Should we travel here?

Question

My husband and I mid 30s are looking for somewhere to visit for a short trip, 4/5 nights and the end of August. The weather being hot will not bother us. We’re from New England and want to go on a short plane ride, no longer than 4 or 5 hours. Places we’ve visited together or separate and liked but want to try somewhere new- New York, Chicago, Philly, Austin. Looking for somewhere walkable, with good drinks and good food. We like history. Not very into nightlife. Narrowed it down to these 4 places. New Orleans, Nashville, Charleston or Savannah. We have fun anywhere we go but I’m reading such a mixed bag of all these places I can’t choose! Help!

Answer

It sounds like you’re looking for a great mix of good food, drinks, history, and walkability—without the bustling nightlife that some of these cities are known for. All four cities you've narrowed down—New Orleans, Nashville, Charleston, and Savannah—have their unique charms. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from each to help you make a decision:

New Orleans:

New Orleans is known for its vibrant culture, jazz music, Creole cuisine, and unique history. While it’s famous for its nightlife and partying (think Bourbon Street), there are also plenty of other activities that fit your description of good food, good drinks, and history.

Food & Drinks: Expect incredible food, from po'boys and gumbo to beignets at Café du Monde. The city is also known for its craft cocktails, especially in the French Quarter.
Walkability: The French Quarter is highly walkable, and many of the historic sites, bars, and restaurants are within walking distance. However, if you’re looking to escape the party scene, you may want to avoid the more tourist-heavy spots.
History: Rich in history, New Orleans has stunning architecture and fascinating historical sites, including the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, and the National WWII Museum.

Nashville:

Nashville is a city that's all about country music, Southern food, and Southern hospitality. While there’s a lot of focus on music, Nashville offers a nice mix of activities that might appeal to you.

Food & Drinks: Nashville is famous for its hot chicken, BBQ, and whiskey, with a burgeoning craft beer scene. The city has a wide range of restaurants, from low-key diners to high-end dining.
Walkability: The downtown area and areas like 12 South are very walkable, with lots of parks, shops, and cafes. But be mindful that it can be crowded in the summer due to the popularity of live music.
History: While Nashville is music-centric, there’s also interesting history to explore, including the Parthenon (a full-scale replica of the one in Athens) and the Ryman Auditorium. But overall, it’s more about the music culture than traditional historical landmarks.

Charleston:

Charleston is a beautiful, charming, and historic city with cobblestone streets, antebellum homes, and a slower pace. It offers a great combination of history, Southern charm, and food.

Food & Drinks: Charleston is famous for its Southern cuisine, including shrimp and grits, Lowcountry boil, and fresh seafood. The city also has great bars with classic cocktails.
Walkability: The Historic District is incredibly walkable, with beautiful streets and waterfront areas to explore. It’s also very pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of green spaces and scenic views.
History: Charleston is rich in history, from the Civil War to the Gullah culture. You can visit historic homes, plantations, Fort Sumter, and other cultural sites that reflect the city’s past.

Savannah:

Savannah is a quiet, beautiful, and very walkable city with oak-lined streets, historic squares, and antebellum charm. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of good food, history, and Southern hospitality.

Food & Drinks: Savannah has amazing Southern food—expect to find excellent fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and Southern-style biscuits. There are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants, and Savannah’s craft cocktail scene is booming.
Walkability: Savannah is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., especially in the Historic District. The city’s squares and parks make for scenic, leisurely strolls, and many restaurants and attractions are within walking distance.
History: Savannah is steeped in history. You can explore beautiful antebellum architecture, visit historic homes, and learn about the city’s role in the American Revolution and Civil War. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the haunting Bonaventure Cemetery.

Conclusion:

All four cities are wonderful options, but here’s a quick guide to help narrow it down:

If you’re looking for Southern charm, history, and peaceful walks, Savannah and Charleston are great choices. Charleston has more high-end options, while Savannah has a slightly more relaxed vibe.
If you’re interested in great food and drinks with a bit of live music, but without focusing too much on nightlife, New Orleans might be your best bet. Just keep in mind that it can get very busy, especially in the French Quarter.
If you want a mix of country music, Southern food, and a bit of history, Nashville is a solid option. While it’s known for its music scene, there are also plenty of cultural sites to explore.

Ultimately, it all depends on your preferences, but each city offers a mix of great food, history, and walkable areas. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but if you're looking for the most low-key, charming option with plenty of history and a slower pace, Savannah could be your best fit. Have a great trip wherever you decide to go!

Should we travel here?

New Orleans:

Nashville:

Charleston:

Savannah:

Conclusion:

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