From the bustling streets of Music Row in Nashville to the soulful rhythms of Beale Street in Memphis, the Cajun culture of Lafayette, the historic appeal of Natchez, the lively atmosphere of Baton Rouge and the vibrant energy of the French Quarter of La New Orleans – this itinerary explores the diverse landscapes, flavors, and stories that define the Deep South. Day 1: Montreal to Cleveland Our trip began when we set a goal of reaching Cleveland after the first day on the road. This stop in transit allowed us a seamless transition to the heart of the action on day two. Day 2: Final stretch to Nashville Heading south, Nashville awaited us, a city synonymous with country music. By staying at Two Rivers Campground for three nights, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the rhythm of Music City. Optional: If time permits, consider a stop at Mammoth Cave National Park to add a touch of nature to the trip. Day 3: Nashville - A symphony of sounds and images With only one day in Nashville, we opted for a full city tour to make the most of our time. Boarding an early morning bus, our journey began, offering a glimpse into the soul of Music City. Our first stop took us to the historic village of Marathon, a haven for creativity and crafts. Dinner at Greenbrier Distillery not only provided a delicious meal, but also the opportunity to savor their exceptional whiskey. Guided tours were available for those intrigued by the distillation process. Other interesting stops during the guided tour: Centennial Park and Parthenon: Park featuring the iconic replica of the Parthenon, surrounded by lush landscapes. Music Row: Visit Studio B, the recording studio where music legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton created their hits. Belmont Mansion: Step back in time at this antebellum mansion, offering a glimpse into Nashville's history and culture. What to see in the historic district: Cumberland Park: A getaway along the Cumberland River, offering picturesque views and recreational activities. John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge: Cross this iconic bridge for panoramic views of the Nashville skyline. Riverfront Park: Quiet stroll, with lush greenery and a view of the river. Tennessee State Capitol: Explore the historic Capitol building, rich in architectural and political significance. Country Music Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in country music history with exhibits featuring legendary artists and artifacts. Printer's Alley: Discover historic Printer's Alley, known for its vibrant nightlife and jazz clubs. Ryman Auditorium: The legendary place where Johnny Cash first laid eyes on June Carter and discover the cultural epicenter of Nashville. As evening fell, we ventured down the iconic Honky Tonk Highway on Broadway Street, creating an unforgettable Nashville nightlife experience. Day 4: Lynchburg – A Whiskey-Infused Day Trip An hour and a half drive took us to Lynchburg, home of the Jack Daniel's distillery . The visit to the distillery allowed you to discover the know-how behind this world-famous whisky. Lynchburg's small-town charm and quaint town square provide a perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon. Day 5: Direction Memphis with a stop in Franklin On your way to Memphis, consider a detour to Franklin, Tennessee. This charming town, with its historic main street and preserved Civil War architecture, offers a brief but captivating stop. Explore landmarks such as the Carnton Manor and the Carter House, providing insight into the city's rich history. Stroll through boutiques, galleries, and enjoy Southern cuisine at local restaurants. After our stop, we settled into Graceland RV Park in Memphis for three nights, conveniently located near the iconic Graceland grounds. Note that the campsite is more of a parking lot and is devoid of any nature. Day 6: Magical Memphis Our exploration of Memphis began with an in-depth tour of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. This powerful tribute to the civil rights movement set the tone for our journey through a city steeped in history and cultural significance. Beale Street provides a lively contrast to the thoughtful atmosphere of the museum. We traveled this historic thoroughfare, immersing ourselves in the vibrant musical heritage that defines Memphis. At the end of the afternoon, a surprising detour awaited us at the Old Dominick distillery , where the craft of spirits making took place in the heart of the city. Tasting finely crafted bourbons and whiskeys provided a unique perspective on the diversity of Memphis' cultural offerings. Day 7: Graceland and a stop at the Mecca of fishermen and hunters Our visit to Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic home, gave us a glimpse into the life of the King of Rock'n'Roll. As we wandered through the hallowed halls of Graceland, we were impressed by the opulence and eccentricity that defined Elvis' lifestyle. The audio guide told stories about his rise to fame and the cultural impact he had on the world. Despite the historical significance, the high entrance fees left us wondering if the cost was worth the experience. Later that day, we visited the Bass Pro Shop at the Memphis Pyramid, America's largest Bass Pro Shop, offering