Discover the American South and Texas
The American South offers an extraordinary range of experiences, from the music clubs of New Orleans, Nashville, and Memphis to the beaches of Florida and the misty landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. Travelers can follow the region’s complicated history through Civil War sites, civil rights landmarks, historic towns, and museums that explore the people and events that shaped modern America. Food is equally central to the journey, whether it is Cajun and Creole cooking, Lowcountry seafood, or a plate served at a small-town meat-and-three. And then there is Texas—too Southern to place entirely in the West, too Western to fit neatly within the South, and distinctive enough to deserve its own place here. Together, these destinations are best explored slowly, through their music, local restaurants, back roads, historic neighborhoods, and the stories that reveal a far more varied region than familiar stereotypes suggest.
Our Travel Book Recommendations - The American South & Texas
Our Travel Book Recommendations - The American South & Texas
Deep South, by Paul Theroux
One of the best travel books on the South comes from one of the best American travel writers, Paul Theroux. Theroux is better known for extended travel to remote destinations in Africa and Asia, but here he stays closer to home, choosing to take several driving trips through this region of the world. As always, Theroux's is most interested in the people, and he is not afraid to probe to try to understand the local perspective on gun shows, politics, racism, and religion. His keen observations and unflinching honesty provide readers with a nuanced and often surprising portrait of the modern American South. Click here to see our review of Deep South.
Southern Living: 50 Years
One of the best books to truly capture the culture of the South comes from Southern Living magazine, in its celebration of 50 years of publications. This well-written and beautifully crafted volume offers readers a comprehensive journey through the heart of Southern culture. The book is thoughtfully divided into several engaging sections, beginning with an immersive road trip experience that guides readers through the diverse landscapes and communities of the region. It then delves into the essence of Southern homes, exploring the charming gardens, distinctive architecture, and unique design elements that characterize Southern living. Of course, no exploration of Southern culture would be complete without a nod to its renowned cuisine, and this book doesn't disappoint. It features a selection of mouth-watering recipes and culinary insights that showcase the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cooking. Through its carefully curated content and stunning visuals, this anniversary publication serves as both a celebration of Southern Living's legacy and a tribute to the enduring spirit of the South.
The Texas Travel Guide, by DLM
Our recommendation for a trip to Texas is DLM’s Texas Travel Guide, the perfect planning companion for those ready to explore the diverse landscapes of the Lone Star State. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Coastal Plains to the vibrant cities of the Central Plains, the sprawling metropolises of the Great Plains, and the rugged beauty of the Mountains and Basins Region, Texas offers something for every traveler. The interactive map keeps Texas at your fingertips, helping you plan ahead or adjust on the go to make the most of your time. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, history, or natural beauty, Texas Travel Guide invites you to experience the authentic charm of the Lone Star State.
Dispatches from Pluto, by Richard Grant
One of the most entertaining books about life in the modern South comes, interestingly enough, from English travel writer Richard Grant. In Dispatches from Pluto, Grant and his girlfriend leave a cramped New York apartment after he impulsively buys a neglected former plantation house near the tiny Mississippi Delta community of Pluto. What follows is a funny, affectionate, and often surprising account of learning to live in an unfamiliar world of catfish farms, hunting parties, eccentric neighbors, persistent wildlife, and a house in constant need of repair. Grant introduces readers to an unforgettable cast of local characters while also looking honestly at the Delta’s deep racial divisions, poverty, generosity, storytelling traditions, and complicated relationship with its own history. His outsider’s perspective allows him to ask questions without pretending to have easy answers, and his warmth and curiosity keep the book from becoming either sentimental or judgmental. Grant is a gifted storyteller, and we highly recommend this book—as well as the rest of his work. Click here to read our full review of Dispatches from Pluto.
A Real Southern Cook In Her Savannah Kitchen, by Dora Charles
Among the plethora of excellent Southern cooking cookbooks, Dora Charles' stands out as a true gem. As one of Savannah's most renowned cooks, famously associated with Paula Deen, Charles offers more than just recipes—she serves up a slice of her life. Her glorious culinary creations will leave you yearning for crispy fried chicken, but it's her personal narrative that truly captivates. Charles weaves a rich tapestry of her motherless childhood in Savannah, her family's history, her journey in mastering the art of cooking, and her experiences working alongside Deen. This cookbook is not just a collection of Southern delights; it's a heartfelt memoir that satisfies both the appetite and the soul.
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