A 15-day Southern Americana journey exploring Middle Tennessee, historic Franklin, and Memphis before returning to Nashville.
Estimated cost
£3,877estimated total
Stays
£2,642
Fuel
£95
Food
£780
Other
£360
Estimates generated at planning time — your actual costs may vary.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
44 km54mDepart 09:12
Start
Nashville, TN, USA
Drive 37 km south via I-65 S from Nashville to Franklin in about 35 minutes to begin exploring historic Williamson County.
37 km33m
1
Attraction
Carnton
Franklin, United States
09:45–11:301h 45m here£18
Historic plantation home and Civil War battlefield field hospital
Park in the free visitor lot off Eastern Flank Circle; book the house tour on arrival to see historic Civil War medical artifacts.
Drive 3 km northwest via Columbia Avenue into downtown Franklin in about 8 minutes.
4 km8m
2
Food
GRAYS on Main
Franklin, United States
11:45–13:001h 15m here£28
Southern dining in a restored Victorian pharmacy
Reserve an upstairs booth; order the pimento cheese toast and shrimp and grits inside this restored 1876 Victorian pharmacy building.
Drive 1 km south via Columbia Avenue to the Carter House in about 4 minutes.
1 km4m
3
Attraction
Carter House
Franklin, United States
13:15–15:001h 45m here£18
Pivotal Battle of Franklin landmark showing battle bullet holes
Park at the on-site museum lot; explore the battle-riddled farm office displaying the highest concentration of bullet holes in North America.
Walk 1 km north along Columbia Avenue to the historic square in about 12 minutes.
2 km5m
4
Activity
Franklin Downtown Historic District
Franklin, United States
15:15–17:152h here
Stroll picturesque 16-block historic Main Street
Park along 4th Avenue; stroll historic Main Street to browse independent bookshops, antique stores, and artisan boutiques.
Walk 300 meters along Center Street to the restaurant in about 4 minutes.
500 m2m
5
Food
Red Pony
Franklin, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£48
Upscale contemporary Southern cuisine in a historic townhouse
Book a table online in advance; try the bacon-wrapped quail and smoked beef tenderloin with southern sides in an upscale townhouse.
Walk 350 meters east along 2nd Avenue North to the hotel in about 5 minutes.
600 m2m
6
Overnight
The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
Franklin, United States
19:45–08:3011h here£210
Refined riverside boutique hotel in downtown Franklin
Use the valet entrance on 2nd Avenue; relax in riverside luxury steps from historic Main Street's evening entertainment.
Day 2
59 km1h 2mDepart 08:45
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive 14 km west via TN-96 W to the iconic Natchez Trace double-arch bridge in about 20 minutes.
14 km15m
7
Activity
Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge
Franklin, United States
09:00–10:001h here
Iconic double-arch concrete bridge over Tennessee valley
Park at the Birdsong Hollow pull-off off Highway 96; walk the paved overlook for sweeping panoramic views across the Tennessee Valley.
Drive 14 km south along the Natchez Trace Parkway and Old Hillsboro Road to Leiper's Fork in about 15 minutes.
14 km11m
8
Activity
Leipers Fork
Leipers Fork, United States
10:30–12:151h 45m here
Rustic historic hamlet celebrated for folk art and music
Park along Old Hillsboro Road; wander open-air art galleries, rustic porches, and guitar pickin' parlors in this pastoral enclave.
Walk 100 meters along Old Hillsboro Road to the restaurant in about 2 minutes.
200 m1m
9
Food
Fox & Locke
Franklin, United States
12:30–13:451h 15m here£20
Historic country grocery serving barbecue and live music
Walk up to the counter; order the smoked pulled pork platter with skillet cornbread and sweet tea while enjoying live acoustic bluegrass.
Drive 15 km north via Old Hillsboro Road and Natchez Trace Parkway in about 12 minutes.
15 km15m
10
Attraction
Timberland Park
Franklin, United States
14:15–16:302h 15m here
Forested nature reserve on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Park at milepost 437.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway; hike the quiet 1.5-mile wooded ridge trail among native hardwood forests.
Drive 16 km east via TN-96 E into downtown Franklin in about 20 minutes.
16 km17m
11
Food
55 South
Franklin, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£36
Vibrant downtown eatery highlighting Southern road trip comfort food
Reserve early; sample fresh Gulf oysters, Nashville hot chicken tenders, and jalapeño cheese grits in the heart of downtown.
