Music, history, food, history, beaches—what more could you want on your next vacation?
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Find Choice Hotels® locations in the Southern Heartland
Discover a corner of the country brimming with culture. From iconic sporting event to under-the-radar beaches to historically significant landmarks, the Southern Heartland has so many unique experiences to offer to any traveler. Explore the birth of blues and country music, sip on a locally produced bourbon and immerse yourself in Southern history in the Southern Heartland.
Wherever your Southern Heartland trip takes you, you'll find friendly service, relaxing guestrooms and the welcoming amenities you need for a great stay at any of our Choice Hotels nearby!
Discover Alabama
With history, beaches, sports and food for the taking, discover Alabama for your next getaway! Significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement, like Rosa Parks Museum and the 16th Street Baptist Church Museum, offer a moment to reflect on the past. If you’re traveling in fall, you won’t be able to ignore the vibrant college football scene. Take in the energy at a game—the excitement is contagious! Other states’ beaches may get all the attention but that just means Alabama’s Gulf Coast beaches are hidden gems with all of the same appeal.
The Magnolia State is known for its art, culture, food, history and music. Together with family-friendly attractions, beaches and nature, there’s something for everyone to love and learn in Mississippi. Your trip to Mississippi is not complete without learning a bit about its musical significance. The birthplace of blues music, learn about Mississippi’s place in history at the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale and Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo. After a day of exploring, indulge your tastes with a classic Southern meal (and a crawfish boil if it’s in season!).
Tennessee is the perfect destination for a music-lover’s escape. After all, it’s the home of Nashville AKA Music City. Check out the Grand Olde Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, Graceland, Dollywood and more to satisfy your musical side. Once you’ve gotten your music fix, explore some of the many other unique activities The Volunteer State has to offer, like whiskey and moonshine tasting, the Smokey Mountains, historical homes and more.
Kentucky is truly a destination for interests of all types. Families and baseball fans will enjoy exploring the history of baseball at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Pack your Sunday best for a stop at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum for an up-close look at the iconic horse race. No couples’ or friends' trip is complete without a few stops along the Bourbon Trail where you’ll learn about the distillation process and enjoy a sample (or two). With such a diverse offering of experiences, there’s something for everyone to love in Kentucky.
