6 Night Road Trip in Tennessee

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Advisor - Michelle Saunders
Curated By

Michelle Saunders

  • Tennessee

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Arts & Culture

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

A lit-up sign reading "Tennessee" during the nighttime
Curator’s statement

Embarking on a road trip from Memphis to Lynchburg and then to Nashville offers a wonderful blend of musical history, scenic landscapes and Southern charm. Here's a suggested itinerary for your road trip:

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Day 1: Fly to Nashville

A picture of a bridge over a body of water during sunrise

Fly to Nashville and drive to Memphis. Stop at The Loveless Cafe for a meal on the way - they have bottomless biscuits and homemade jams that are to die for. Stay at ARRIVE Memphis and get a good night sleep for the next full one day in Memphis.

Day 2: Start at Sun Records

A picture of a brown concrete building named as Sun Studio with guitar on its side.

Start at Sun Records then go to the Lorraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum. If you have avid outdoors people in your group, go to the giant pyramid that is the Bass Pro Shop - one of the largest retail stores in the world, and has a hotel inside. Lunch at Central BBQ - the best ribs you have ever had, and Memphis is famous for their BBQ. That evening goes to Graceland and then have dinner and listen to some blues music at BB King's Blues Club. After the full day, back to the hotel, and on to Lynchburg tomorrow.

Day 3: Drive to Lynchburg

A picture of a street with cars parked on the side and stop signs at the corners.

Drive to Lynchburg, the home of Jack Daniel's. Have lunch at the boarding house, Miss Mary Bobo's House - Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House is a historic and iconic establishment located in Lynchburg, Tennessee. It is renowned for its Southern hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and its association with the Jack Daniel's Distillery. After lunch head over to the Jack Daniel's Distillery for your tour - even if you are under 21 or do not drink, the tour is fantastic. Then drive to Nashville and check in to the Thompson Nashville. We had dinner at 404 Kitchen, right in the Gulch, near our hotel and it was delicious.

Day 4: Walk to Downtown

An auditorium filled with people during a concert.

We walked to downtown and on to the bridge, to see the views, and then to the Johnny Cash Museum, which is fantastic. We had BBQ for lunch at Peg Leg Porker and went to 12S district to walk around and shop. Dinner at Adele's - a must, in an old car dealership and delicious farm to table food. We had a concert at the Ryman that night - even if you don't know the band, go to a show there - it is a must. An old church, and the acoustics are amazing! You can walk from Adele's to the Ryman.

Day 5: Tour Hatch Press

An inside picture of the Music Hall of Fame Museum, with people walking inside.

Start the day with a tour of the Hatch Press, where they make all the silkscreen posters for every show at the Ryman over the years. Then we went to the Country Music Hall of Fame, where you can spend hours. Lunch at Justin Timerlake's restaurant / club - The Twelve Thirty Club - on the rooftop, with a great view of Nashville. Go check out Robert's Western World for the world's best honkytonk bar (feels like "old Nashville"). Try the Recession Special - a PBR and bologna sandwich. Then we got ready for going to the Grand Ole Opry - another must, no matter who is playing. There are not a lot of options for dinner around there, but we had an entertaining dinner at the Bavarian Bierhaus, along with yodeling and a great German band. We went to The Station Inn afterwards, right by the hotel, for amazing bluegrass music.

Day 6: Check out Franklin

An aerial view of the city with tall buildings during the daytime.

We were flying out later this day, so checked out of the hotel and went to check out Franklin, a charming suburb that has a great lunch spot, Puckett's, for bbq meat and three, as well as live music. After lunch, drive to Nashville airport and fly home.

Need to know

Great for BBQ lovers, music lovers and history alike other restaurants to try - Rolf and Daughters, Locust, Bastion, Audrey, the Continental. Hattie B's for hot chicken, Edley's and Martin's as well for BBQ, Coffee at Barista Parlor, Breakfast/Lunch at Buttermilk Ranch. Ccheck out Do615 for local music events when in town.

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Nicole Sansone’s guide, Musical Journey to Nashville, Tennessee.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tennessee.

Advisor - Michelle Saunders

Travel Advisor

Michelle Saunders

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Nicole Sansone’s guide, Musical Journey to Nashville, Tennessee.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Tennessee.