◆
The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton · Overnight
Day 3
204 km3h 4mDepart 08:37
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive 95 km south via US-31A S and TN-55 E through scenic rolling hills to historic Lynchburg in about ~1h 23min.
95 km1h 23m
12
Attraction
Jack Daniel's Distillery
Lynchburg, United States
10:00–12:302h 30m here£30
Historic operational distillery producing sour mash whiskey
Book the Angel's Share tour online weeks in advance; arrive 15 minutes early at the visitor center for sensory barrel tastings.
Drive 1 km north to Main Street in Lynchburg in about 3 minutes.
1 km3m
13
Food
Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant
Lynchburg, United States
12:45–14:151h 30m here£32
Legendary historic family-style Southern boarding house dining
Reserve months ahead for family-style Southern dining; savor fried chicken, skillet okra, and whiskey-glazed apples with local hostesses.
Walk 200 meters into the town square in about 3 minutes.
400 m2m
14
Activity
Lynchburg Historic Town
Lynchburg, United States
14:30–16:001h 30m here
Quaint 19th-century county seat surrounding a historic courthouse
Park around the Moore County Courthouse; explore hardware stores, historic general goods, and taste Lynchburg whiskey fudge.
Drive 91 km northwest via TN-55 W and US-31 N to Thompson's Station in about ~1h 16min.
91 km1h 16m
15
Food
Circa Grill
Thompson's Station, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£42
Farm-to-table Southern dining inside a restored grain depot
Park in the gravel lot beside the historic grain elevator; enjoy local craft steaks and southern farm-to-table cuisine on the patio.
◆
The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton · Overnight
Day 4
128 km1h 47mDepart 08:36
Check out of The Harpeth Franklin Downtown after breakfast at the hotel, and drive 49 km south via US-31 S to Columbia in about 35 minutes.
49 km39m
16
Attraction
President James K. Polk Home and Museum
Columbia, United States
09:15–11:152h here£15
Ancestral home and museum of the 11th US President
Park in the free museum lot on West 7th Street; take the guided house tour showcasing original White House furnishings and gardens.
Drive 1 km east via West 7th Street to the Columbia square in about 3 minutes.
600 m2m
17
Food
Puckett's Restaurant
Columbia, United States
11:30–12:451h 15m here£22
Beloved Tennessee country outpost serving slow-smoked meats
Find street parking on Public Square; enjoy slow-smoked brisket sandwiches and peach cobbler in a classic country store setting.
Drive 74 km north via I-65 N into central Nashville in about 55 minutes.
74 km51m
18
Attraction
Historic RCA Studio B
Nashville, United States
14:15–16:152h here£38
Legendary recording studio where Elvis and Dolly recorded
Board the official tour bus from the Country Music Hall of Fame; stand at Elvis Presley's Steinway piano in the cradle of the Nashville Sound.
Drive 2 km north along 17th Avenue South to Midtown in about 6 minutes.
2 km6m
19
Food
The Patterson House
Nashville, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£40
Intimate speakeasy-style lounge with elevated comfort fare
Arrive right at opening to avoid queues; savor gourmet comfort bar bites and tailored pre-Prohibition craft cocktails.
Drive 1 km northwest along West End Avenue to the hotel in about 4 minutes.
3 km9m
20
Overnight
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza
Nashville, United States
19:45–09:0011h 15m here£195
Sophisticated Midtown hotel with refined amenities
Check into Midtown comfort with convenient covered self-parking and direct transit options to Music Row and West End.
Day 5
29 km59mDepart 09:09
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive 2 km west along West End Avenue to Centennial Park in about 5 minutes.
2 km6m
21
Attraction
The Parthenon
Nashville, United States
09:15–11:152h here£10
Full-scale replica of original Athenian Parthenon and Athena statue
Park for free in the Centennial Park lot; marvel at the 42-foot gold-leaf statue of Athena inside this exact Greek replica.
Drive 1.5 km east via 25th Avenue North to Elliston Place in about 5 minutes.
2 km6m
22
Food
Elliston Place Soda Shop
Nashville, United States
11:45–13:001h 15m here£18
Historic 1939 soda fountain serving classic meat-and-three meals
Park on 21st Avenue North; pull up a red vinyl booth for classic meat-and-three lunches, pimento burgers, and chocolate milkshakes.
Drive 12 km southwest via West End Avenue and Belle Meade Boulevard in about 18 minutes.
