Page 368 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

366  THE DEEP SOUTH

Practical Information without a car. Seat belts are
mandatory for drivers and front-
Advance planning is necessary for a successful tour around seat passengers in all Deep
the Deep South, simply because there is so much to see and South states. Most states also
do. New Orleans, the region’s most exotic city, is packed with require seat belts for back-seat
entertainment and music venues, clubs, hotels, and restaurants, passengers. All automobile
occupants under the age of
while many small towns and the expansive and diverse areas four require child safety seats.
between them often serve as low-key resort areas, catering to Public transportation options
city-dwellers in need of a change of pace. Depending upon are limited. Greyhound buses
the time of year, visitors can explore significant historical sights, only serve some larger towns
appreciate stunning scenery, gaze at the well-manicured and cities, while Amtrak runs
two train routes – north–south
gardens of former plantation homes, take in a local celebration, across the Mississippi Delta to
or simply relax alongside a lazy river. Memphis and north to Chicago
(or, alternately, connecting up
the East Coast to New York) and
Tourist Information
coastal towns and killing New Orleans, and east–west,
Each of the Deep South states thousands. If planning a visit, connecting New Orleans with
publishes a wide variety of visitors should follow the storm Texas cities and, ultimately, Los
informative travel guides, which forecasts for the Gulf and Angeles. Mississippi river cruises
may be ordered by telephone Caribbean. The National fell into decline following
or accessed via websites. As Hurricane Center in Miami Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but
soon as visitors enter Louisiana, provides information on American Cruise Lines and
Mississippi, Alabama, or Arkansas, impending hurricanes. When a Blount Small Ship Adventures,
they may check in one of a dozen Hurricane Warning is posted in although expensive, offer
official “Welcome Centers” along the area you are visiting, either itineraries of varying lengths.
major highways. Staffed by cancel your trip or evacuate
helpful volunteers and open the area. Follow the broadcasts
from 8am to 5pm daily, these about emergency procedures Etiquette
centers offer free road maps and on radio and television. The old-world traditions
a full range of tourist information. The biggest hazard is the of the Deep South, hospitality
Such information is also sun. Use high-factor sunscreen and courtesy, especially
available from the multitude and wear a hat. Also, drink toward women, are legendary.
of local and regional tourism plenty of fluids to avoid getting Addressing people politely, with
bureaus across all four states. dehydrated. Biting and stinging a “sir” or “ma’am” will be much
insects, especially mosquitoes, appreciated, and will help
are a nuisance between April social interaction.
Natural Hazards and November, so remember Check for non-smoking signs
The Deep South is prone to to carry insect repellent. as smoking is prohibited in
hurricanes and occasional most public buildings, including
tornadoes from early June Getting Around stores and restaurants. Although
to November each year. In the laws for drinking alcohol
August 2005, Hurricane Katrina Like much of the US, the Deep vary from state to state, the
hit the Gulf Coast, destroying South is a region where it can legal age is 21. Only in New
much of New Orleans and be difficult to get around Orleans is it permissible to drink
on the streets, though only in
The Climate of the Deep South plastic containers called “go cups.”
The climate across this region NEW ORLEANS
does not vary much from Festivals
state to state, although sea sonal 90/32 The Deep South states stage
differences are distinct. Winter °F/C 77/25 76/24 79/26 a diverse range of annual
is rather wet, while the summer 64/18 62/17 community, regional, and
heat and humidity can be swelter- 61/16 national festivals. The nation’s
ing. By September the weather 47/8
is fine again, though late summer 32°F biggest party, and one of the
storms or hurricanes can put a 0°C world’s most colorful and lively
damper on travel. Spring and 14 19 18 20 annual events, is the 10-day-
autumn are the ideal times to days days days days long series of celebrations
plan an extended trip. Spring 4.5 6.1 3 5 leading up to Mardi Gras,
flowers, such as magnolia in in in in French for “Fat Tuesday.”
blossoms, set the tone for the month Apr Jul Oct Jan The carnival parades, music,
early months of the year. drinking, and dancing are at
their liveliest in New Orleans,

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
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Practical template V2 (OpenType) “UK” LAYER
“UK” LAYER
Practical template
(Source v1.7)
Date 10th November 2006
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm
Size 125mm x 217mm