Our Dream Southern Road Trip: Five Stops, One Iconic Summer

There’s something about the South that just begs for a road trip. Maybe it’s the endless sweet tea, the country backroads, or the fact that every town has its own charm (and its own version of barbecue). Either way, we’ve spent enough time in North Carolina to know we’re ready to explore more.

So we planned it: our dream Southern road trip. Five stops, tons of snacks, cute outfits for every state line, and the playlist of a lifetime.

📍 Stop 1: Charleston, SC

Vibe: Coastal chic, pastel houses, and Southern charm overload.

We’re starting off strong with one of the prettiest cities in the South. Think cobblestone streets, brunch at Poogan’s Porch, and snapping pics in front of Rainbow Row in matching sundresses. Bonus points if we find a rooftop bar with frosé.

📍 Stop 2: Savannah, GA

Vibe: Haunted, historic, and lowkey romantic.

Savannah gives spooky-girl summer, but make it Southern. We’re booking a ghost tour at night, eating pralines by the river during the day, and maybe even staying in a haunted inn. A little creepy, a lot of charm.

📍 Stop 3: Nashville, TN

Vibe: Country concerts, cowboy boots, and bachelorette energy.

We’re not skipping Broadway — that’s a must. But we’re also hitting up a rooftop bar, taking a pedal tavern ride, and grabbing hot chicken at Hattie B’s. Yes, we’re bringing sparkly boots. No, we’re not embarrassed.

📍 Stop 4: Asheville, NC

Vibe: Artsy, earthy, and mountain magic.

After the chaos of Nashville, we need a breath of fresh air — literally. Asheville gives us hikes, waterfalls, and the cutest little shops. Plus, the Biltmore Estate is perfect for our “rich Southern aunt” aesthetic.

📍 Stop 5: Wilmington, NC

Vibe: Beachy, chill, and straight out of a Nicholas Sparks movie.

To wrap it all up, we’re unwinding by the beach. Long walks on the sand, seafood dinners, and pretending we’re extras on One Tree Hill. And of course, watching the sunset while eating ice cream — because it’s a Girls Go South rite of passage.

The Essentials:

A speaker for front-seat DJ duties

Snacks (gummy worms and Goldfish are non-negotiable)

Matching trucker hats

A shared photo album for every sunset, iced coffee, and gas station selfie

A car that can survive 1,000 miles of good vibes and questionable directions

This is the kind of trip we’ll be talking about for years — the one that smells like sunscreen, tastes like sweet tea, and sounds like Shania Twain on full blast.

Catch us on the road (or at least daydreaming about it) — only on Girls Go South.

Follow along on Instagram @GirlsGoSouth.Pod, New posts every week!

Girls Go South is a podcast created by friends who relocated to North Carolina for college, sharing our journey of discovering Southern culture, food, fashion, and adventures!