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11-Day Road Trip Itinerary through Tennessee and Kentucky

Viewed by 676 travelers

Day 1: Nashville Arrival

Nashville, TN

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Love

Start your trip with a delicious Southern breakfast at Biscuit Love, known for its award-winning biscuits.
From your hotel in downtown Nashville, drive 10 minutes to Biscuit Love.
USD15, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit The Parthenon

Explore the full-scale replica of the Parthenon, situated in Centennial Park, a testament to Nashville's artistic flair.
Drive 15 minutes from Biscuit Love to The Parthenon.
USD10, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant

Enjoy a classic Southern lunch with live music at the beloved Puckett's.
A quick 10-minute drive from The Parthenon to Puckett's.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Stroll down Broadway

Wander down Nashville's famous Broadway street, lined with honky-tonks and shops.
Walk along Broadway, starting from Puckett's.
Free, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Country Music Hall of Fame

Discover the history of country music through engaging exhibits at this iconic museum.
Walk from Broadway to the Country Music Hall of Fame in about 10 minutes.
USD25, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Palm Nashville

Indulge in a classy dinner with a view at The Palm, known for its steaks and seafood.
5-minute drive from the Country Music Hall of Fame.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Nashville

Nashville, TN

8:30 AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Pantry

Savor the best pancakes in the city at this local favorite before heading out to explore.
Drive 15 minutes from your hotel to The Pancake Pantry.
USD12, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Ryman Auditorium

Tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry.
5-minute walk from The Pancake Pantry.
USD25, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Explore Nashville's Art District

Visit art galleries and local shops in the vibrant 5th Avenue Art District.
A 10-minute walk from the Ryman Auditorium.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Treat yourself to Nashville's famous hot chicken for lunch.
15-minute drive from the Art District to Hattie B's.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

Dive into the life and legacy of the legendary Johnny Cash in this dedicatory museum.
5-minute drive from Hattie B's to the museum.
USD20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Nashville Zoo

Spend your afternoon exploring the diverse range of animals at the Nashville Zoo.
Drive 15 minutes from the Johnny Cash Museum.
USD19, 2.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Loveless Cafe

Enjoy a hearty dinner at the famous Loveless Cafe, known for its incredible biscuits and fried chicken.
20-minute drive from Nashville Zoo.
USD30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Memphis

Memphis, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Toasted Yolk Cafe

Start your day with breakfast at this local favorite known for its hearty portions.
Drive 20 minutes from your hotel to Toasted Yolk Cafe.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Head to Memphis

Leave Nashville and begin your scenic drive to Memphis, taking in the views along the way.
Take I-40 W towards Memphis.
Cost of gas, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Central BBQ

Arrive in Memphis and enjoy a mouth-watering lunch featuring pulled pork and ribs.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel to Central BBQ.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

National Civil Rights Museum

Explore this powerful museum located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
10-minute drive from Central BBQ.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Beale Street

Take a stroll down historic Beale Street, the heart of Memphis's vibrant music scene.
A short 5-minute drive from the museum to Beale Street.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Finish your day with dinner at Gus’s for some of the best fried chicken you'll ever taste.
Just 5 minutes from Beale Street.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discover Memphis

Memphis, TN

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Arcade Restaurant

Start your morning at the oldest café in Memphis, known for its classic diner feel.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel to The Arcade Restaurant.
USD12, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Graceland

Tour the former home of Elvis Presley at Graceland, where the King of Rock 'n' Roll lived.
20-minute drive from The Arcade Restaurant to Graceland.
USD45, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at The Vintage Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at this charming café known for its baked goods and sandwiches.
Drive 15 minutes from Graceland to The Vintage Café.
USD15, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Sun Studio

Experience the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll with a guided tour of Sun Studio.
A 10-minute drive from The Vintage Cafe.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Explore the artistic culmination of soul music history at this fantastic museum.
Another quick 10-minute drive.
USD13, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Peabody Rooftop Bar

Wrap up your Memphis visit with dinner at this rooftop bar offering fabulous views.
Drive 15 minutes from the Stax Museum.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Memphis

Day 5: Bowling Green Bliss

Bowling Green, KY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Big Boy's

Start your day with a classic breakfast at Big Boy's before the trip to Bowling Green.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel to Big Boy's.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Bowling Green

Hit the road towards Bowling Green, famous for its wealth of attractions.
Take I-65 N to Bowling Green.
Cost of gas, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Visit the National Corvette Museum

Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to the National Corvette Museum.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel to the museum.
USD10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Bistro

Dine at The Bistro offering a delightful mix of flavors and dishes.
A short drive from the museum.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Lost River Cave Tour

Enjoy a guided boat tour in this fascinating cave that leads to beautiful waterfalls.
Drive 15 minutes to Lost River Cave.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore the Historic Railpark and Train Museum

Explore the rich rail history of Bowling Green at this educational museum.
A 10-minute drive from Lost River Cave.
USD10, 1.5 hours

6:45 PM

Dinner at 440 Main

Enjoy dinner at 440 Main, a local restaurant with delicious dishes and great ambiance.
Drive 5 minutes from Historic Railpark.
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Bowling Green

