While Americans typically commemorate Black achievements and historical challenges during Black History Month in February, African Americans have made contributions that can and should be talked about, honored and celebrated in destinations across the country throughout the year.
Okmulgee, Oklahoma, for example, is a city about 40 minutes south of Tulsa that boasts the Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo, the nation’s oldest continuously held Black rodeo. Atlanta is home to the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, which honors musicians such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé and Shirley Caesar. And in Shelbyville, Tennessee, which sits about an hour southeast of Nashville, you’ll find the award-winning Nearest Green Distillery that honors Nearest Green, the enslaved man who taught Jack Daniels how to make whiskey.
But these are not the only history-filled places you can visit to learn more about the achievements of African Americans — there are dozens just like them across the U.S.
The following 10 destinations, in particular, are some of our favorite places that celebrate Black history year-round. Here’s why these locales stand out from the rest — and everything you need to know about their noteworthy attractions, accommodations and cuisines.
The Carolina Core, North Carolina
Slavery has been part of North Carolina’s history since the late 1600s when the state’s first enslaved people began arriving from the West Indies, the surrounding Colonies and Africa. The North Carolina economy relied on the skills they brought in carpentry, masonry, construction and sailing for its growth and success.
After slavery ended, many African Americans remained in the state, leading to the growth of the region known as the Carolina Core, a central stretch of North Carolina that spans more than 120 miles from Fayetteville to Winston-Salem. While many cities and towns fall within this part of the state, three spots are especially significant regarding Black history: Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem.
What to do
In Greensboro, visitors can learn about the civil rights movement’s famous Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, which occupies the former Woolworth building. The historical sit-in by four North Carolina A&T students prompted a series of similar sit-ins at lunch counters from other college students in other states.
About 20 minutes southwest on the way to High Point, travelers can check out Mendenhall Homeplace, a historic Quaker home where one of the country’s last surviving false-bottom wagons — used to transport slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad — is on display. High Point is also where you can taste incredible jazz and blues music — genres started by African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — every September at the John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival.
Farther west, in Winston-Salem, you can visit the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, a historic site that grows produce to help combat food insecurity and has exhibits exploring the stories of Moravian, Black and Indigenous peoples. Try to time your Winston-Salem visit for Late July to early August to catch the International Black Theatre Festival, which features 130-plus performances.
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Although it was a free city, slaves who escaped the South found themselves facing the possibility of being returned to the plantations they were from if caught. However, being a stop on the Underground Railroad, Cincinnati offered some respite for enslaved African Americans.
What to do
Explore the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a downtown museum at the banks of the Ohio River, which features exhibits about everything from the Underground Railroad to modern-day challenges like implicit bias and human trafficking.
In the summer of 2022, Cincinnati debuted the Black Music Walk of Fame, which showcases the city’s roots in funk and soul music by honoring influential Black musicians from southwest Ohio. The walkway starts at the entrance of The Andrew J. Brady Music Center and ends at Paul Brown Stadium.
Don’t forget to venture across the Ohio River to Covington, Kentucky, to take The Covington Black History Tour, which features 18 places that highlight the history and accomplishments of African Americans on a self-guided route. One can’t-miss landmark on the tour is a statue of James Bradley, a former slave who worked toward freedom and broke racial barriers in education.
Where to stay
For lodging, reserve a room at Six Acres Bed and Breakfast, a former safe house that was part of the Underground Railroad. Founded by Kristin Kitchen, the 10-room property was refurbished and will stay true to its original use as a haven for weary travelers searching for food and shelter. Or, bed down at The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, which sits in Cincinnati’s central Lytle Park Historic District in a building constructed in 1909.
