Tennessee Road Trip: Scenic Drive Bursting with Music and Attractions

Memphis is known worldwide for its barbecue and music, as well as its bustling metro area full of culture and attractions. The city has more than 100 different barbecue joints, all cooking up delectable eats. Try Central BBQ, a local favorite that’s been nationally lauded for its fall-off-the-bone meats, delicious sides and unforgettable desserts. Memphis calls itself the “Home of Blues, Soul & Rock N’ Roll,” and you’ll find many ways to experience this legacy. After lunch, head to Graceland, home of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. The estate is a designated National Historic Landmark where visitors can tour the 23-room mansion, plus exhibits displaying Elvis’ colorful jumpsuits, personal car collection and private jets. Learn more about the city’s rich music legacy at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum, Memphis Rock n’ Soul Museum and Memphis Music Hall of Fame. As the sun sets, neon lights illuminate several blocks of Beale Street, where live music from more than 25 venues spills into the streets year-round. Dance the night away at renowned venues like Rum Boogie Café and B.B. King’s Blues Club, which have been hosting nightly bands for decades. Make some time to catch the Mighty Lights on the Hernando de Soto Bridge to marvel at the mighty Mississippi River framed by dazzling LED lights at sundown. The bridge also makes for iconic daytime city and river views if you have time for a detour before hitting the road.

A scenic three-hour drive east on Interstate 40 takes you from one music mecca to another. Nashville, also known as “Music City”, has an electrifying and diverse music scene with more than 180 live music venues and ties to numerous music legends. To learn more about its rich history of music, check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Music City Walk of Fame, the National Museum of African American Music and the Johnny Cash Museum, all within walking distance of each other. Country music lovers must pilgrimage to the legendary Grand Ole Opry, where thousands of country, folk and bluegrass musicians at all levels of fame have played. Fans can take daytime tours of the complex or post-show tours with backstage access. If you’re in Nashville for the music, there are shows every night; check to see if a favorite band is playing or discover your next musical obsession. Looking to fly a little under the radar? Dive into Nashville’s many fun neighborhoods. In walkable 12South, head to Five Daughters Bakery for delicious cronuts in classic and trendy flavors. In the adjacent Midtown neighborhood, you’ll find sprawling green space, Centennial Park. Known for its full-size replica of the Parthenon, it also hosts Musicians Corner, a free outdoor live music series in the heart of Nashville. Finally, a night out in Nashville isn’t complete without a trip to Lower Broadway, lovingly nicknamed the “Honky Tonk Highway,” a colorful strip in downtown with more than two dozen all-day and late-night music spots.

From Nashville, drive two hours southeast on Interstate 24 through the picturesque heart of Tennessee to Chattanooga. You’ll understand why they call it the “Scenic City” upon arrival, thanks to its manicured riverfront and beautiful parks encircled by lush mountains and forests. Your first stop in the Scenic City is Point Park, site of the U.S. Civil War’s “Battle Above the Clouds” and adjoining Lookout Mountain. The area has 130 kilometers of hiking trails, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the stunning view. Ride the historic Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain for a panoramic view of seven states. Don’t forget to check out Ruby Falls, the tallest underground waterfall in the USA. Back in downtown Chattanooga, make sure to wander the Tennessee Riverwalk, a 21-kilometer path alongside the Tennessee River that connects visitors to some of the city’s main attractions including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Bluff View Art District and multiple parks and marinas. Highlights include Coolidge Park, a large greenspace with interactive water fountains and an antique carousel, and the Walnut Street Bridge, one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges. For some delicious eats, check out State of Confusion in the city’s Southside Historic District. Sample made-from-scratch menu items on their spacious outdoor patio for an afternoon or evening that won’t disappoint. Another great food choice is just two blocks away at STIR, a chic restaurant with modern eats, an oyster bar and cocktails featuring craft ice.

Take Interstates 75 and 40 northeast into the Appalachian Mountains toward Knoxville. Sitting in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, this college town is bursting with natural beauty, history and distinct attractions. Get acquainted with the city via the Tennessee River, rentals and tours are available for spectacular vistas of the skyline, riverside parks, trails and restaurants. You’ll also see Neyland Stadium, the seventh largest stadium in the world and home to the University of Tennessee Volunteers football team. Knoxville’s other noteworthy attractions include the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, paying homage to the top women in the sport, and the Knoxville Museum of Art, celebrating the art and artists of East Tennessee. Across the street, check out World’s Fair Park, the location of the 1982 World’s Fair and continued home to The Sunsphere. This iconic tower welcomed visitors to the fair then and houses an observation deck in its gold-tinted glass sphere. For wonderful shopping and dining, head to Market Square. Since the 1860s, this historic pedestrian mall in downtown Knoxville has boasted a variety of local shops and restaurants. The area also hosts outdoor concerts, movies, plays and festivals year-round. A block away, the Radius Rooftop Lounge sits atop a 13-story building overlooks Gay Street, a hip area with art galleries, historic theaters and nightlife spots. The lounge offers a 360-degree view of Knoxville and the nearby Smoky Mountains, perfect for a sunset to remember.

From Knoxville, a quick 45-minute drive southeast on US Highway 441 through rolling hills gets you to Sevierville. This quaint town acts as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is the perfect spot to wrap up this epic Tennessee road trip. One of the region’s many natural attractions, the Douglas Dam Overlook provides spectacular views of the dam, the Douglas Reservoir’s 894 kilometers of shoreline and surrounding mountains. Out on the water, rent speed boats and personal watercraft, or explore at a slower pace on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard. Anglers can try their hand at catching bass, walleye and bluegill. After a day of adventuring, discover the charm of downtown’s eclectic shops, refreshing craft beer, delicious dining and historic sites. Sevierville is the hometown of country music legend Dolly Parton; make sure to snap a selfie with her statue in the heart of downtown. Tennessee is also known for its moonshine liquor; check out the Tennessee Shine Company for both a history lesson and tasting experience. For dinner, you’ll be surprised by the farm-to-table experience at The Appalachian, where the chef takes fresh ingredients and prepares authentic Southern Appalachian fare. When it’s time for your trip to end, drive back to Knoxville and catch a connecting flight out of McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), or make the three-hour drive to Nashville to fly out of Nashville International Airport (BNA).