understand why. Whether it’s delicious food, live music, annual events or simply the incredible southern hospitality that draws you to these three unique cities we’re sure you’ll be desperate to jump on a plane and experience them for yourself once you’ve got to the end of this blog! Find out where Leah, Jess and Marco recommend you eat, drink and be merry in each destination.
New Orleans – More than just Mardi Gras
Welcome to the “Big Easy”! This sweaty, sultry Southern town nestled in the Mississippi River’s crescent is more than just Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras. Even if you’re not visiting during Mardi Gras you’ll probably find yourself experiencing one of the city’s many annual festivals. French Quater Fest which takes over the entirety of the historic neighbourhood midway through April is completely free and showcases the best of Louisiana music, whilst at the end of April and beginning of May music fans will want to check out Jazz Fest, with two weeks of huge artists playing at the Fair Grounds Race Course. The 2024 line-up features The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Chris Stapleton and more! Visiting in Autumn? Why not coincide your trip with the National Fried Chicken Festival or even Halloween, one of the most haunted cities in the USA combined with a love of costumes makes for a truly spooktacular spectacle.
Leah’s New Orleans Recommendations
Where to eat…
My favourite restaurant in New Orleans has to be Gianna Restaurant located on the corner of Magazine and Girod Street in the Warehouse District. Their menu is authentic Italian with a Louisiana twist. The food is delicious and you won’t be disappointed by their cocktails either, they are incredible.
Where to drink…
The selection of bars in NOLA is crazy, one of my top choices is Blue Nile in Frenchman Street – the live Jazz music here was phenomenal. Drink-wise, you need to try a hand grenade from Tropic Isle on Bourbon St, which is served in their signature cup. They are also famous for the Shark Attack where their bar sirens go off before the grenadine-filled rubber shark is splashed into your cup.
What to do…
You have to visit Cafe Du Monde to try the famous beignets. This popular sweet treat is a simple concept – a doughnut without the hole, covered with mounds of powdered sugar, which goes absolutely everywhere! There are various shops across the city but my favourite is the original by Jackson Square.
Leah’s New Orleans Top Tip
I highly recommend booking excursions in advance, especially if you are visiting over Mardi Gras as the city is so busy and everything sells out. One trip we always hear great feedback about is the evening jazz cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez.
Leah’s favourite thing about New Orleans
Take your time to appreciate the architecture, New Orleans is an incredibly pretty city. Head to the Lower Garden District and admire the Creole style cottages and townhouses, they are absolutely gorgeous, I’d move there in a heartbeat.
The Steam Boat Natchez offers daytime and evening jazz cruises.
St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Sq as seen from the French Quarter.
Jess’s New Orleans Recommendations
Where to eat…
Louzianne Cafe puts a unique twist on the classic New Orleans breakfast, and it is served all day! My favourite is the Morning joy biscuit sandwich. The biscuit is a very popular dish especially in the Southern states, the UK equivalent of this would be a scone.
Where to drink…
If you’re in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, the Avenue Pub is a great spot to watch the Parades and get the best views of all the floats going past! Located in the heart of the Garden District you’ll find a more family friendly atmosphere and more space than downtown.
What to do…
Outside of the fun of Mardi Gras there is so much to do, from the history, food, and architecture, check out some of our favourite excursions available through our partners at GetYourGuide. One of my favourites is exploring the nearby swamps and wildlife spotting on an airboat.
Jess’s New Orleans Top Tip
If visiting during Mardi Gras pay attention to the parades and try not to turn your back. As the floats are going past members of the Krews are throwing beads and other items into the crowd so be sure to not get hit with anything by paying attention when they’re coming past!
Jess’s favourite thing about New Orleans
The atmosphere of Mardi Gras is unmatched, I’ve never experienced anything like it! However, outside of Mardi Gras season you’ll be sure to experience a vibrant city with so much to offer.
The Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchmen St.
A Ferdi Special, the signature Po’ Boy from Mother’s on Poydras St.
