DESTINATIONS DEEP SOUTH ESCORTED TOURS
statue of a brass monkey; while not a bastion of good taste, it’s a wonderful insight into Elvis’s life. Although he died almost 40 years ago, countless fans still mourn at Presley’s grave. It’s a sobering sight, but the general ambience at Graceland is one of celebration and pride. Recommend clients see Elvis’s car collection and pay a few dollars extra to step inside his planes, especially the Lisa Marie, which comes complete with dining room and gold-plated bathroom taps.
ASK THE EXPERT
Steven Harper, manager, Dawson & Sanderson, Redcar My perception of an American touring holiday was always one of rushed photo opportunities and pensioners, but from the raw emotion we felt in Studio B to the awe and wonder of Graceland and the paddlesteamers and bayous of New Orleans, this trip succeeded in changing my opinion. Each city has its own feel and the time spent in each was just enough to experience this. My personal highlights were standing in the actual studio in Nashville where so many famous songs were recorded, and seeing Graceland. It’s an easy sell now.
w NEW ORLEANS There’s something unique about this American city. You can feel it in the live jazz played by talented buskers on street corners and in the bars; in the architecture of the French Quarter, with its cast iron balconies and echoes of an imperial past; and in the stories of locals practising voodoo which we hear from our tour guide. Walking around the beautiful
French Quarter, we see few signs of the devastation wrought by hurricane Katrina 10 years ago, though as our air-conditioned coach moves through the historic trading hub of Esplanade Avenue, we spot several houses still bearing its scars.
Despite hurricanes, a past linked
to slavery, and French and Spanish colonial rule, this is a city that remains unflinchingly upbeat and likes to let loose. Bourbon Street, where Creoles ate, drank and gambled in the late 1800s, is still a partying hub and a tourist attraction, and it’s a focal point during New Orleans’ many festivals including Mardi Gras. During an evening aboard the
Natchez steamboat we float along the Mississippi while sampling traditional dishes including gumbo and catfish, and listening to resident jazz band,
the Dukes of Dixie Land. The food is yet another highlight in this soulful city: clients can’t leave without trying a po’ boy, a huge sandwich served on white New Orleans French bread and crammed with fried shrimp, oysters, crab and roast beef drenched in gravy. BOOK IT: Newmarket Holidays offers a nine-day Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans and Nashville tour from £1,099 including flights to Atlanta from Manchester (other regional airports available), and air- conditioned coach travel and transfers.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
TOP: French Quarter, New Orleans LEFT: Po’ boy sandwich
BELOW: Natchez paddlesteamer
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travelweekly.co.uk 2 June 2016
PICTURES: NEWORLEANS CVB; HOLLO PHOTOGRAPHICS; WOLF HOFFMANN; TRAVEL PICTURES; AMY BRASSETTE PHOTOGRAPHY; NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS
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