7 Destinations that Elevate Black Culture Year-Round

Celebrate Black culture year-round in these seven destinations that have been significantly influenced by the Black community.

© Greensboro Historical Museum

Carolina Core, North Carolina

The Carolina Core includes Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, all places that played roles in Black history. Greensboro is home to Historic Magnolia House, one of only four Green Book sites in the state. In January, it reopened as a hotel after more than 50 years. In Winston-Salem, visit Old Salem Museums & Gardens, or attend an exhibit to Kwame Brathwaite at Reynolda House Museum of American Art through March 8, or the 17^th Biennial National Black Theatre Festival Aug. 1–6.

Cincinnati, Ohio

On the banks of the Ohio River, find the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center or learn more about Cincinnati’s expanded economic opportunities for minority business owners through programs like MORTAR Startup Accelerator. In late July, the city will unveil its Black Music Walk of Fame. Six Acres Bed & Breakfast is a former Underground Railroad safe house, and is the perfect place to stay when attending the Cincinnati Music Festival July 22 and 23.

© Louisville Tourism

Louisville, Kentucky

Journey back in time with The Unfiltered Truth Collection to explore the stories of those who built the Louisville experience as it is today. Other local attractions that share perspectives most are unfamiliar with include The Roots 101 African-American Museum and The Muhammad Ali Center. Melannaire Marketplace is Louisville’s first permanent market to feature Black-owned artisans.

Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville’s Black Heritage Trail takes visitors on a self-guided tour to 21 famous sites, like Norman Film Studios and Eartha M.M. White Museum. Learn about the oceanfront resort established during the Jim Crow era where Blacks could enjoy recreation and relaxation without harassment at American Beach Museum, and check out Jacksonville Jazz Fest May 26–29.

San Antonio, Texas

Martin Luther King Park is now home to the “Spheres of Reflection” statue by local artist Kaldric Dow. The work uses words repeatedly used by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out the Black Cowboys: An American Story exhibit at Witte Museum, and see Black culture come to life in San Antonio, a UNESCO City of Creative Gastronomy, at spots like Tony G’s Soul Food.

© Gourmet Soul

St. Louis, Missouri

The St. Louis Walk of Fame includes notable stars like Maya Angelou, Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, alongside Scott Joplin House and the National Blues Museum, which bring the sounds of the nation’s iconic Black musicians to life. EyeSeeMe Bookstore is one of the most famous Black-owned bookshops in the country, and hungry travelers can enjoy imaginative twists on soul food at spots like Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Turn.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Greenwood Historical District, a.k.a. Black Wall Street, unveiled Greenwood Rising in August 2021, a state-of-the-art history immersion about Black Wall Street before and after the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Visit Okmulgee’s Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest African-American rodeo, Aug. 12–13.