Marco’s New Orleans Recommendations
Where to eat…
Today’s Po-Boys vary in style, if you ask any New Orleanian where to get the best Po-Boy in the city almost everyone will have a different answer, however my personal favourite is a classic, Mothers, located on Poydras St. Don’t be put off by the queue, it’ll be worth the wait!
Where to drink…
You can’t go wrong with most of the music joints on Frenchman Street, however The Spotted Cat is the most famous for a reason! In the alleyway next door you’ll also find the Frenchmen Art Bazaar with a host of stalls selling handicrafts and other trinkets.
What to do…
If you’re in New Orleans for Mardi Gras make sure to head to Spanish Plaza by the Riverwalk Outlets on Monday, Lundi Gras. In the evening Rex, the King of Carnival arrives by boat in order to receive the keys of the city from the Mayor. A specatacle of pageantary and fireworks to kick off the final days of the festival.
Marco’s New Orleans Top Tip
If you’re a history buff make sure to spend some time visiting The National WWII Museum. This impressive museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world, discover why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today from an American perspective of course.
Marco’s favourite thing about New Orleans
New Orleans is a very walkable city, so make sure to pack some comfortable shoes. Whether you’re exploring the numerous bars in the French Quarter (some of which stay open 24 hours a day!) or discovering some of the other neighbourhoods, it is extremely easy to navigate your way by foot.
Memphis – Home of the Blues
Whether it’s the throb of blues guitars on the legendary Beale Street or the home of The King himself, Graceland, which has attracted you to Memphis, we’re sure that music lovers alike will revel in the city’s unique vibe. Food lovers will not be disappointed either, from smoky bbq ribs to melt in the mouth pulled pork, this is Southern cooking made with pure love.
Leah’s Memphis Recommendations
Where to eat…
Gus’s world-famous fried chicken – they serve made to order hand-battered spicy fried chicken with a selection of southern sides. They are the current reigning champion of the National Fried Chicken festival so that tells you all you need to know. You might have to wait for a table but it’ll be worth it, if you do simply cross the road and grab a cocktail at the Old Dominick Distillery to pass the time.
Where to drink…
When the Rolling Stones sang about meeting a gin-soaked, bar-room queen in Memphis (in their song Honky Tonk Women) they can only be talking about one place, Earnestine & Hazels! This haunted dive bar is where Ray Charles was busted for possession of heroin. They serve one item, the “Soul Burger” and it simply comes with a bag of crisps on the side, it is incredible. It is a very unique place so it cannot be missed.
What to do…
My favourite thing to do is visit The Peabody Hotel for the world-famous duck march. You can see the duck master presentation at 11am and 5pm. I’d suggest getting there 30 minutes earlier to get a good view of the elevator and fountain. When the ducks aren’t on duty you can visit their “palace” on the rooftop, you’ll also get great views over the city so make sure to take the elevator to the top floor.
Leah’s Memphis Top Tip
Make sure to check if any sports teams are playing during your stay. In previous trips I’ve managed to to watch the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) play at the FedEx Forum which is just behind Beale Street. Depending on who the opposition are tickets can often be purchased for a great price. If you’re looking to buy some merch, just be aware that the club shop is only open to ticket holders on game days.
Leah’s favourite thing about Memphis
This is a music city trip so of course, I love the music. Every bar on Beale has incredible singers and bands playing throughout the night and of course they take requests from the audience. Whilst BB King’s is by far the most famous bar on Beale do make sure to walk further down the street and pop in to, some of the other establishments as well.
Live music at the Rum Boogie Cafe in Memphis
The entrance of Elvis Pressley’s Graceland Mansion
Jess’s Memphis Recommendations
Where to eat…
Central BBQ is a must when you’re visiting Memphis! With some of the best ribs I’ve ever had, you can’t go to Memphis without visiting Central BBQ. They have a huge menu filled with Southern comfort food if ribs aren’t your thing. Simply walk in, order at the counter and then find a table and they’ll bring your food to you.
Where to drink…
It might sound cliche but BB Kings is a definite favourite of mine. With the live band playing classics and also taking requests from the audience it’s a great way to kick start your night on Beale Street, the bands tend to finish a bit earlier than other bars so you’ll still have time to check out some of the other live music on Beale later on in the night.
