11-Day Family Friendly Road Trip: Nature & Foodie Adventure in Nashville, TN and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Nashville

Nashville, TN on December 20, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Love

Savor Southern breakfast delights like the famous bonuts, fluffy biscuits, and homemade jams, perfect for energizing your family for the day ahead.
Take a leisurely walk or a short drive to the restaurant from your accommodation.
USD40, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Dive into the rich history of American music at this interactive museum that entertains all ages with exhibits showcasing legendary artists.
Drive 5 minutes to the museum.
USD80, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Try Nashville’s iconic hot chicken with various heat levels that’ll please both spice lovers and the kiddos with milder options.
A brief 10-minute drive.
USD50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Walk in Centennial Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this beautiful park, featuring a full-scale replica of the Parthenon and lovely green spaces for the kids to play.
About a 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Indulge in delicious handcrafted burgers and homemade sodas alfresco, a hit with both adults and children.
Approximately 10 minutes by car.
USD70, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nashville Arts & Culture

Nashville, TN on December 21, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

Start your day with a variety of fluffy pancakes, a family favorite that even picky eaters can’t resist.
Located in the Hillsboro Village area, a short drive from downtown.
USD50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Frist Art Museum

Experience family-friendly exhibitions and art activities that inspire curiosity and creativity in your children.
Just a 10-minute drive from breakfast.
USD50, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Edley's Bar-B-Que

Enjoy Southern BBQ with mouth-watering brisket and pulled pork, along with classic sides that everyone will love.
10-minute drive from the museum.
USD60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Spend the afternoon interacting with wildlife and enjoying the interactive exhibits at this engaging family destination.
Approx. 15 minutes driving.
USD80, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at 5th & Taylor

Delight in farm-to-table meals made with locally sourced ingredients, offering a relaxing dining experience.
20-minute drive back towards downtown.
USD100, 2 hours
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Day 3: Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN on December 22, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Loveless Cafe

Relish in homemade biscuits and Southern breakfast classics before embarking on your nature adventure.
Drive 30 minutes southeast to this iconic restaurant.
USD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Enjoy a scenic one-hour drive through picturesque landscapes to reach the breathtaking park entrance.
Follow US-441 S for beautiful mountain views.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hiking the Laurel Falls Trail

Explore this popular family-friendly hike leading to stunning waterfalls in a serene setting, taking your time to enjoy nature.
The trailhead is a short drive from the park entrance.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Park

Pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches and snacks to enjoy at one of the many scenic picnic areas within the park.
Find a picturesque spot near the trail.
USD40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Cades Cove

Experience wildlife and historic buildings in this beautiful valley, perfect for some family exploration and photography.
Around a 30-minute drive to the west.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Pigeon Forge

Head to your evening destination in Pigeon Forge, known for its family attractions.
About a 30-minute drive east.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Old Mill

Dine at this rustic restaurant famous for its Southern cuisine and beautiful waterwheel view.
Located in Pigeon Forge.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Fun in Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge, TN on December 23, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Grist Mill

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast featuring homemade pancakes and syrup that will fuel your Pigeon Forge adventures.
Located within The Old Mill complex.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Dollywood

Spend the day at the famous theme park, filled with rides, shows, and great food that caters to families of all ages.
Just a short 10-minute drive.
USD200, 6 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Bullfish Grill

Savor a variety of steak and seafood options in a family-friendly ambiance.
A quick 10-minute drive from Dollywood.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Gatlinburg Excursion

Gatlinburg, TN on December 24, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry Gatlinburg

Treat the family to some of the best pancakes around, custom-made to satisfy everyone's taste bud.
A quick drive to downtown Gatlinburg.
USD60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Ride the SkyLift SkyBridge for breathtaking views of the Smokies and an exhilarating experience.
Just a short drive to the SkyLift Park.
USD100, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Park Grill

Enjoy delicious smoky mountain dishes served in a rustic lodge setting, perfect to refuel after your morning adventures.
A quick walk from the SkyLift park.
USD70, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Experience an interactive and educational aquarium that offers fun and excitement for all ages.
Just a short walk from lunch.
USD120, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Calhoun's

Feast on BBQ and American classics in an inviting setting with views of the river.
Approximately 10-minute drive away.
USD80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Chattanooga Adventure

Chattanooga, TN on December 25, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Plate

Start your Christmas Day with classic American breakfast plates that will bring the family together in a festive mood.
Drive 1 hour from Gatlinburg to Chattanooga.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Tennessee Aquarium

