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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Where to stay
ARRIVE Memphis
Picture-worthy millennial heaven with an all-day bakery with coffee and cocktails, a shuffleboard bar and a poker room.
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10% off BAR.
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Welcome Amenity.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Thompson Nashville
A chic boutique hotel offering luxury accommodations and curated experiences in the heart of Music City.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Peabody Hotel
Nestled in the heart of a bustling city, this iconic establishment is steeped in rich history and offers a blend of classic sophistication and modern amenities. Its luxurious accommodations, impeccable service and world-class dining options create an unforgettable experience. Boasting an illustrious legacy and an ambiance that exudes charm, the Peabody Hotel continues to be a premier destination.
Four Seasons Hotel Nashville
A delightful luxury hotel in Nashville's SoBro neighborhood with spacious rooms and a fine-dining restaurant.
Fora Perks
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When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Noelle Nashville Downtown
Noelle is an immersive hotel and creative gathering place in downtown Nashville for adventurous people seeking a true Nashville encounter.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Daily breakfast.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Michelle to book your trip.
Day 1: Fly to Nashville
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.