12 km23m
23
Attraction
Cheekwood
Nashville, United States
13:30–16:303h here£22
Historic 55-acre botanical garden and Georgian mansion museum
Pre-purchase timed mansion-and-gardens tickets; wander the 55-acre botanical grounds and limestone Georgian estate mansion.
Drive 13 km northeast via West End Avenue back to Midtown in about 18 minutes.
13 km23m
24
Food
Midtown Cafe
Nashville, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£45
Long-running neighborhood bistro serving upscale Southern fare
Use the complimentary dinner valet; order the pan-roasted grouper and lemon artichoke soup in an intimate neighborhood setting.
◆
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza · Overnight
Day 6
56 km1h 24mDepart 08:48
Drive 21 km southwest via TN-100 W to the historic western gateway of Highway 100 in about 28 minutes.
21 km27m
25
Food
The Loveless Cafe
Nashville, United States
09:15–10:451h 30m here£22
Historic roadside icon famed for scratch-made biscuits and preserves
Arrive before 9:30 to beat long lines; order scratch-made buttermilk biscuits with peach preserves, country ham, and red-eye gravy.
Drive 13 km northeast via TN-100 E to Belle Meade Boulevard in about 16 minutes.
13 km15m
26
Attraction
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Nashville, United States
11:15–13:302h 15m here£25
Historic thoroughbred stud farm and Greek Revival antebellum mansion
Book the Mansion Tour online; tour the 1853 Greek Revival plantation home followed by a complimentary wine and bourbon tasting.
Drive 2 km north along Harding Pike in about 4 minutes.
1 km3m
27
Food
The Picnic Cafe & Party Catering
Nashville, United States
13:45–14:451h here£18
Charming tearoom serving classic Southern luncheon specialties
Park in the Belle Meade Galleria lot; try the famous hot chicken salad, cheese wafers, and house-baked orange rolls.
Drive 8.4 km southeast via Granny White Pike to Radnor Lake in about 16 minutes.
8 km15m
28
Activity
Radnor Lake State Park
Nashville, United States
15:15–17:001h 45m here
Pristine protected wildlife sanctuary and scenic lake trail
Park at the Otter Creek Road lot; walk the tranquil Lake Trail to spot white-tailed deer, herons, and otters along the peaceful shoreline.
Drive 11 km north via Franklin Pike back to Midtown in about 18 minutes.
11 km21m
29
Food
Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville - Midtown
Nashville, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£20
Iconic counter-serve joint for authentic Nashville hot chicken
Order online ahead for pickup or join the lively line; pick your spice heat level on jumbo tenders paired with pimento mac and cheese.
◆
Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza · Overnight
Day 7
8 km37mDepart 09:20
Check out of Loews Vanderbilt Hotel after breakfast at the hotel, and drive 2.9 km east down Broadway into downtown Nashville in about 12 minutes.
3 km10m
30
Attraction
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Nashville, United States
09:30–12:002h 30m here£28
World's premier museum devoted to country music's history
Pre-book timed morning tickets; explore two floors of rare instruments, stage costumes, and the soaring Hall of Fame Rotunda.
Walk 400 meters south along 4th Avenue South to Martin's in about 5 minutes.
300 m2m
31
Food
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Nashville, United States
12:15–13:301h 15m here£24
Acclaimed whole-hog barbecue destination in SoBro
Walk into the massive beer garden off 4th Avenue; order the whole-hog pulled pork tray with Alabama white sauce and mac and cheese.
Walk 600 meters northwest via 4th Avenue and Broadway to the Ryman in about 8 minutes.
800 m6m
32
Attraction
Ryman Auditorium
Nashville, United States
14:00–16:002h here£30
Historic Mother Church of Country Music and former Opry home
Book self-guided backstage tour tickets; stand on the historic stage where bluegrass was born inside the Mother Church of Country Music.
Walk 150 meters south to Lower Broadway in about 2 minutes.
1 km5m
33
Activity
Broadway
Nashville, United States
16:15–17:451h 30m here
Legendary strip of historic four-story live country music bars
Walk along Broadway between 4th and 5th Avenues; hear world-class live bands at Robert's Western World without cover charges.
Walk 500 meters southeast along 3rd Avenue South to Demonbreun Street in about 7 minutes.