Related: 13 incredible Black-owned hotels in the US and beyond
What to eat and drink
At K&J Seafood Co., gumbo, shrimp and grits, Cajun-style boiled eggs, and po’boy sandwiches are on the menu. Esoteric Brewing Company, founded by African American brewer Brian Jackson, is another must-visit spot, as it’s where you can get a taste of craft beers that use pure ingredients sourced locally and grown organically. Pair your beer with food from the brewery’s next-door neighbor, Decibel Korean Fried Chicken.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville has deep ties to the African American community, reflected throughout the city’s history, heritage and culture. Black people have lived in Louisville since 1785, when York (an enslaved man on the Lewis and Clark expedition exploring Louisiana) settled in the city, according to the National Park Service. A bronze statue of York is on the Louisville Belvedere at Fifth and Main Streets. The so-called Bourbon City also played a part in the civil rights movement as the site of numerous sit-ins, picket marches and other peaceful demonstrations.
What to do
Start your visit by exploring the Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Trail. Then, you should check out other Black history-focused attractions and activities like the Unfiltered Truth Collection, a series of eight immersive experiences at Louisville institutions like the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Frazier History Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Each of them shares the stories of some extraordinary people who made Louisville what it is today.
Then, learn more about one of Louisville’s most famous former residents, Muhammad Ali, while visiting sites that comprise the city’s Footsteps of Greatness tour. Can’t-miss spots include the Muhammad Ali Center, which celebrates the life and legacy of the world-renowned boxer and global humanitarian, and Ali’s childhood home. This National Historic Landmark sits about 30 minutes east of downtown Louisville in Simpsonville.
Where to stay
For accommodations within walking distance of business and leisure amenities like the Fourth Street Live entertainment complex, Louisville Slugger Field and the Kentucky International Convention Center, stay at the all-suite Residence Inn Louisville Downtown.
If a more intimate yet luxurious stay is what you’re after, consider the award-winning Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast in Bardstown. Although the latter is approximately 45 minutes outside the city, the historic property boasts rooms with charming details like four-poster beds and fireplaces that create a cozy ambience.
What to eat and drink
SuperChefs, which prides itself on serving “the world’s best breakfast and brunch,” is the brainchild of chef Darnell Ferguson, who appears regularly on popular Food Network television shows. Diner favorites at this Deer Park eatery include caramel bourbon waffle bites, blueberry pancakes and banana pudding granola-crusted French toast.
You can get a taste of New Orleans in Derby City with a visit to Germantown’s North of Bourbon, where you can choose from more than 300 varieties of bourbon and dine on innovative Southern cuisine created by chef Lawrence Weeks.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville is rich with African American history. In this north Florida city, you’ll find Edward Waters University, the state’s oldest independent institution of higher learning and its first historically Black university. Additionally, on the coast of nearby Amelia Island lies American Beach, established during the Jim Crow era as an oceanfront resort where African Americans could enjoy recreation and relaxation without harassment. Visitors included Ray Charles, James Brown, Hank Aaron and author Zora Neale Hurston, who lived in Jacksonville for more than ten years.
What to do
The city’s Black Heritage Trail allows you to take a self-guided tour of 21 famous historical sites, including Norman Studios, now on the National Register of Historic Places, where all-Black casts shot films free of racial stereotypes typical of the silent screen era.
But, for one of the best-guided tours you could ever have, book an experience with Explore Jax Core. The owner and operator, Yollie Copeland, provides engaging and in-depth knowledge of Jackonville’s Black history and cultural sites that you can’t get anywhere else.
When you think about Black history, you may not necessarily think about agriculture, but Black Americans have advanced this industry since enslavement. One sector of agriculture where we don’t traditionally see representation is beekeeping. However, The Herban Bee, operated as an extension of the Clara White Mission, brings awareness to the trade through community education, gardening and the multifaceted uses of honey in everyday products. It’s a fun, unique and unexpected way to spend an afternoon learning about the intersection of bees and Black beekeepers like Mika Hardison-Carr.
Like many cities in Florida, Jacksonville also is known for its beaches. Millions flock to beautiful Amelia Island, which used to be known as American Beach. Established in 1935 by one of Jacksonville’s first Black millionaires, Abraham Lewis, this was the only area for Black beachgoers. When Black residents achieved success and wealth, many built homes on American Beach, a growing beach resort in the time of Jim Crow and segregation.
