Getting the call to attend Globus family of brands’ (GFOB) and Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FTCG) first-ever mega fam felt like winning the lottery – I knew it would be a good one.
So, it was a big yes from me and I knew I hit the jackpot as soon I found out I was off on Cosmos’ ‘Rhythms of the Road’ itinerary!
Stopping at Chicago, St Louis, Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans with a coach full of like-minded agents, with GFOB’s Mitch Spencer at the helm, excitement was high for this trip well before it begun.
Ashlea Blake (pictured, middle front row, black coat)
Windy City Wonders
On descent into Chicago airport, I instantly realised I hadn’t prepared for the Chicago freeze.
It was snowing heavily and I quickly learned they don’t call it the windy city for nothing…thankfully, the welcome from our tour guide Hilary was much warmer.
We kick-started the trip with a welcome dinner to get our group of 30 acquainted. The next morning, blessed with sunshine, we set off to explore the Lake Michigan’s shore, the beginning point of Route 66, “The Bean” at Millennium Park and Navy Pier.
With an afternoon free, most of us headed straight to Lou Malnati’s to devour an iconic deep-dish pizza. That night, we braved the cold to see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field – when in Chicago, why not?
Arch Adventures
Next stop – St Louis. On the way to our hotel, we visited the Gateway Arch; standing at 192 metres tall (the tallest monument in the U.S.), we headed up to the top to check out the incredible views.
St Louis was buzzing, even for a Tuesday night, with live music blaring from every bar. We stumbled upon Broadway Oyster bar (a St Louis classic, we soon found out) and we knew it would be a late one – their Gator dishes are a must try!
Music City Magic
The next morning it was time to dust off the cowboy boots (yes absolutely, I packed them) and continue to Nashville. I’d been there years ago, so I somewhat knew what to expect, but going with 30 new friends made it even better.
As soon as we arrived it was straight to the iconic Broadway strip for a night out – think bar hopping, bull riding, live country music, boot scooting, many laughs and plenty of margaritas.
On Broadway, the atmosphere is buzzing every night of the week and captivating live music creates what I can only describe as Disneyland for adults.
The next morning, armoured in double denim, we explored TCA Studio B, Centennial Park and the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum before finishing the night at the Grand ole Opry where we fell in love with Payton Smith – I still have his album on repeat!
Music and Memories
With Jonathan our coach captain and Hilary our guide bringing the vibe with blues music, we were “rolling down the river” to Memphis.
The pace changes as you head south, the voices get deeper and the music has a distinct melancholic and sombre tone. You can really feel the history here.
We visited the National Civil Rights Museum and Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated – a powerful and moving experience.
Later, as night fell, Memphis transformed and we found ourselves, “walking with our feet 10 feet off Beale”, totally swept up in the city’s energy.
When in Memphis a visit to Graceland is a must, even if you’re not an Elvis fan. The mansion, costumes, cars and private jet are a vivid testament to his legendary status.
Soul of the South
Day eight arrived and we made our way to the deep south – New Orleans. We were welcomed by warmer weather, the hum of jazz rhythms and the delicious scents of all the food!
Hilary had us ready for Bourbon Street with coloured beads for all for the night ahead.
New Orleans brings a spontaneous joy with the lively sounds of jazz. We wandered through the stunning Creole architecture of the French Quarter, stopping in at bars and sampling local favourites like gumbo, oysters and muffaletta.
Our final night was spent sailing at sunset, enjoying a buffet dinner aboard a beautiful old paddle steamer – a perfect setting to reflect on what had been a truly exceptional journey.
This trip was made unforgettable not only thanks to Hilary’s outstanding local knowledge, but also by the fantastic group of new friends made along the way.
We had an absolute blast on this tour and I’ll be telling everyone about this road-trip adventure for years to come.
Thanks so much for having me GFoB!
https://www.cosmostours.com.au/tour/rhythms-of-the-road