Let your kids marvel at the wonders of marine life and hands-on exhibits perfect for young explorers.
Located downtown, grab a parking spot close by.
USD120, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aretha Frankenstein's

Indulge in creative brunch dishes in a quirky diner setting, ideal for excited families looking for something different.
A short drive or walk from the aquarium.
USD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Lookout Mountain

Take a scenic drive and enjoy breathtaking views, visit Ruby Falls, and ride the Incline Railway for family fun.
About 30-minute drive from lunch.
USD100, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Enjoy craft brews and a variety of fresh dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for winding down after a day of excitement.
A quick 15-minute drive.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Nashville

Nashville, TN on December 26, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at Milk & Honey

Enjoy artisanal breakfasts made with fresh ingredients, perfect for a delicious and healthy start to your day.
Drive back to Nashville, about 2 hours.
USD50, 1 hour

11:00AM

Nashville Adventure Science Center

Keep the kids entertained at this hands-on science center with engaging exhibits and fun activities.
Only a short drive from breakfast.
USD70, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Jack's Bar-B-Que

Taste authentic Nashville BBQ with a family-friendly menu featuring a variety of meats and classic sides.
10-minute drive.
USD60, 1 hour

3:30PM

Stroll through the Nashville Farmers' Market

Explore local vendors and fresh produce, a great place for kids to learn about healthy eating.
20-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Capitol Grille

End your day with a fine dining experience, offering a seasonal menu with locally-sourced ingredients.
Head back to downtown Nashville, about 20 minutes away.
USD150, 2 hours
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Day 8: Day Trip to Franklin

Franklin, TN on December 27, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Franklin Mercantile Deli

Delight in a cozy breakfast featuring homemade pastries and local specialties to kickstart your day.
Drive down to Franklin, about 30 minutes.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Downtown Franklin

Stroll through charming streets teeming with boutique shops and delicious cafes, great for some family exploration.
Walk around the historic downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gray's on Main

Savor seasonal dishes in a unique setting that reflects Franklin's history, perfect for family dining.
A short walk from downtown shopping.
USD70, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Carnton Plantation

Learn about Civil War history and explore beautiful gardens that offer a glimpse of Southern life.
A short drive from lunch.
USD80, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The 5 Spot

End your day back in Nashville enjoying eclectic menu options that especially cater to families.
Drive back to Nashville, approximately 30 minutes.
USD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Lynchburg & Jack Daniel's

Lynchburg, TN on December 28, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Rich Southern flavors shine at this local diner, perfect for a hearty breakfast before the day’s journey.
Drive 1.5 hours to Lynchburg.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Jack Daniel's Distillery Tour

While the kids explore the beautiful grounds, adults can enjoy a guided tour of the world-renowned distillery.
A short drive to the distillery.
USD30, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Barbecue Joint

Feast on local BBQ treats that will satisfy the whole family’s appetite.
10-minute drive from the distillery.
USD70, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Lynchburg's Town Square

Spend some time wandering the quaint town square, filled with shops and small local attractions.
Drive a few minutes into the town center.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Drive back to Nashville

Enjoy the scenic ride back, reflecting on your family adventure.
Approximately 1.5 hours back to Nashville.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Demos' Steak and Spaghetti House

Savor a delicious mix of Italian and steakhhouse favorites in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect to end your day.
Located in Nashville.
USD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Final Day in Nashville

Nashville, TN on December 29, 2024

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Row Kitchen & Pub

Relax and enjoy classics like avocado toast and Southern-style breakfast dishes to ease into your final day.
A short drive within Nashville.
USD50, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit The Johnny Cash Museum

Explore the exhibits dedicated to the legendary Johnny Cash, making music history entertaining for the whole family.
Just a drive away from breakfast.
USD40, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Wild Cow

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian menu that even meat-eaters will love, featuring creative dishes in a laid-back vibe.
Just a short drive.
USD60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore The Parthenon

Take the kids to learn about ancient Greek architecture with a fun visit to this full-scale replica adorned with beautiful art.
Head back to Centennial Park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Wrap up with Dinner at The Palm

Cap off your memorable journey with an upscale dining experience featuring quality steaks and seafood.
Located in downtown Nashville.
USD200, 2 hours
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Day 11: Departure Day

Nashville, TN on December 30, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel or Local Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or a local cafe to fuel up before your trip home.
N/A
USD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Leisurely Day & Departure

Pack your belongings and take a final stroll through the city or visit any missed attractions before departing.
Prepare for your flight or travel back home.
Free, Variable
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