A history, art, and food-filled summer road trip through the South
Discover the slow rhythms, sultry music, and succulent cuisine of the American Deep South on a road trip from Asheville to New Orleans.
By Tanvi Chheda | April 16, 2026
Rich with history, culture, art, nature, and food, the American South boasts several fantastic cities that can be explored as part of a longer road trip or as destinations on their own. Breathe in the fresh mountain air of North Carolina, tap your feet to Louisiana jazz, and amble about the charming historical squares in Georgia. There’s so much to experience on a road trip through the South, and with nearly 2,400 locations across the United States, there's a Hampton by Hilton conveniently located within 30 minutes of every stop.
In this article: Plan a road trip through the South
Asheville, North Carolina
Surrounded by mountains, Asheville feels historical and artsy, but also laid-back and outdoorsy. Explore the River Arts District, where former warehouses and mills have been converted into art studios. Enjoy the city’s creative food and beverage scene, with more than 50 breweries calling the area home. For those looking to appreciate the city’s spectacular natural setting, Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area is a great home base. Drive portions of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and hike nearby trails in Bent Creek before retiring to your comfortable accommodations. The hotel offers convenience for exploring, located 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) from Downtown Asheville and surrounded by the area’s natural beauty.
Charleston, South Carolina
Coastal and charming, Charleston has loads of history and beautiful architecture to admire, not to mention a terrific culinary scene that’s a major draw. Stroll downtown’s cobblestoned streets, admiring historical homes along the way, then visit Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens for a deeper dive into the city’s history, including the unique Gullah Geechee culture. Branch out from typical Southern cuisine and beeline to Kultura, which has won over locals with Filipino dishes such as kalamansi noodles and sweet potato coconut curry. As for where to lay your head, Hampton Inn Charleston/Mt. Pleasant-Patriots Point Hotel sits just 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Historic Downtown Charleston. Amenities such as free hot breakfast, 24-hour coffee, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool make for an easy, seamless stay.
Savannah, Georgia
A walkable city of 22 grid-like squares, Savannah is well-preserved and artsy, with numerous live oaks adorned with Spanish moss creating a gorgeous canopy. It’s easy to wander about and pop into historical sites and museums such as the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and the Telfair Academy. Afterward, dig into contemporary American cuisine with an international twist at Common Thread. Check into one of the bright and spacious rooms at Hampton Inn Savannah-Historic District, which offers free hot breakfast and a rooftop pool. The hotel is just around the corner from the Owens Thomas House, Davenport House Museum, and Georgia State Railroad Museum, and is one block away from the pedestrian-friendly Savannah Riverfront.
Atlanta
Just over a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Savannah, Atlanta will keep you busy whether you’re learning history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights or strolling through the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy the city’s indoor-outdoor food and shopping halls such as Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market, with the walkable Beltline Trail running between them. Make Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Downtown your home base as you explore it all. The hotel is conveniently located only minutes from downtown and is right on the trolley line, making getting around a breeze. Fuel up for the day with the hotel’s free hot breakfast before heading out to nearby sights, like the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park, both within a 10-minute walk from your door.
New Orleans
Synonymous with jazz, beignets, streetcars, and Sazeracs, New Orleans — or the Big Easy as it’s fondly called — is a city of lively neighborhoods. From the French Quarter, home to the original Café Du Monde, to the Garden District and beyond, it’s best to explore on foot, so consider joining a history and humor-filled walking tour with woman-owned company, Two Chicks. Later, take in some fantastic art at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Of course, allow time for cocktails at Jewel of the South and live music at the legendary, no-frills Preservation Hall located just off Bourbon Street. It’s all within easy reach from Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Canal St. French Quarter. The 1927 building sits right on the Canal Streetcar line and is just steps from the French Quarter. Catch a concert or performance at Joy or Saenger Theater, both less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) from your door.
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
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