While in Jacksonville, remember to keep your eyes peeled for the murals scattered throughout downtown. Murals created by local Black artists tell the story of Jacksonville’s rich African American heritage while honoring Black culture and historic Black figures.
Where to stay
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront offers easy access to downtown and Museum Circle, so it is a convenient option if you plan to visit the city’s Science and History Museum or other spots across the St. Johns River. The Courtyard Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront is minutes from the Jacksonville Beach Pier and Atlantic Beach, should you find yourself craving some fun in the sun by the ocean.
What to eat and drink
You’re in luck if you’re looking for soul food in Jacksonville. Sweet Mama’s Southern Homestyle Cookin offers a variety of Southern comfort classics, including chicken and waffles, ribs, and fried fish paired with sides like baked beans, yams, and macaroni and cheese.
Silkie’s Chicken and Champagne Bar is in the historic neighborhood of Springfield. Chef Kenny Gilbert’s culinary creations have fed the likes of Oprah Winfrey herself. Aside from the crispy fried chicken, the drop biscuits and jams are menu classics. The city’s location by the water also makes it a terrific spot for seafood.
Head to one (or more) of the restaurants linked to the Mayport Shrimp Passport to try tasty dishes like shrimp and grits, peel-and-eat shrimp, and shrimp dip.
Pensacola, Florida
From the stops along the Mississippi Blues Trail to lunch counter sit-ins and tours around the Chitlin Circuit, there is more to Pensacola and its history than breathtaking blue waters.
Amid the Jim Crow era, with growing tensions and segregation, Black Pensacolians were forced out of the central parts of town. As they eventually claimed the intersection of DeVillers and Belmont Streets, it would soon become a historic Black neighborhood. Everything from restaurants to entertainment venues called this area home. Today, it is still a thriving area and an epicenter for Black culture in Pensacola.
What to do
It may be a beach town, but there is plenty of history to explore, starting with a tour of Historic Pensacola Village to see Julee Cottage, the home of Julee Panton, a free woman and a businesswoman who worked tirelessly to help enslaved persons gain freedom. Pensacola is also proud to have the Chappie James Museum, which honors General Daniel “Chappie” James, Jr. He was the first African American four-star general in the U.S. Air Force.
Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore boasts a beautiful scenic coastline and white sands, making it the eighth most-visited national park in 2022. Many visitors walk the trails or visit for camping, birdwatching, picnics or fishing.
As you tour the area, you’ll learn that Fort Pickens is one of the four military forts built to protect Pensacola in the 1800s. The work was completed in about five years by enslaved laborers like Peter Dyson, who was “rented” by his enslaver to the government.
Johnson Beach used to be the only beach for Black beachgoers in Escambia County, but today it is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike. The beach was named in honor of 17-year-old Private Rosamond Johnson, who died rescuing fellow soldiers in Korea.
Where to stay
Arguably, the best bed and breakfast experience you’ll ever have will be at Celestine’s, a few blocks from the central downtown area. Celestine Bed and Breakfast honors the legacy of Celestine Toliver Harrison, a Pensacola native, and her family’s contributions to history and the community, ranging from being in the armed forces to desegregating local schools and lunch counters.
The rooms are cozy and luxurious, each giving a nod to one of the family members. If you want a family-friendly stay mere steps away from the Gulf of Mexico, the newly opened Fairfield Inn & Suites has everything you need. From an extensive breakfast selection and adjoining family rooms to a firepit, lazy river, full-service bar and heated pool for chilly late-night swims, your family will have no problems relaxing after exploring the city. It’s close to some of Pensacola Beach’s top attractions and oceanfront dining.
