When teaching visitors the correct pronunciation of their city, Louisville locals advise to say it like you’ve had a shot of bourbon, Loo-a-vul. In this easygoing part of the country where the drawl is part of the draw, a bottle of Kentucky’s finest is easy to come by, as is mighty fine scenery, music, customs, and cuisine. 

Intoxicating views await in the Bluegrass State as well as neighboring Tennessee and North Carolina as you make your way from bucolic horse country and the Great Smoky Mountains to the South’s current “it” cities of Asheville, Nashville, and Chattanooga. You’ll first take the reins in the land of mares, mint juleps, and mandolins with a special evening of bluegrass entertainment as well as visits to a centuries-old bourbon distillery, a Lexington thoroughbred horse farm, and Louisville’s legendary Brown Hotel to taste its famous Hot Brown open-faced sandwich.

The drool-worthy sights continue as you cruise along the South’s most scenic highways to the majestic peaks and even more imposing mansions the region is known for. In the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, George Vanderbilt’s grand Biltmore Estate welcomes you for a guided tour of the 250-room home – the largest privately owned home in the U.S. – and a farm-to-table lunch in its boutique- and bistro-lined Antler Hill Village. Make sure you save room for a night on the town in eclectic Asheville, known for its low key vibe and high number of microbreweries.

There’s plenty to toast in two more of the South’s emerging cities where the music, dining, and art scenes have the world taking notice. In the charismatic, waterfront city of Chattanooga, you’ll visit the pop culture-themed Songbird Guitar Museum and taste the city’s famous MoonPie treat before heading to Nashville for guided sightseeing, a farewell dinner, and accommodations near the melodious sounds of Honky Tonk Row.

Get a buzz out of a bourbon tasting at the 200 year old Buffalo Trace Distillery, a world leader among spirits’ makers.

Spend time at the Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, home to more than 200 rescued and retired race horses.

Take a bite out of Biltmore Estate & Gardens with a farm to table lunch at an Antler Hill Village restaurant.

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