Topdecks’ BBQ and Blues

How do you feel about food and festivals? Love them? Great! Topdeck’s BBQ & Blues trip is for you. Feel Bayou beats and sample Cajun treats in New Orleans, slip on your blue suede shoes in Memphis, boot scoot into country and western in Nashville and get the blues in Chicago. If you pick your dates, your trip might just match up with some of the USA's best festivals. Hot damn! Are you ready to rock ‘n’ roll your way through America’s musical heart? Yeah, you are!

Your first stop - New Orleans, lovingly known as NOLA. Start your morning with a cruise down the Mississippi river, look out at breathtaking views of this incredible city and let the sound of jazz carry you downstream. Once you’ve seen the city from the water, it's time to wander the streets of the iconic French Quarter.

Explore Jacksons Square where you will find local street artists, card readings, and buskers. Be sure to visit Café Du Monde and try the famous Beignets! It’s lunchtime and what better way to fill your belly than a bowl of Gumbo or Jambalaya, or maybe a Poboy Sandwich. Find yourself a restaurant with balcony views (it won’t be hard) and settle in for some people watching.

Voodoo is as much a part of NOLA as creole food, but did you know it’s a religion? Take a walk through the streets of New Orleans at night and learn about the spooky killers, victims, religions, and hauntings. Not into Voodoo? Try out the jazz scene and whilst Bourbon Street might be the most famous street in town it must wait, because for a real jazz experience you need to get yourself to Frenchman Street – here is where you’ll find the locals kicking back and listening to their favourite music.

Once you’ve had your fill of jazz, make your way to Bourbon Street – grab a couple of hand grenades (you’ll see what we mean) and get amongst the fun! What’s in them? Nobody knows!

Time to move on to Memphis – the home of Elvis and BBQ, Memphis is full of tasty treats and delicious eats, and it might be hard to decide which of the best restaurants in Memphis you've got time for. A must for your time in Memphis is a visit to Sun Studios known as the birthplace of Rock and Roll. This little studio has played host some powerhouses in the music Industry including Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.

With all this music history on Memphis’ doorstep you know they have a great music scene, head down to Beale St, home to BB Kings Blues Club & Countless other hotspots for live music! Not to mention some damn good BBQ.

Get your hats, boots and boot scoot on as your next stop is Nashville, the undisputed home of country music. Want to explore? Nashville has heaps of cool districts to cater to all, from Printer Alley, East Nashville to 12 South. Wherever you go you’ll find it alive with music, food and good vibes. Start with a coffee from Barista Parlor or Frothy Monkeys (there are a few in town) or buy some authentic cowboy boots and check out the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many diners and cafes. Visit Grimey's record store, add to your vinyl collection and maybe even see a live set before hitting town to boot scooting the night away. Settle in at Honky Tonk Row and check out some of the incredible musicians that call this mecca of music home.

From the home of country to the windy city, we make our way to Chicago. This city has so much to offer, most surprisingly its incredible architecture - grab a bike and hit the streets to explore the incredible building and bridges of Chicago. See the iconic ‘Bean’ and get that selfie, amirite? Overcome your fear of heights by tilting out of a sky rise building. Hit up a speakeasy. Visit the S*it fountain...it’s a thing! Most importantly, get yourself a famous deep dish pizza and see what everyone raves about! So, want great music, vibes and food – Topdeck has you covered with their 11day BBQ and Blues Trip.