What to eat and drink
A renovated abandoned church in the iconic East Hill neighborhood has birthed Penscola’s first speakeasy, Sister Hen. The intimate setting offers elevated twists to classic cocktails. Upstairs, at Brother Fox, diners can feast on the seasonal culinary creations of Chopped winner Chef Darian Hernandez.
In the Belmont-DeVilliers neighborhood, you’ll find some of Pensacola’s Black-owned restaurants. One such place is Five Sisters Blues Café, which serves soulful dishes and musical delights from local artists. The area welcomed musicians like Ray Charles, B.B. King and Aretha Franklin as they toured the Chitlin Circuit, playing at nearby nightclubs.
Oakland, California
My hometown is a city shaped by America’s Great Migration. From 1910 to 1970, more than 6 million African Americans, many of whom were only one generation away from slavery, left the South to resettle in other parts of the U.S., according to the National Archives. It wasn’t until the second wave of the migration between 1940 and 1970 when a sizable number of African Americans moved to the Bay Area, a development detailed in “The Second Great Migration: A Historical Overview” by James N. Gregory.
By the 1970s, African Americans from nearly every Southern state — including Louisiana, where my mother’s family is from — found their way to Oakland. This influx of African Americans helped spark the creation of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense by college students Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton in 1966, paving the way toward ongoing interest in social justice movements in “The Town.”
What to do
Unsurprisingly, Oakland’s connection to the Black Panthers means it’s packed with must-see exhibits focusing on the Black Power movement. However, you’ll want to add a few other Black culture-focused activities to your itinerary. Visit the 1,000-square-foot Black Panther Party “minimuseum” on the first floor of a private home in West Oakland, then head to the Oakland Museum of California to see its current exhibits on the Black Power movement in the city, civil rights activist Angela Davis and Afrofuturism.
You can join a free guided tour organized by Oakland Art Murmur to get an overview of Oakland’s art scene. Or, arrive in October to attend the Oakland Black Cowboy Parade & Heritage Festival, which features cowboys from across the country, trick riders, schools, community organizations and local businesses.
Where to stay
The Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, offers guests a touch of luxury across 22 acres in the hills between Oakland and Berkeley. They have been welcoming guests since 1915, and guests will find everything from tennis and fitness classes to a renowned spa. Should you want a more central location, Oakland Marriott City Center boasts fantastic views of San Francisco from many of its guest rooms.
What to eat and drink
Thanks to the country’s Great Migration, Oakland is a great spot to get barbecue. My original favorite, Flint’s, is long gone, but another stalwart is Everett and Jones BBQ, which has been open since 1973 (I always get the hot links). If you’re vegetarian or vegan, Souley Vegan offers 100% plant-based Louisiana Creole food, including okra gumbo and croquettes made from zucchini and hearts of palm. For a sweet treat, head to Fentons Creamery — just be prepared to wait in line.
Richmond, Virginia
Congress abolished the international slave trade in 1808, but as many as 10,000 enslaved people were still bought and sold in Richmond every month in the 1850s, according to the James River Park System website. The city became a hub for the slave trade thanks to a transportation system that included the James River, five railroads and a network of major roads.
African American arts and culture, businesses, community and history are woven into the fabric of the Piedmont region of Virginia. Black contributions to Richmond’s culture date back centuries and remain a vital part of the city today through initiatives like BLK RVA, a Richmond Region Tourism-helmed program highlighting Black culture in the Richmond area year-round.
What to do
While several activities and attractions focus on Black history and culture in Richmond, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia is a good place to get an introduction to the region’s African American community.
In honor of Black History Month, the exhibit “Visions of Progress” is a collection of photographs depicting life from the African American vantage point in Virginia through the 20th century. Another museum, The Valentine, regularly features art from Black creators and history lessons through permanent programming. Soul of a Community explores the contributions of Black Richmonders and their contributions to River City. You can also take a walking tour of the Richmond Slave Trail, which covers the history of the trade of enslaved Africans to Virginia until 1775 and other locations in the Americas until 1865.