not only an unmatched selection of outdoor products, but also additional attractions such as a bowling, a restaurant and an observation deck. Day 8: Mississippi Valley Drive towards Louisiana Heading towards Louisiana we took the road along the Mississippi River for a journey to the heart of American cultural history. The journey offers the opportunity to explore destinations that have shaped the region's history. Potential stops along the route include: Clarksdale Greenville Lakeport Plantation Vicksburg Grand Gulf Military Monuments Park Frogmore Cotton Plantation, Ferriday We spent the night at River View RV Park and Resort in Louisiana, a quiet spot along the Mississippi River close to the historic charm of Natchez. Day 9: Natchez and direction Atchafalaya We spent the morning visiting Natchez, a city steeped in history that welcomed us with its antebellum homes and picturesque landscapes. A stroll along the Natchez Trace Parkway made for a peaceful getaway. In the afternoon, we began our drive to Cajun Heritage RV Park , our base camp for exploring the Atchafalaya region for 3 nights. Day 10: Day trip to the Tabasco trails and Cajun essence of Lafayette In the morning we headed to Avery Island to visit the Tabasco factory which revealed the secrets of making the famous hot sauce. Our next stop was Avery Island's Jungle Gardens, a natural haven home to bayous, ancient live oaks, and diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, we transitioned to Lafayette, the heart of Cajun and Acadian culture. A stroll through the historic downtown area reveals charming boutiques and art galleries. Consider visiting the Acadian Cultural Center to learn more about the history of the region. The historic village of Vermilionville, an open-air museum, highlights Acadian, Creole and Native American heritage through interactive exhibits and demonstrations. Day 11: Baton Rouge Day Trip - History and Elegance Unveiled Our visit to Baton Rouge proved to be a less enriching experience. Although we enjoyed the grandeur of the Louisiana State Capitol and enjoyed the riverfront, the town had a quieter vibe during our stay. For those looking for a more interesting visit, consider exploring the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum or the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. The USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum offers a poignant tribute to American naval history, while the Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers dynamic exhibits and a planetarium. Day 12: Visit the plantations towards New Orleans We started our route towards New Orleans through the plantations which border the Mississippi between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Due to time constraints, we chose to focus on a single plantation, and Oak Alley Plantation became our destination of choice, offering a glimpse into the area's fascinating past. The route also offered insight into other historic areas. Laura Plantation, Houmas House Plantation and Destrehan Plantation are visible from the road. The picturesque towns of Luling and Boutte, nestled between plantations, seduced us with their local charm which we hope to explore on a future visit. https://www.explorelouisiana.com/articles/historic-homes-river-road In the afternoon, we settled in at Bayou Segnette State Park for three nights. Located 25 minutes from New Orleans, it was a great choice to escape the noise of the city at night. Day 13: Dive into the soul of the French Quarter Our first day in New Orleans immersed us in the vibrant atmosphere of the French Quarter. We started our morning with a tour of historic Jackson Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo. A stroll down Royal Street guided us past antique shops, art galleries and hidden courtyards, highlighting the city's unique blend of history and creativity. During the afternoon, we immersed ourselves in the world of the French market, where the lively mix of food stalls, local crafts and music created a sensory delight. A stroll along the Mississippi River offers a serene contrast, with picturesque views of steamboats navigating the waters. Our evening in the French Quarter came alive with the sounds of jazz from Preservation Hall. We explored the lively bars of Bourbon Street, each contributing to the city's reputation as a haven of music and festivities. Day 14: Discovering the cultural gems of New Orleans Day two began with a tour of the Garden District, known for its opulent homes and tree-lined streets. A leisurely trolley ride along St. Charles Avenue allowed us to soak up the architectural beauty of the neighborhood, with stops at Lafayette Cemetery and Magazine Street for shopping. In the afternoon, our trip took an exciting turn with a visit to the Sazerac House , a captivating destination delving into the fascinating history of New Orleans cocktails and the iconic Sazerac. Interactive exhibits and tastings offered a unique perspective on the city's lively libations. As the day progressed, we headed to a local oyster bar for happy hour. The briny goodness of fresh Gulf oysters pairs perfectly with local beers and cocktails, creating a quintessential New Orleans experience. Day 15: Honey Island Day Trip A detour to Honey Island allowed