THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES & TEXAS TRAVEL GUIDES

“In the midst of this scoured landscape, on a suburban street, I saw the church steeple, and Lucille slowed down and pointed, and waved me on. As I passed her to enter the parking lot, I thanked her, and she gave me a wonderful smile, and just before she drove on she said, “Be blessed.” That seemed to be the theme in the Deep South: kindness, generosity, a welcome. I had found it often in my traveling life in the wider world, but I found so much more of it here that I kept going, because the good will was like an embrace. Yes, there is a haunted substratum of darkness in Southern life, and though it pulses through many interactions, it takes a long while to perceive it, and even longer to understand.”
- Paul Theroux, Deep South

TRAVELING TO THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES AND TEXAS

Those who travel to the Southern United States enjoy a cultural experience like no other, with amazing food, magnificent architecture, beautiful rolling hills, fabled hospitality, legendary music, and layers of American history.  The “South” covers a large area, each which brings its own charms.  One of our favorite places has the best nickname, the "Big Easy" otherwise known as New Orleans.  Texas brings its own special flavor of country, people, and place.  Here are our recommendations on the best travel books for those the Southern United States and Texas. 
old clock saying New Orleans
New Orleans

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

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 in his book Deep South 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.  Click here for our review of Deep South.

Dispatches from Pluto: Lost and Found in the Mississippi Delta

Another excellent book on life in the modern South interestingly comes from another English writer, Richard Grant.  Grant decided on a whim to buy an old plantation in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.  Dispatches From Pluto is the very insightful and truly funny of his adjustment, written with compassion and honesty.  Grant is a great storyteller, and we highly recommend all of his work.  Click here to see our review of Dispatches from Pluto.

Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture

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 is a well-written and beautiful book that covers a road trip through the region, a section on the Southern home including gardens, architecture and design, and of course, some delicious Southern cuisine.

A Real Southern Cook: In Her Savannah Kitchen

There are many great Southern cooking cookbooks, but our favorite is from Dora Charles, one of Savannah’s greatest cooks, famous for working closely with Paula Deen.  The recipes are glorious, and it’s impossible to put this book down without a craving for fried chicken.  But we also like Dora Charles’ story about her motherless upbringing in Savannah, the history of her family, her experience learning to cook, and her time working with Deen.

Lonely Planet: Texas

Texas is a big state with a lot to offer for travelers, and our recommended guidebook (somewhat surprisingly) is Lonely Planet.  Lonely Planet is typically known for their expertise in Asia and more exotic destinations, but the guide for Texas is just as thorough and insightful  Local knowledge is extremely important; the latest edition even has a whole chapter dedicated to barbecue.  The recommended driving itineraries are particularly good.