Welcome to Nashville! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. In the morning, explore the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where you can learn about the history of country music. In the afternoon, visit the historic RCA Studio B, where legendary artists like Elvis Presley recorded their hits. In the evening, head to the famous Broadway Street and enjoy live music at various honky-tonk bars.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Estimated Cost - $25, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
RCA Studio B: Estimated Cost - $16, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Broadway Street: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - Evening
Restaurants
The Pancake Pantry serves delicious and fluffy pancakes with a variety of toppings. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try Hattie B's Hot Chicken, where you can savor their famous hot and crispy Nashville-style fried chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a mouthwatering barbecue dinner at Peg Leg Porker, known for their smoky and tender ribs. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Friday, December 1: Exploring Nashville
Start the day at Centennial Park, home to the iconic Parthenon replica. Explore the park, stroll around the lake, and visit the art museum inside the Parthenon. In the afternoon, visit the Johnny Cash Museum, dedicated to the life and music of the legendary artist. In the evening, indulge in some delicious Southern cuisine at one of Nashville's renowned restaurants.
For breakfast, head to Pancake Pantry for a wide variety of delicious pancakes and other breakfast favorites. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try the famous Hattie B's Hot Chicken for their mouthwatering Nashville hot chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, experience the lively atmosphere and amazing barbecue at Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Saturday, December 2: Journey to Memphis
Today, you'll travel from Nashville to Memphis. Rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive through Tennessee. Along the way, make a stop at the Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, where you can explore the country legend's museum and tour her mansion. Arrive in Memphis in the afternoon and visit the famous Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of Beale Street, known for its live music and vibrant nightlife.
Graceland: Estimated Cost - $47, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Beale Street: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out Our Daily Bread, a charming bakery and café located in downtown Nashville. They offer a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious breakfast sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Central BBQ in Memphis, a popular spot known for its mouthwatering barbecue. Be sure to try their famous pulled pork sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, visit Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken in downtown Memphis. This iconic restaurant serves up crispy and flavorful fried chicken with all the classic Southern sides. The average cost for a meal is about $12-15 per person.
Sunday, December 3: Discovering Memphis
Start the day by visiting the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Explore the museum and learn about the civil rights movement in the United States. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront and enjoy the scenic views. Don't miss the chance to try some authentic Memphis barbeque for dinner at one of the local BBQ joints.
National Civil Rights Museum: Estimated Cost - $17, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Start your morning off right at Brother Juniper's, a popular breakfast spot known for their delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, where you can indulge in their crispy and flavorful fried chicken. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, experience the true taste of Memphis at Central BBQ, a local favorite for their mouthwatering ribs and pulled pork. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Monday, December 4: Memphis Music Scene
Explore the rich musical history of Memphis today. Start by visiting Sun Studio, often referred to as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, where legendary artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash recorded their music. In the afternoon, head to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music to learn about the history of soul music. In the evening, catch a live blues performance at one of the local music venues.
Sun Studio: Estimated Cost - $15, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Stax Museum of American Soul Music: Estimated Cost - $13, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Local music venue: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, start your day at the Arcade Restaurant, the oldest cafe in Memphis. Indulge in their famous pancakes while enjoying the retro atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, make your way to Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken, a Memphis staple. Experience their perfectly crispy and flavorful fried chicken, served with delicious sides. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Majestic Grille, a historic restaurant located in downtown Memphis. Enjoy their contemporary American cuisine in a beautiful Art Deco setting. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Memphis Attractions
Today, explore more of Memphis's attractions. Start with a visit to the Memphis Zoo, home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the history of the city at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. In the evening, take a leisurely riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River and enjoy the beautiful views.
The Arcade Restaurant: A historic diner serving traditional Southern breakfast dishes such as biscuits and gravy. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken: Enjoy delicious and crispy fried chicken at this famous local spot. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
The Beauty Shop Restaurant: Housed in a converted 1950s beauty salon, this trendy restaurant offers a diverse menu with options like sushi and burgers. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Departure from Memphis
On your last day, take some time to relax and reflect on your trip. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and explore any remaining sights in Memphis that you may have missed. In the afternoon, make your way to the airport for your departure.
Local cafe: Estimated Cost - $10-20, Time Spent - Morning
Exploring Memphis: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - Afternoon
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Nashville and Memphis, consider visiting some off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. In Nashville, check out the quirky Lane Motor Museum, which houses a unique collection of vintage and European vehicles. In Memphis, venture to the Memphis Botanic Garden for a peaceful retreat amidst beautiful gardens and themed areas.