Where to stay
The historic Jefferson Hotel, which first opened in the city’s central Monroe Ward in 1895, is the region’s only Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel, making it the ideal place to stay if you seek a bit of old-world elegance and pampering while in town. An equally memorable (albeit less upscale) option is the Graduate Hotel Richmond, which sits close to the Virginia Commonwealth University campus. It pays homage to iconic local tennis player Arthur Ashe, celebrated in every nook and cranny, right down to the chandelier featuring his bespoke aviator glasses.
What to eat and drink
If you have at least two days to spend in Richmond, consider doing the two-day tour of the BLK RVA culinary experience. For breakfast, you’ll head to Maple Bourbon or Urban Hang Suite. Lunch choices include Charlotte’s Southern Deli and Tapas or Pop’s Market on Grace. And once dinnertime rolls around, you’ll visit Mama J’s, the region’s premier soul food restaurant, or Lillie Pearl, an eatery offering twists on American classics, such as fried pimento cheese and lobster and crab cakes. Jewfro is a unique culinary blend of African and Jewish dishes, and there isn’t a wrong choice on the menu. And for an evening of wine tasting and small bites, Penny’s Wine Shop is the place to be.
San Antonio, Texas
While the city is known for its Hispanic heritage, San Antonio is permeated by African American culture. An enslaved African was first brought here in 1528 during the early period of Spanish exploration in the Americas, according to Prairie View A&M University. As a result, many Black Texans, including me (thanks to five generations of my father’s family calling the area home), are connected to the city on a historical level that spans centuries. Even if you don’t have personal ties to San Antonio, you’ll appreciate the city’s commitment to celebrating its Black community year-round.
What to do
There’s far more to do in San Antonio than just hanging out on the RiverWalk. Martin Luther King Park is home to “Spheres of Reflection,” a statue designed by local artist Kaldric Dow that you’ll want to check out, as it highlights words used repeatedly by the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Witte Museum, the oldest museum in Texas, has an exhibit that features artifacts spotlighting the all-too-often hidden Black Faces of the Wild West. The Carver Community Cultural Center celebrates diversity by emphasizing African and African American heritage through artistic presentations, community outreach activities and educational programs.
Where to stay
San Antonio is home to chain, independent and boutique hotels like the Thompson San Antonio, away from the main River Walk area but still easily accessible. Historic Hotel Emma at The Pearl, a strong culinary and cultural community near downtown, is another solid option, especially if you prefer boutique properties with details you might not find elsewhere, such as welcome margaritas and in-room “ice boxes” (minifridges) stocked with locally made snacks and drinks.
What to eat and drink
As a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, San Antonio sees all cultures playing out in its restaurants. Go to Tony G’s Soul Food for a hearty breakfast or lunch of Southern staples. Or, visit Biga on the Banks by the RiverWalk for new American dishes like chicken-fried oysters and Axis venison covered in a blend of 11 spices.
For a culinary journey through Paris, the French restaurant Brasserie Mon Chou Chou in The Pearl is unlike any other. You’ll want to order the raclette appetizer and Le Steak, a New York strip cooked to perfection and served with frites.
Providence, Rhode Island
The enslaved Africans in Rhode Island were the laborers solicited to build what are now some of the oldest buildings in the state, such as Brown University. Their skill sets also contributed to the local textile industry.
At first thought, Providence may not be high on your list for Black History and Culture. However, visiting the area would be a pleasant surprise for anyone seeking to learn more about Black Rhode Islanders, particularly the art scene.
What to do
No matter when you visit, there is a walking 14-stop Early Black History Tour to learn more about the area beginning in 1636 and the people who shaped Providence. One of the most notable stops is Snowtown, where Black Rhode Islanders settled after the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1784.
Beginning February 17th, The RISD Museum will open the Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch exhibit. Believed to be the first woman of color to graduate from the Rhode Island School of Design, Nancy is best known for her contributions to expatriate culture in Paris during the interwar period.