us to escape into nature. Opting for Honey Island Swamp Tours , we slid through the swamps, encountered wildlife, and soaked in the lush beauty of the surrounding area. Day 15-20: Coastal Serenity in Pensacola Our trip took an unexpected turn when a storm disrupted our plans in Pensacola, closing Fort Pickens Campground and forcing us to miss the final leg of our trip. However, had the weather been in our favor, our planned exploration of Pensacola would have played out as a gripping final chapter. Our itinerary included a visit to the Pensacola Lighthouse and Historical Museum, where panoramic views of the Gulf Coast awaited atop the iconic structure. A stroll through the charming historic village of Pensacola, with its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets, was also on the agenda. We envisioned immersing ourselves in the local culture, perhaps sampling seafood delights at one of the waterfront restaurants or enjoying a leisurely stroll along picturesque Pensacola Beach. Alas, nature had its plans and our adventure in Pensacola remained a tale of what could have been. As we redirected our trip elsewhere, we carried with us the anticipation of one day returning to experience the charm, history, and coastal beauty that Pensacola promised under sunnier skies.

When you think of Niagara Falls, you probably think of the 7th natural wonder of the world. I always had the impression that this place was just a very touristy town with no attractions apart from its falls. Was I wrong? Although Niagara Falls is definitely a tourist destination (and a very touristy one), I didn't realize how much there was to see and do there, beyond the falls themselves. Here is a guide to 10 things to do in the Niagara region apart from the famous falls although they are worth the detour! 1. Visit historic Niagara-on-the-Lake Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is designated for visitors who prefer to stay away from big hotels and casinos. Historic and picturesque, Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of boutiques, galleries, cafes and wine bars. The charming city on the shores of Lake Ontario is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. The heritage buildings of the historic hamlet are mostly originals from the 19th century. Indulge in fine dining and wine at Niagara-on-the-Lake's finest restaurants and the fantastic wineries surrounding Niagara. 2. Travel the wine route The Niagara Peninsula is one of Ontario's most renowned wine regions. Here you can taste tempting wines from popular grape varieties such as Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Noir, as well as the popular Icewine. The region is famous for its ice wine made from grapes left on the vine over winter and hand-picked when frozen at -8°C. These frozen grapes are quickly picked and pressed so that the resulting juice is very high in sugar, which is then made into luscious wine. The Niagara-on-the-Lake area and the Niagara Escarpment are the wine regions with the most wineries in Ontario. Learn more about this region and these wineries by visiting the Wine Country Ontario website. Niagara on the Lake: https://winecountryontario.ca/region/niagara-on-the-lake-area/ Niagara Escarpment: https://winecountryontario.ca/region/niagara-escarpment-area/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Les campeuses en cavale (@campeusesencavale) Some wineries you won't want to miss: Cave Spring Cellars, Vineland Estates Winery, Henry of Pelham Family, Château des Charmes, Trius Winery, Inniskillin, Peller Estates Winery Small, artisanal wineries offer visitors a glimpse into their approach to winemaking. They may be small, but they produce award-winning wines. A few to start your exploration: Twenty Valley's Foreign Affair (Amarone style wines), Rosewood Estates, Hidden Bench, Tawse and Fielding Estates. 3. Explore historic sites Old Fort Erie Old Fort Erie was built in 1764 by the British during the Pontiac Rebellion and became the site of the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812 between the British and Americans. The fort is strategically located at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Erie and was the only stone fort built by the British. Special events are planned throughout the summer, including pageants that guests can attend and participate in. https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/old-fort-erie/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by PJ Drone (@pj.drone) Laura Secord Homestead The residence of Laura Secord, the most recognized and famous heroine of the War of 1812, offers visitors a window in time to the War of 1812. The restored property and costumed tour guides allow you to immerse yourself in the life of Laura Secord and her historical journey. Since the house was restored by the Laura Secord Candy Company, you can expect to satisfy your sweet tooth! https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/laura-secord-homestead/ 4. Enjoy the beautiful surrounding beaches. Nickle Beach Located at the southern end of Lake Erie, this white sand beach with a vibrant and lively atmosphere offers superb trails to explore as well as shaded picnic areas, restrooms and volleyball courts. Nickel Beach is one of the few beaches that offers