What to do…
Visiting Graceland is a must, you get to tour his former home as well as walk around the many exhibitions & museums they have filled with videos, pictures, costumes and so much more. Even if you’re not a massive Elvis fan it’s so interesting to see everything he accomplished.
Jess’s Memphis Top Tip
Some of the best food and music in Memphis are down hidden alleyways and behind unassuming doors, my main tip for Memphis is don’t judge a book by its cover! For example, Rendezvous, one of the most famous BBQ restaurants in Memphis, is hidden down a small alley opposite the Peabody Hotel. You then have to go downstairs to the main restaurant where you’ll see tons of photos of celebrities who have dined here over the years.
Jess’s favourite thing about Memphis
My favourite thing about visiting Memphis is that there is so much history and so many stories to be told when you’re walking around the city. From Sun Studio and Graceland to the Civil Rights Museum, it has so much to offer. Make sure to plan your time in Memphis so that you can fit in all of these amazing attractions during your stay.
The legendary BB King’s Blues Club on Beale St.
Central BBQ, ribs, beans & slaw
Marco’s Memphis Recommendations
Where to eat…
I could name a dozen BBQ joints that you should visit whilst in Memphis, however, if you’re looking for a more upscale dinner you really can’t go wrong with Flight. Share some small plates paired with some delicious wines, this is the place to eat for any special celebrations.
Where to drink…
Memphis is home to some great craft breweries. Wiseacre has recently opened a taproom just a couple of blocks from the Lorraine Motel, they also serve some great pizzas and have a huge courtyard perfect for the warmer months. Meanwhile if you’re on Beale St check out the Ghost River Brewing Co. taproom which is towards the bottom of Beale.
What to do…
You can’t visit Memphis without taking a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. Situated at what was once the Lorraine Motel, a reef on the balcony marks the exact spot where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to walk through the exhibits and learn about the American Civil Rights Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape the world we live in today.
Marco’s Memphis Top Tip
If you’re trying to tick as many US states off as you can then I’ve got a little cheat code for you. Head to the Big River Crossing and walk over the bridge and you’ll find yourself in Arkansas. As a keen runner, this is also a great route for those looking to stay fit and leaves you with some beautiful views of Memphis on the Mississippi.
Marco’s favourite thing about Memphis
The city has a rawness that cannot be matched anywhere else in the world. It is one of those atmospheres that just has to be experienced.
Nashville – Welcome to Music City
For music fans a trip to Nashville is the ultimate pilgrimage, it won’t take you long to realise why it is nicknamed Music City. The city’s nightlife is a mix of equal parts whiskey, honky-tonk dancing and remarkable live music. The legendary honky tonks are no-cover-charge joints however ensure you have some change to hand in order to tip the incredible live bands. Meanwhile, foodies can rejoice as the food scene in Nashville is about as good as it gets, from their signature hot chicken to amazing BBQ and more, Nashville is a food lover’s paradise.
Leah’s Nashville Recommendations
Where to eat…
My all-time favourite – Hattie B’s. I get the dirty bird fries every single time which is crinkle cut fries loaded with mac and cheese, chicken bites and comeback sauce. I’ll be counting down the days until the 2025 trip when I can eat this again! There is always a queue to get in but trust me it is worth the wait. They also have one in the airport so there are plenty of opportunities to try it.
Where to drink…
6th and Peabody is my favourite bar. It is more laid back compared to the honky tonks on Broadway. They offer distillery tours of YeeHaw Brewing Company, Ole Smoky Moonshine tasting and YeeHaw Beer flights. They have live music, large TV screens for all the sports and a huge outdoor beer garden which is perfect when the sun is shining.
What to do…
The hop-on hop-off trolley is a fantastic option to explore Nashville’s different neighbourhoods. They have 13 different stops. Stop number 1: Marathon Motor works you can even get free moonshine tasting in Tennessee Legend. Other stops include The Parthenon, Broadway & even a farmers market.
