To many of us, Texas ignites dreams of an alternate life, where we slip into our leather boots and tug at the corner of our cowboy hat. Make this a reality at a classic dude ranch, where you'll learn the ropes of horseback riding and lassoing with wide-open spaces as your backdrop. Throughout the state, savour mouthwatering flavours of Texan BBQ, like ribs smothered in tangy BBQ sauce served with a side of cole slaw and mac 'n' cheese. In San Antonio, over 300 years of history comes alive through reenactments, virtual reality exhibits and cultural displays at the Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Houston, museum and gallery hop to your curiosity's content, and visit the NASA Johnson Space Center. Feel what it's like to explore space at its motion and virtual reality simulators. In Austin, the state’s vibrant capital, live music, and a creative “Keep Austin Weird” spirit add to the Lone Star State's allure. Austin residents are practically fueled by food trucks that serve just about every type of cuisine you can think of (or dream of) all throughout the city.

Tennessee's stunning landscape, from rolling hills and farmlands to the Smoky Mountains, has made itself a muse for many American musicians. Stroll down Broadway in Nashville from intimate honky tonks to bars owned by some of the biggest country music stars (like Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Luke Bryan to name a few), grooving to live performances all along the way. Don't miss watching a show at the Grand Ole Opry, visiting the Johnny Cash Museum, and admiring the Country Music Hall of Fame accolades. Comfort food fuels your trip, with cosy classics like biscuits and gravy, and hot chicken served from mom-and-pop cafes. Pay tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll in Memphis, where Elvis Presley's Graceland, his former home, has a large collection of his stagewear, memorabilia and classic cars. You can also listen to blues and soul music along Beale Street (where legendary blues musician B.B. King made his name), learn about the inspiring civil rights activist, Martin Luther King Jr., at the National Civil Rights Museum, and go on a sunset jazz cruise onboard a vintage steamboat. For outdoor adventure, the Great Smoky Mountains are a scenic place to hike and mountain bike among forests of fir and maple trees.

There are few places better for a blend of excitement and relaxation than Louisiana. In New Orleans, the birthplace of American jazz, admire the architecture of the French Quarter and pop into a jazz bar on Bourbon Street. Here, food is filled with flavour, and you'll be dining on delicious Creole cuisine which blends the city's French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. Plan your trip during Mardi Gras for a multisensory experience, where colourful costumes fill the streets, and a festive vibe takes over. Then, unwind on the banks of a bayou, a tranquil marshland rife with wildlife. From the comfort of a boat, safely spot alligators, cast a line and look for bird life. Over in cities like Breaux Bridge, Henderson, and St. Martinville, dine on rich Cajun cuisine, like gumbo (stew made with broth, celery and capsicum) and jambalaya (spiced rice with prawns, meat and vegetables).

Georgia combines history, culture and adventure all in a landscape of Southern beauty. In Atlanta, the state’s lively capital, spend your time at its many galleries, parks, aquarium and the Coca-Cola Museum, while also paying tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the namesake National Historic Site. For golfers, head to Augusta National Golf Club, home to the prestigious Masters Tournament, where golfers compete on a world-class course. In Savannah, walk along cobblestone streets shaded mossy oak trees to historic squares. It's a charming place to slow down and embrace the romantic side of the South. For an unforgettable adventure in rural Georgia, go for a hike to hidden waterfalls and swim spots. Many of its highways have scenic byways, making it an idyllic road trip destination. Georgia hosts the southern starting point of the 3500-kilometre-long Appalachian Trail weaving through fourteen states of the U.S.

Alabama hosts plenty of cultural things to do, and an escape into nature is never far away. Choose Mobile as your base for beach hopping along powdered sands, prime for enjoying fine seafood, spotting dolphins and swimming. In the state's interior, it's an adventurer's playground. Go fishing, kayaking, picnicking and hiking on the tranquil banks of the Tallapoosa River at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, two hours southeast of Birmingham. Two hours northeast of Birmingham, get misted by the roaring falls of Little River Canyon National Preserve and look for over 140 species of birds within its grounds. In Birmingham, the city is alive with cool bars and restaurants. Don't miss the Birmingham Museum of Art, free to enter, which hosts an impressive collection of ancient and contemporary art, and regularly hosts workshops. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute reveals key moments of the Civil Rights Movement. In Montgomery, the capital, you'll find museums, theaters and walking tours that lead you deep into the state's history.