Since you'll be leaving Jarrell later today, use the morning to prep, fuel up, and enjoy a relaxed start: grab breakfast and coffee at Common Grounds Coffee in Jarrell, pick up durable snacks and a road map at H-E-B Plus! for the drive, then take a short scenic detour to stretch your legs at Cedar Park Sculpture Garden for fresh air before loading the car. Finish with a quick vehicle check at Joe's Auto Care (oil, tires, and windshield wipers) so you head out confidently toward the first Buc-ee's of the trip in the afternoon.
Head out mid-afternoon toward your first highway layover at Buc-ee's Temple for a massive snack restock and famously spotless restrooms, then drive on with a quick photo stop at Waco Mammoth National Monument to stretch your legs among Ice Age exhibits and outdoor trails. As traffic builds later in the day, plan a sunset pit stop at Buc-ee's Madisonville (or closest Buc-ee's on your route) for dinner-style sandwiches and a brisk walk around their fuel plaza before checking in at your east Little Rock-area hotel.
After your final Buc-ee's pit stop of the evening, unwind with a relaxed dinner and local flavor at The Root Café & Taproom near east Little Rock for elevated comfort food and regional brews, then take a brief waterfront stroll alongside Arkansas River Trail to stretch after the drive and watch the lights ripple on the water. Finish by checking into your east Little Rock-area hotel and, if energy allows, grab a nightcap at the hotel bar or pop into Rock Town Distillery Tasting Room for a quick sampling of Arkansas spirits before turning in for the night.
After a restful stay near east Little Rock, fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Pantry Café before hitting the road; plan a leisurely mid-morning stop at Pinnacle Mountain State Park for a short trail walk or overlook photo to break up the drive and stretch your legs. Continue east with a scenic pause and picnic lunch supplies from Gruver's Grocery, and if time allows swing through Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock for a quick riverside stroll before setting your sights on Knoxville for the afternoon arrival.
Hit the road after checkout and plan a lunchtime stretch at Clinton Street Baking Company & Restaurant in Knoxville for legendary sandwiches and light pastries, then wander the historic Market Square to browse local boutiques and street performers. Later, climb up to Ijams Nature Center for an easy riverside trail and the Quarry Boardwalk-perfect for stretching sore legs and snapping scenic photos before your evening plans in town.
Wind down your road-trip finale with a relaxed dinner at Calhoun's on the River, where riverside seating and smoked Tennessee BBQ pair perfectly with sunset views. Afterward, take a leisurely post-meal stroll across Volunteer Landing to enjoy lights on the river and live music from nearby buskers, then cap the night with a craft cocktail at Preservation Pub in Old City before returning to your hotel to rest for tomorrow's explorations.