2 km7m
34
Food
The Southern Steak & Oyster
Nashville, United States
18:15–19:451h 30m here£50
Modern Southern steakhouse and oyster bar in SoBro
Book an evening table; enjoy fresh Gulf oysters, wood-fired steaks, and cheese grits in SoBro's vibrant industrial-chic dining room.
Walk 800 meters northwest along 4th Avenue and Union Street to the hotel in about 11 minutes.
1 km7m
35
Overnight
The Hermitage Hotel
Nashville, United States
20:00–08:4510h 45m here£240
Historic five-star luxury hotel in central downtown Nashville
Pull up to the grand valet on 6th Avenue; admire the restored 1910 Beaux-Arts ceiling and historic art-deco men's room.
Day 8
63 km1h 17mDepart 09:04
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive 26 km east via US-70 E through Lebanon Pike to the Hermitage estate in about 28 minutes.
26 km26m
36
Attraction
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Nashville, United States
09:30–12:002h 30m here£24
Extensive 1,120-acre presidential estate, mansion, and tomb
Park at the visitor center; take the Mansion Tour to see the seventh president's preserved Greek Revival home, tomb, and grounds.
Drive 17 km northwest via Old Hickory Boulevard and McGavock Pike in about 16 minutes.
17 km21m
37
Food
Scoreboard Bar & Grill
Nashville, United States
12:30–13:451h 15m here£20
Lively Music Valley sports tavern serving authentic hot chicken
Park in Music Valley; tuck into hot chicken tenders, smoked ribs, and fried green tomatoes on the covered outdoor patio.
Drive 2 km north along Music Valley Drive to the Grand Ole Opry in about 4 minutes.
2 km6m
38
Attraction
Grand Ole Opry
Nashville, United States
14:15–16:302h 15m here£36
Famed broadcast home of American country music concerts
Book daytime backstage tour tickets in advance; walk through the themed dressing rooms and stand directly on the iconic Opry circle.
Walk 500 meters across the connecting plaza to the resort atrium in about 7 minutes.
1 km5m
39
Activity
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Nashville, United States
16:45–17:451h here
Massive indoor atrium holding botanical waterfalls and waterways
Park at the resort lot; wander nine acres of indoor tropical gardens, cascading waterfalls, and indoor Delta river flatboats.
Drive 17 km west via Briley Parkway and I-40 W back to downtown Nashville in about 22 minutes.
17 km20m
40
Food
Drusie & Darr by Jean-Georges
Nashville, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here£65
Celebrated fine dining inside historic The Hermitage Hotel
Reserve well in advance; savor Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges' farm-to-table cuisine and artisanal cocktails inside the hotel.
◆
The Hermitage Hotel · Overnight
Day 9
8 km29mDepart 09:56
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a 1 km stroll or short drive down Broadway to the historic Frist Art Museum in about 5 minutes.
900 m4m
41
Attraction
Frist Art Museum
Nashville, United States
10:00–12:002h here£15
Major visual art exhibitions inside a landmark Art Deco building
Park in the Frist visitor lot on 10th Avenue South; admire world-class traveling exhibitions inside this 1930s Art Deco former post office.
Drive 3 km north via 8th Avenue North into historic Germantown in about 8 minutes.
2 km8m
42
Food
Monell's
Nashville, United States
12:30–13:451h 15m here£22
Family-style Southern feast of fried chicken and seasonal fixings
Park on 6th Avenue North; join fellow diners at communal tables for bottomless country fried chicken, biscuits, and skillet gravy.
Walk 500 meters west across 6th Avenue North to the park in about 6 minutes.
1 km5m
43
Activity
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Nashville, United States
14:00–15:451h 45m here
State urban park detailing Tennessee geography and history
Park along 6th Avenue; walk the 200-foot granite map of Tennessee, the 95-bell carillon, and the World War II Memorial plaza.
Walk 300 meters north across the park mall in about 4 minutes.
1 km3m
44
Attraction
Tennessee State Museum
Nashville, United States
16:00–17:301h 30m here
Expansive modern state museum showcasing Tennessee heritage
Enter through the Rosa L. Parks Boulevard entrance; explore interactive galleries detailing Tennessee history with free admission.
Walk 800 meters north along 4th Avenue North in about 10 minutes.
800 m3m
45
Food
City House
Nashville, United States
18:15–19:451h 30m here£44
James Beard Award-winning Italian-Southern wood-fired tavern
Book weeks ahead; feast on James Beard Award-winning wood-fired belly ham pizzas, house-made pastas, and seasonal Italian-Southern fare.
