Ultimate 10-Day Road Trip: St. Louis to Nashville and Memphis

Day 1: Explore St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

9:00AM

Breakfast at Rooster

Enjoy delicious breakfast options at Rooster, known for their crepes and omelets.
Head to the iconic Missouri Botanical Garden afterward.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Missouri Botanical Garden

Stroll through stunning gardens filled with unique plant species and the beautiful Climatron.
Drive 10 minutes to the Gateway Arch after visiting the gardens.
USD15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Savor authentic Memphis-style barbecue at Pappy's, a must-try while in St. Louis.
After lunch, head to the Gateway Arch.
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Gateway Arch

Take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
You can also explore the museum at the base.
USD27, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Sidney Street Cafe

Indulge in gourmet cuisine at this trendy restaurant, well-known for its innovative dishes.
After dinner, return to your hotel to rest.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 2: Final Day in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Mud House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Mud House, loved for its cozy atmosphere and local coffee.
After breakfast, head to Forest Park.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Forest Park

Explore the vast landscapes of Forest Park, home to art, culture, and nature.
Take a quick drive to the St. Louis Art Museum after enjoying the park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

St. Louis Art Museum

Browse an impressive collection of artworks spanning centuries and cultures.
Head back for lunch in town.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Crossing

Dig into a seasonal lunch menu at The Crossing, acclaimed for its fresh ingredients.
Prepare for your drive to Nashville.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Depart for Nashville

Hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive to Nashville.
The journey takes about 4 hours, so enjoy the music playlists as you drive.
USDGas, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The Red Pony

End the night with comfort food and artisanal cocktails at this charming Nashville eatery.
Check into your hotel after dinner.
USD50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Nashville Highlights

Nashville, TN

9:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Dive into fluffy pancakes at this iconic Nashvillian breakfast spot.
After breakfast, head to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Country Music Hall of Fame

Discover the history of country music through engaging exhibits and memorabilia.
Walk to the nearby Johnny Cash Museum after your visit.
USD25, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Experience Nashville's famous hot chicken at this popular eatery.
After lunch, make your way to Broadway for some live music.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Live Music on Broadway

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of famous honky-tonks with live music performances.
Stroll around the shops and grab cocktails at one of the bars.
USD10, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Capitol Grille

Savor exquisite regional cuisine at The Capitol Grille, a perfect way to end your day.
Head back to your hotel to recharge.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nashville Exploration

Nashville, TN

9:00AM

Breakfast at Frothy Monkey

Start your day with a delightful breakfast item and a local coffee brew.
After fueling up, head to the Ryman Auditorium.
USD18, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ryman Auditorium Tour

Take a backstage tour of this historic venue known as the Mother Church of Country Music.
Walk to the nearby Parthenon in Music Row.
USD24, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Loveless Cafe

Enjoy homemade biscuits and Southern favorites at this beloved Nashville institution.
Get ready to visit the Parthenon next.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

The Parthenon

Visit the full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and explore the surrounding park.
After the visit, return to downtown Nashville.
USD10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

Delve into the life and legacy of the legendary Johnny Cash with fascinating exhibits.
Enjoy some downtime before dinner.
USD20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

Relish extravagant Western-inspired cuisine to wrap up your day in Nashville.
Transition back to your hotel to rest.
USD65, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Memphis

Nashville, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Love

Experience southern-style biscuits at this highly-rated restaurant to fuel your day.
After breakfast, pack your bags for Memphis.
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Depart for Memphis

Hit the road towards Memphis, enjoying the scenic 3-hour drive along I-40.
Plan for a quick pit stop if needed.
USDGas, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Central BBQ

Sink your teeth into classic Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ, a local favorite.
After lunch, explore the National Civil Rights Museum.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

National Civil Rights Museum

Immerse yourself in the profound history of the civil rights movement.
Walk to the nearby Lorraine Motel.
USD15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Peabody Hotel

Dine at the historic Peabody with its famous duck parade and elegant ambiance.
After dinner, check-in at your hotel.
USD70, 2 hours
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Day 6: Memphis Cultural Day

Memphis, TN

9:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Plate Cafe

Enjoy a classic American breakfast at the Blue Plate Café, known for its home-style cooking.
After breakfast, head over to the Memphis Zoo.
USD15, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Memphis Zoo

Check out the diverse animal species at the Memphis Zoo.
After a fun morning, visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
USD20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Savor juicy fried chicken served with sides at the legendary Gus's.
After lunch, make your way to Graceland.
USD15, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Graceland

Tour the home of Elvis Presley and learn about his iconic life and career.
Wrap up the day at a local evening entertainment spot.
USD45, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Rendezvous

Enjoy Memphis-style ribs in a famous restaurant that specializes in barbecue.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 7: Memphis Adventure

Memphis, TN

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Arcade Restaurant

Dine at Memphis' oldest café, famous for its hearty Southern breakfasts.
After breakfast, visit the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid for some unique shopping.
USD20, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid

Explore this massive store offering outdoor gear and an incredible observation deck.
Then, take a leisurely stroll down Beale Street.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Alcenia's

Savor soul food in this vibrant spot dedicated to traditional Southern cuisine.
After lunch, head to the Sun Studio for a tour.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Sun Studio

Experience the birthplace of rock 'n' roll on a guided tour showcasing legendary artists.
Spend your evening relaxing at your hotel.
USD15, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Majestic Grille

Enjoy an upscale dining experience in a restored movie theater that serves classic dishes.
Prepare for your final evening in Memphis.
USD65, 2 hours
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Day 8: Travel Back to St. Louis

Memphis, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brother Juniper's

Relish a delightful breakfast with options ranging from quiches to pancakes.
After breakfast, pack your luggage for the journey back.
USD15, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Depart for St. Louis

Drive back to St. Louis, soaking in the mid-southern scenery.
Plan for a pit stop along the way.
USDGas, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Crossing

Stop at The Crossing again for a delicious bite to eat before continuing your journey.
Prepare for a final afternoon in St. Louis.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Mid-afternoon in St. Louis

Explore local shops or relax in the park until dinner time.
Head to your preferred dining choice for an early dinner.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Anthonino's Taverna

Chill with some Italian cuisine at this beloved St. Louis restaurant before your trip wraps up.
Return to your hotel or chosen accommodation.
USD40, 2 hours
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Day 9: Final Day in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

9:00AM

Breakfast at Park Avenue Coffee

Kickstart your day with local pastries and a coffee from this charming café.
Post-breakfast, you can visit the City Museum.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

City Museum

Explore one of the most eclectic and interactive museums that’s fun for all ages.
Consider stopping by any local sights you might have missed.
USD18, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pi Pizzeria

Enjoy a slice of award-winning pizza at this local favorite, known for its delectable crust.
Continue your exploration of St. Louis.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the St. Louis Science Center

Engage with hands-on exhibits and fascinating displays about science and technology.
Take your time to enjoy the exhibits.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Farmhaus

End your trip with a farm-to-table dining experience featuring local ingredients.
Spend your final evening reflecting on the trip.
USD60, 2 hours
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Day 10: Departure Day

St. Louis, MO

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Watch

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with fresh choices before preparing to leave.
Get your luggage sorted and make check-out arrangements.
USD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Final Walkaround

Take a final stroll through a nearby park or downtown area for last-minute sights.
Prepare for departure from St. Louis.
Free, 2 hours
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