Leah’s Nashville Top Tip
Make sure you have a photo ID on you, no matter your age, you will be asked for ID when purchasing alcohol. Make sure it is also in date! Expired IDs will often get rejected, no matter how old you actually are.
Leah’s favourite thing about Nashville
Nashville is such a creative city, but not just in terms of music, you’ll find some amazing street art all around. You can even join a street art tour where a local artist will guide you around showing you some of the most impressive murals in town. They make for a perfect photoshoot opportunity, the angel wings mural in the Gulch neighbourhood is one of my favourites.
Hattie B’s, serving some of Nashville’s best hot chicken
One of the many street-art murals that can be found around Nashville
Jess’s Nashville Recommendations
Where to eat…
Nashville is known for its hot chicken, so you can’t visit without hitting up Party Fowl. Top tip, spice levels in Nashville are hotter than the UK so make sure you’re levelling your spice choices by at least 1 to really enjoy your meal and not leave with a burning tongue! Having said that Party Fowl has some incredible meals on their menu, my favourite is the Chicken & Beignets for a sweet and spicy mix.
Where to drink…
It’s so hard to pick, but out of all the bars on Honky Tonk Highway I’d have to go for Whiskey Row on Broadway as a favourite of mine. Set over multiple levels (as most of the bars here are) and with live bands playing all day long you’ll often see the crowd bidding on their favourite songs to be played. I could have stayed here all day!
What to do…
You can’t visit Nashville without visiting a Honky Tonk (or two), and spend the day making your way down Broadway on a Honky Tonk crawl, some of the most famous Honky Tonks are on Broadway so don’t miss them, and with Country Music continuing to grow in popularity more and more artitsts are opening up their own bars here in Nashville.
Jess’s Nashville Top Tip
Although the band and servers are there to make sure you have the best time, we would always advise you to tip them, especially if you’re requesting for your favourite songs to be played.
Jess’s favourite thing about Nashville
Even if you’ve never visited the Southern states before you’ve probably heard of Southern hospitality, well I can tell you it’s real, and you won’t find anywhere better than in Nashville. One of my favourite things about this city was how nice the people were, it’s such a friendly place to visit and I absolutely love seeing all the bachelorette parties dressed up for their “last rodeo”.
Live music at Honky Tonk Central on Broadway
Printer’s Alley in Nashville
Marco’s Nashville Recommendations
Where to eat…
There are some great breakfast places in Nashville. Pancake Pantry, Biscuit Love and Elliston Place Soda Shop are all fantastic, but nothing beats Monell’s in Germantown! Put your phone away, sit down at a huge table with strangers and enjoy breakfast family style with what will be sure to be new-found friends. Oh and of course there’s fried chicken for breakfast, we are in Nashville after all…
Where to drink…
Nashville is more than just Broadway, just a few blocks from the strip of Honky Tonks you’ll find Printer’s Alley, a small alleyway which packs a punch in terms of bars. Alley Taps and Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar are two of my favourites. If you’re looking for a more relaxed evening in Nashville this is the place to go.
What to do…
The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio show in US history and is an iconic experience whilst in Nashville. It used to be at the Ryman Auditorium however nowadays it is located about 20 minutes out of town at Opry Mills (easy to get there by Uber/Lyft). There are shows every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, so make sure to get your tickets in advance.
Marco’s Nashville Top Tip
If you have the chance jump in an Uber/Lyft to The Bluebird Cafe. This historic music venue is about as intimate as it gets. You’ll have to set your alarms as there are less than 20 tables in the venue and tickets go on sale about a week in advance so check out the show calendar on their website and keep your fingers crossed.
Marco’s favourite thing about Nashville
It has to be the music. You’ll soon realise why Nashville is nicknamed Music City. As you check in to your hotel you’re likely to have some live music playing in the lobby, as you walk down the street past the County Music Hall of Fame you’ll hear live music, and then onto Broadway, well you need to just experience the amazing artists that play from 9am through to 3am the next morning. If you weren’t a fan of country music before visiting Nashville, you soon will be! And just to wet your appetite check out our Spotify playlist below.