◆
The Hermitage Hotel · Overnight
Day 10
16 km50mDepart 09:07
Drive 2 km south from the hotel into the vibrant Gulch neighborhood in about 7 minutes.
2 km8m
46
Food
Biscuit Love
Nashville, United States
09:15–10:301h 15m here£18
Renowned Southern breakfast parlor known for bonuts and biscuits
Arrive early to beat the brunch queue; order the famous 'Bonuts' fried biscuit dough and the 'East Nasty' fried chicken biscuit.
Walk 200 meters down 11th Avenue South in about 3 minutes.
300 m1m
47
Activity
Nashville WhatLiftsYou Wings Mural
Nashville, United States
10:45–12:001h 15m here
Trendy urban neighborhood famous for street murals and boutiques
Park in the 11th Avenue garage; take photos at the famous 'What Lifts You' wings mural and explore trendy designer boutiques.
Drive 5.8 km northeast via Korean Veterans Boulevard and Main Street to East Nashville in about 14 minutes.
6 km12m
48
Food
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden
Nashville, United States
12:30–13:451h 15m here£22
Acclaimed craft burger joint and outdoor biergarten
Head to East Nashville; grab an outdoor picnic table under the trees for 100% Tennessee beef burgers, farm sodas, and hand-cut fries.
Drive 2 km south via McFerrin Avenue to Five Points in about 5 minutes.
1 km3m
49
Activity
Five Points
Nashville, United States
14:00–16:002h here
Bohemian cultural hub packed with indie shops and art spaces
Park along Woodland Street; wander indie record stores, vintage clothing shops, and quirky art spaces in bohemian East Nashville.
Drive 3.9 km west back across the Cumberland River via Woodland Street Bridge in about 10 minutes.
4 km11m
50
Attraction
Johnny Cash Museum
Nashville, United States
16:30–17:451h 15m here£22
World's most comprehensive museum dedicated to the Man in Black
Pre-purchase admission online; explore the world's largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts, stage costumes, and handwritten lyrics.
Walk 600 meters northwest via 4th Avenue North to the hotel in about 8 minutes.
1 km7m
51
Food
The Capital Grille
Nashville, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here£55
Elegant heritage steakhouse inside The Hermitage Hotel
Dine on dry-aged steaks and heritage pork chops in this historic mahogany-lined dining room beneath your hotel.
◆
The Hermitage Hotel · Overnight
Day 11
346 km3h 32mDepart 08:30
Check out of The Hermitage Hotel after breakfast at the hotel, and drive 209 km west via I-40 W towards Jackson along the Music Highway in about ~2h.
209 km2h
52
Attraction
Casey Jones Village
Jackson, United States
10:30–12:001h 30m here£10
Historic railroad museum and Victorian locomotive complex
Park off I-40 Exit 80; tour the historic train engineer's museum home and walk through the historic 1890s rail cars.
Walk 150 meters across the village plaza in about 2 minutes.
100 m
53
Food
Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store
Jackson, United States
12:15–13:301h 15m here£20
Traditional Southern buffet and 19th-century confectionary
Head inside the village restaurant; enjoy the classic Southern buffet with country fried chicken, turnip greens, and cracklin' cornbread.
Drive 134 km west via I-40 W into downtown Memphis in about ~1h 19min.
134 km1h 19m
54
Attraction
Sun Studio
Memphis, United States
15:15–17:152h here£20
Legendary birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll where Elvis was discovered
Park in the free rear lot; take the guided studio tour where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded historic hits.
Drive 2.5 km west down Union Avenue into downtown Memphis in about 7 minutes.
2 km6m
55
Food
Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
Memphis, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£55
Upscale downtown dining serving innovative flight-themed courses
Book in advance; experience multi-course culinary flights paired with wine tastings in the heart of historic downtown Memphis.
Walk 350 meters south along South Main Street to Beale Street in about 5 minutes.
700 m3m
56
Activity
Beale Street
Memphis, United States
19:45–21:151h 30m here
Historic home of the blues lined with iconic live music halls
Walk two blocks from the hotel; enjoy live blues riffs spilling into the neon-lit street from B.B. King's Blues Club.
Walk 400 meters north along 2nd Street to Union Avenue in about 6 minutes.
700 m3m
57
Overnight
The Peabody Memphis
Memphis, United States
21:30–08:3011h here£90
Historic luxury landmark famed for its grand lobby and ducks
Valet park at the grand entrance on Union Avenue; rest in Memphis' most legendary historic landmark hotel.