Providence is also home to one of the oldest regional theaters in the country, Trinity Repertory Company, which has been operating for 60 years. The performances regularly highlight stories from people of color. From March 21 to April 28, there will be a performance of Fences by August Wilson. The play, a Pulitzer Prize winner, follows the story of a former Negro League baseball player in 1957 Pittsburgh during segregation.
Edward Mitchell Bannister, a painter, enamored almost everyone who came in contact with him. He was one of the few Black artists of his era to receive recognition for their work during their lifetime. A life-size statue of Edward sits at Market Square on the Providence River. The statue depicts him sketching his wife, Christina.
Where to stay
Just a few blocks from eateries, shops, The Providence Pedestrian Bridge and District Park, the Aloft Downtown is an ideal choice for a stay in the city. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Sunday, the R&B brunch at the Blu Violet Rooftop is unlike anything else. There is a DJ on-site spinning tunes from the ’90s and 2000s. The cocktails, such as the Notorious F.I.G., are a nod to famous performers and hit songs.
What to eat and drink
The cuisine in Providence is reflective of its residents, ranging from Southern classics to traditional Caribbean and West African dishes. One thing you won’t find a shortage of here is Black-owned dining establishments to try. Start with the award-winning eatery, The District, known for its pizzas, brunch and boozy flights.
Within walking distance of the Aloft is Needle & Thread, a cocktail bar. The ginger pear sidecar is the only drink you need! Ironically, in the heart of Little Italy is an African restaurant, Afrique D’Lounge. You’ll want to order the puff puff and the fried collard dish.
Charleston, South Carolina
When we look closely at buildings erected in the 1800s, like government offices and universities in this nation, the fingerprints of enslaved men and young children are often ingrained in the bricks.
Although we know that many cities and states participated in the enslavement of Africans, benefiting from their unpaid labor across many industries like domestic chores, agriculture and textiles, Charleston holds the title of the former slave trade capital of North America. Due to the hundreds of thousands of Africans who passed through Charleston’s ports, it’s estimated that more than 90% of African Americans can trace an ancestor to the area.
What to do
The International African American Museum is a testament to what it means to reclaim history and allow the proper persons to control the narrative. The Museum is on the site of the very port, Gadsden’s Wharf, where countless Africans came into the state as a part of the slave trade.
Through interactive programming, artifacts and exhibits, the realities of slavery and its effects are the center of conversation. Middleton Place is a beloved event venue, often generating mixed feelings about using plantations for weddings and celebrations. However, the former plantation offers a daily program, Beyond The Fields, that shares their role in the slave trade and the stories of the enslaved who lived and died at Middleton Place.
Local historian Al Miller of Sights and Insights Tours leads a 2-hour tour of Black history through the streets of Charleston, stopping at Lowndes Grove Plantation, The Hanging Tree and other culturally relevant sites. There is a strong presence of the Gullah-Geechee population in South Carolina. The Gullah language is still a thriving dialect, first spoken by the earliest Black inhabitants of the Lowcountry areas. For an immersive tour that teaches you about the Gullah people’s language, history and customs, book with Gullah Tours.
Where to stay
Courtyard Charleston Historic District, a full-service hotel, is owned by the co-founder of BET, Robert Johnson. Within minutes, guests will find themselves on King Street, a popular shopping district in the downtown area. For a boutique lodging experience, the Parson Inn may be the way to go.
A 15-minute walk from King Street, there are six unique rooms available. Purchased in 1836, the Mills House Hotel is a Holy City landmark that stands out among the crowd because of its pink building and Southern charm.
Related: The best hotels in Charleston
What to eat and drink
When you go to My Three Sons, you can get a hearty bowl of okra soup, a regional dish. They also serve Gullah rice, which combines sausage, tilapia and shrimp.
For soul food, you’ll want to visit Nigel’s Good Food, where you can also try another regional dish, red rice. Hailed as one of the best food trucks in the city, Geechee Boy Food serves delicious seafood and soul food in the Lowcountry region.
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