Day 6: Louisville Adventures

Louisville, KY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wild Eggs

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Wild Eggs, praised for its creative egg dishes.
Drive 1 hour from Bowling Green to Wild Eggs in Louisville.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum

Tour this engaging museum and see how legendary baseball bats are made.
10-minute drive from Wild Eggs.
USD20, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore the Muhammad Ali Center

Learn about the life of the legendary boxer and humanitarian at this stunning museum.
A quick 5-minute drive.
USD15, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Brown Hotel's English Grill

Savor traditional Kentucky cuisine at this elegant hotel restaurant.
10-minute drive from Ali Center.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Kentucky Science Center

Engage with interactive exhibits at this family-friendly center.
A 5-minute drive from The Brown Hotel.
USD12, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Harvest

Enjoy farm-to-table dining at Harvest, with a menu celebrating local ingredients.
Drive 10 minutes from Kentucky Science Center.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Louisville

Day 7: More of Louisville

Louisville, KY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dizzy Whizz

Try the famous pancakes and egg dishes at this casual diner adored by locals.
Drive 15 minutes from your hotel to Dizzy Whizz.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore the Kentucky Derby Museum

Learn about the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby at this engaging museum.
A 15-minute drive from the diner to the museum.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Wicky's BBQ

Indulge in mouth-watering BBQ at Wicky's for a true Kentucky experience.
10-minute drive to Wicky’s BBQ.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Louisville Zoo

Spend your afternoon learning about different animal species at this beloved zoo.
15-minute drive from lunch.
USD15, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Jack Fry's

Wrap up your day with dinner at this upscale restaurant known for its Southern cuisine.
20-minute drive from the zoo.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Louisville

Day 8: Lexington Livelihood

Lexington, KY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at North Lime Coffee & Donuts

Kickstart your day with artisanal coffee and delicious donuts at this local hotspot.
Drive 1 hour from Louisville to North Lime.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Kentucky Horse Park

Explore the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park and learn about its rich equestrian history.
10-minute drive from North Lime.
USD16, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Grey Goose

Enjoy a delightful lunch at this cozy bistro known for its comfort food and local ingredients.
15-minute drive from the Horse Park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Mary Todd Lincoln House

Discover the history of Mary Todd Lincoln in this intriguing historic home.
Drive 15 minutes from lunch.
USD10, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Lexington Distillery District

Enjoy local craft beers and spirits in this vibrant district filled with breweries.
10-minute drive from the Lincoln House.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Coles 735 Main

End your day with a delicious dinner at this upscale restaurant boasting local flavors.
Drive 15 minutes from the Distillery District.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lexington

Day 9: Lexington Leisure

Lexington, KY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Doodles

Start your day with a creative breakfast at this cheerful local eatery.
Drive 10 minutes from your hotel to Doodles.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate

Tour the historic estate of statesman Henry Clay, known for its lush gardens.
Drive 15 minutes from Doodles.
USD10, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Alfalfa Restaurant

Dig into hearty brunch options made from scratch at this beloved spot.
10-minute drive from the estate.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Lexington History Museum

Delve into local history at this informative museum showcasing the area’s past.
5-minute drive from lunch.
USD8, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore the University of Kentucky

Stroll through the beautiful campus of the University of Kentucky.
5-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Ramsey’s Diner

Enjoy a casual dinner with a Southern flair at Ramsey's.
Drive 10 minutes from the university.
USD20, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Lexington

Day 10: Knoxville Discoveries

Knoxville, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Pete's Coffee Shop

Start your day at Pete's, a cozy coffee shop known for delicious breakfasts.
Drive 1 hour from Lexington to Pete's Coffee Shop.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore the Knoxville Museum of Art

Admire the works of local and international artists at this fantastic museum.
Drive 15 minutes from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tomato Head

Enjoy farm-fresh ingredients and a laid-back atmosphere at this local favorite for lunch.
A short 10-minute drive.
USD15, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Sunsphere Observation Deck

Climb to the top of the Sunsphere for panoramic views of Knoxville.
20-minute drive from lunch.
USD5, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit World's Fair Park

Explore this urban park featuring beautiful fountains and gardens.
Short 5-minute drive from the Sunsphere.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The French Market

End your day with a delightful dinner at this charming bistro featuring French cuisine.
10-minute drive from the park.
USD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Knoxville

Day 11: Chattanooga Wonders

Chattanooga, TN

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bluegrass Grill

Start your day with a tasty and hearty breakfast at this popular spot in Chattanooga.
Drive 1 hour from Knoxville to Bluegrass Grill.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Ruby Falls

Visit the stunning Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall located within Lookout Mountain.
A 15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Terminal Brewhouse

Relish local craft beers and delicious pub fare at The Terminal Brewhouse.
A quick 10-minute drive.
USD20, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Visit the Tennessee Aquarium

Spend your afternoon discovering aquatic life at the Tennessee Aquarium.
A short drive from lunch.
USD30, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Lookout Mountain

Enjoy breathtaking views and hiking trails in the Lookout Mountain area.
15-minute drive from the aquarium.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Community Pie

Cross off your last meal at Community Pie, famous for its artisanal pizzas.
10-minute drive from Lookout Mountain.
USD25, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Chattanooga
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