Day 12
39 km51mDepart 08:46
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive 13 km south via I-55 S and Elvis Presley Boulevard directly to Graceland in about 18 minutes.
13 km14m
58
Attraction
Graceland
Memphis, United States
09:00–12:003h here£65
Elvis Presley's 14-acre mansion and entertainment complex
Reserve Elvis Experience tickets online; board the shuttle across the street to explore the iconic Mansion and automobile museum.
Drive 16 km north via I-55 N to GE Patterson Avenue in downtown Memphis in about 16 minutes.
16 km15m
59
Food
Central BBQ - Downtown
Memphis, United States
12:30–13:451h 15m here£22
Famous Memphis barbecue institution serving dry-rub ribs
Park behind the restaurant; order slow-smoked dry-rub ribs, pulled pork nachos, and house chips topped with tangy barbecue sauce.
Walk 150 meters across Mulberry Street to the museum entrance in about 2 minutes.
800 m3m
60
Attraction
National Civil Rights Museum
Memphis, United States
14:00–16:302h 30m here£18
Crucial historical museum at the historic Lorraine Motel
Pre-purchase timed entry; explore profound exhibits in the historic Lorraine Motel chronicling the American Civil Rights Movement.
Drive 4.1 km east via McLemore Avenue in about 8 minutes.
4 km7m
61
Attraction
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Memphis, United States
16:50–18:001h 10m here£15
Museum celebrating the legacy of Stax Records and soul music
Park in the gated visitor lot; see Isaac Hayes' custom gold-plated Cadillac and celebrate Otis Redding and Stax soul history.
Drive 4.5 km northwest via Danny Thomas Boulevard and Main Street in about 10 minutes.
5 km9m
62
Food
The Majestic Grille
Memphis, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here£46
Classic American chophouse inside a restored 1913 picture house
Reserve a mezzanine table; enjoy grilled steaks and parmesan frites while classic silent films play on the 1913 cinema screen.
◆
The Peabody Memphis · Overnight
Day 13
363 km3h 49mDepart 08:52
Check out of The Peabody Memphis after breakfast at the hotel, and drive 2 km west to the Mississippi riverfront in about 6 minutes.
4 km8m
63
Activity
Mud Island
Memphis, United States
09:00–10:151h 15m here
Scenic Mississippi riverfront park with sweeping river views
Park at the civic garage; walk the pedestrian skybridge to explore the outdoor scale model of the Lower Mississippi River.
Drive 98 km northeast via I-40 E to Brownsville in about 55 minutes.
98 km1h 1m
64
Attraction
West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center / Tina Turner Museum
Brownsville, United States
11:16–12:311h 15m here
Delta cultural museum featuring Tina Turner's restored schoolhouse
Park off I-40 Exit 56; explore the restored one-room Flagg Grove School where Tina Turner attended classes alongside Delta music history.
Drive 8.3 km north into downtown Brownsville via North Washington Avenue in about 8 minutes.
8 km10m
65
Food
Helens Bar B Q
Brownsville, United States
12:45–13:451h here£16
Historic roadside smokehouse run by legendary pitmaster Helen Turner
Pull into the gravel lot; order legendary pit-smoked pulled pork sandwiches and ribs bathed in spicy vinegar sauce from pitmaster Helen.
66
Food
Skull's Rainbow Room
Nashville, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here£50
Historic 1948 Printers Alley speakeasy with live jazz and steaks
Reserve ahead for dinner; savor prime rib and lobster mac in historic Printers Alley while live jazz musicians perform on stage.
Walk 350 meters west along Union Street to the hotel in about 5 minutes.
600 m4m
67
Overnight
The Hermitage Hotel
Nashville, United States
20:04–09:0010h 45m here£136
Historic five-star luxury hotel in central downtown Nashville
Check back into this five-star historic retreat; enjoy the refined downtown comfort for your final two nights.
Day 14
15 km49mDepart 09:24
Following breakfast at the hotel, take a 1 km stroll south down 5th Avenue to 222 Rep. John Lewis Way South in about 12 minutes.
1 km6m
68
Attraction
Hatch Show Print
Nashville, United States
09:30–11:001h 30m here£18
Historic 1879 letterpress poster print shop
Pre-book the print shop tour; learn letterpress printing and pull your own souvenir music poster at this legendary 1879 institution.