visitors the rare and unique option of parking their vehicles directly on the beach. https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/do/nickel-beach/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Tundra (@redtoyotatundra) Crystal Beach (also known as Bay Beach) Crystal Beach, named for its crystal clear water conditions, is a quaint, refined and laid back beach and small town in one of the southernmost regions of Ontario on the sandy shores of Lake Erie. It is an ideal place for families with children. A ton of special activities are offered throughout the season. https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/do/crystal-beach/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kurt Casucci (@kurtcasucci) 5. Watch an ocean liner pass through the locks of the Welland Canal The Welland Canal is an engineering marvel built to connect Lake Erie with Lake Ontario and provide ships with a safe detour around Niagara Falls. From the Lock 3 viewing platform, watch the world's ships regularly transit the canal from April to December. Estimated arrival times are displayed at reception. While there, be sure to visit the St-Catharines Museum and discover the history of the four Welland Canals and the city that grew up around them. Lock 3 Observation Complex and Museum: 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7K6 http://www.niagarawalandcanal.com/ https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/St-Catharines-Museum.asp View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (@hopaports) 6. Stroll along the Niagara Parkway by bike or car The Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail, also called the Niagara River Garden Trail, is a 56 km long bicycle path that extends from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie. It’s a beautiful paved bike path and mostly separated from traffic. This trail follows the impressive Niagara River where you can admire the famous Niagara Falls, walk through the botanical gardens and relax at the many picnic stops. Along the trail in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can make a stop at one of the many award-winning wineries, breweries and distilleries, or stop at a local fruit market. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @violet.chartreuse 7. Go pick-your-own local fruit Country roads are dotted with farms putting up signs advertising their produce for sale and the variety of fruit produced in the Niagara region is vast. Cherry and peach picking is typically done in early summer, strawberries are available in mid-late June, plums and nectarines are picked in August and September, apples are picked in September, grapes and pumpkins are harvested in October. Some farms that offer u-pick: Parkway Orchards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Bry-Anne Farms in Fenwick, Ridge Berry Farm in Ridgeville, Cherry Avenue Farms in Vineland, Mathias Farms in Ridgeville, DeVries Fruit Ferme in Fenwick and many others. 8. Visit the Welland Farmers Market This market has been open since 1907 and remains a great place to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables from neighboring orchards. With plenty of artisan baked goods, meats and cheeses, the Welland Farmers' Market does not disappoint. Open every Saturday, rain, snow or shine. 70 Young St. Welland, Ontario L3B 4C5 https://www.welland.ca/Market/index.asp View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manic Pixie Dream Coffee (@manicpixiedreamcoffee) 9. Watch the rapids on the White Water Walk The White Water Walk is located just 4 km north of Niagara Falls. This route begins aboard an elevator for a 70-meter descent to a tunnel and a 400-meter elevated promenade along the banks of the river allowing you to observe the class 6 rapids rushing through it at full speed as well as 410 million year old rock formations in the gorge! Everything is self-guided, so you can take your time. https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/white-water-walk/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Niagara 🇨🇦 (@visit_niagara) 10. Visit the butterfly conservatory and botanical garden The butterfly conservatory, located on the botanical garden site, is home to more than 2000 exotic butterflies. There you will be able to identify the different species as you make your way along the 180 meter (600 foot) trail. The beautifully maintained Niagara Botanical Gardens feature Canada's finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as a renowned rose garden. 2565 Niagara Parkway Niagara Falls, Ontario https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/botanical-gardens-2/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Niagara 🇨🇦 (@visit_niagara)

Ontario's territory is vast and rich in experience. I'm sure you would like to see everything, explore every nook and cranny. If you don't have as much time as you would like , you will probably have to plan and make choices before you start exploring it. In this article, I propose 4 itinerary ideas that can be realized in less than two weeks. Find below the maps and information on each proposed stop. Each itinerary is made considering the minimum number of days needed to fully appreciate the destination. I hope these itineraries will inspire you!