Walk 100 meters east across 4th Avenue South in about 2 minutes.
500 m3m
69
Activity
Walk of Fame Park
Nashville, United States
11:15–12:151h here
Outdoor plaza honoring musical artists and industry innovators
Stroll the open plaza opposite the Hall of Fame; discover commemorative granite stars honoring music industry icons.
Walk 800 meters southwest via Demonbreun Street into the Gulch in about 10 minutes.
2 km6m
70
Food
Peg Leg Porker BBQ
Nashville, United States
12:30–13:451h 15m here£22
Pitmaster Carey Bringle's award-winning dry-rub barbecue joint
Head into the Gulch; order dry-rub ribs, smoked green beans, and pimento cheese dip from pitmaster Carey Bringle.
Drive 2.5 km north via 8th Avenue North in about 8 minutes.
3 km8m
71
Attraction
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Nashville, United States
14:15–16:452h 30m here£25
Museum honoring unsung studio musicians of classic recordings
Park at Municipal Auditorium; explore instruments played on iconic studio sessions by Jimi Hendrix, The Wrecking Crew, and Motown.
Drive 1.5 km southeast via 3rd Avenue North to the pedestrian bridge access in about 5 minutes.
4 km9m
72
Activity
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
Nashville, United States
17:00–18:001h here
Long historic truss bridge with skyline panoramas over river
Walk out from 3rd Avenue; capture classic golden-hour skyline panoramas across the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium.
Drive 3 km northwest via Jefferson Street to Germantown in about 8 minutes.
3 km9m
73
Food
The Optimist
Nashville, United States
18:30–20:001h 30m here£55
High-end sustainable seafood and oyster bar in historic Germantown
Reserve an evening table in Germantown; enjoy fresh coastal seafood, wood-hearth oysters, and seasonal cocktails.
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The Hermitage Hotel · Overnight
Day 15
27 km47mDepart 09:18
Check out of The Hermitage Hotel after breakfast at the hotel, and drive 6.2 km southwest to Belmont University in about 12 minutes.
6 km12m
74
Attraction
Belmont Mansion
Nashville, United States
09:30–11:302h here£16
Lavish 1850s Italianate villa on Belmont University campus
Park in the visitor spaces at Belmont University; take the guided tour of this magnificent 1850s Italianate villa and art salon.
Drive 3 km northeast via Wedgewood Avenue and 8th Avenue South in about 7 minutes.
3 km7m
75
Food
Arnold's Country Kitchen
Nashville, United States
12:00–13:151h 15m here£20
Iconic James Beard Award-winning meat-and-three cafeteria
Join the lively cafeteria line on 8th Avenue; pick James Beard Award-winning roast beef, fried chicken, turnip greens, and chess pie.
Drive 4.7 km east via Murfreesboro Pike in about 12 minutes.
5 km10m
76
Attraction
Lane Motor Museum
Nashville, United States
13:25–15:252h here£12
Unique museum displaying rare, eccentric European automobiles
Park in the free on-site lot; wander North America's premier collection of 150 unusual, micro, and propeller-driven European cars.
77
Food
Rolf and Daughters
Nashville, United States
18:00–19:301h 30m here£48
Acclaimed communal dining in a historic Germantown industrial space
Reserve early in Germantown; savor handmade sourdough with seaweed butter, heritage pork, and seasonal pastas to celebrate the trip.
2 km6m
Finish
Nashville, TN, USA
Before you go
Local tips
- 1Book your Jack Daniel's Angel's Share tour slot tonight, as weekend distillery tasting tours routinely sell out well in advance.
- 2Reserve your Graceland and Country Music Hall of Fame timed morning entries online immediately to avoid lengthy box office lines.
- 3Keep standard US highway speeds along I-40 between Nashville and Memphis; state troopers patrol rural West Tennessee county stretches regularly.
- 4Lower Broadway honky-tonks do not charge admission, but remember to carry cash tip bills for the world-class live touring house bands.
Good to know
- 1Moore County (Lynchburg) is a historic dry county; whiskey can be sampled on distillery tours and purchased on site, but local restaurants cannot sell standalone spirits.
- 2Nashville downtown and SoBro street parking is strictly monitored and expensive; utilize hotel garages, valet, or walk to central venues.
- 3I-40 between Nashville and Memphis experiences heavy commercial freight truck traffic; maintain extra following distance during sudden rain squalls.
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