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Epic Nashville to Memphis Road Trip Adventure

Viewed by 150 travelers

Day 1: Music City Madness

Nashville, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your day with a delicious stack of pancakes at the iconic Pancake Pantry, famed for its fluffy pancakes and rich maple syrup.
Located in Hillsboro Village, it’s a quick drive from downtown Nashville.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Immerse yourself in country music’s rich history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, featuring exhibits and memorabilia from legendary artists.
Just a 5-minute drive from Pancake Pantry.
USD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Savor a taste of Nashville’s famous hot chicken at Hattie B's, a must-try local treat.
A 10-minute drive from the Hall of Fame.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Parthenon

Visit the Parthenon, an impressive full-scale replica of the original in Athens, offering arts and culture amidst Nashville's lovely Centennial Park.
Just a 10-minute drive from Hattie B's.
USD6, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hit the Road to Dickson

Begin your short drive to Dickson, where you can enjoy the scenic landscapes of Tennessee.
It’s a 50-minute drive via I-40 W.
Fuel Cost, 1 hour

4:00PM

Check-in at Quality Inn Dickson

Relax and refresh at Quality Inn Dickson before heading out for the evening.
Your hotel is conveniently located off I-40.
USD100, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Downtown Cafe

Enjoy a homestyle meal at The Downtown Cafe, known for their southern cooking and cozy atmosphere.
A quick 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD25, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Night Walk at Montgomery Bell State Park

Take a leisurely evening stroll in Montgomery Bell State Park, soaking in the natural beauty before resting up for the next day.
Only 15 minutes from the restaurant.
FREE, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Nashville

Day 2: Historic Sites and Small Town Charms

Dickson, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Start your day with a hearty southern breakfast at Cracker Barrel where biscuits and gravy are a must.
Only a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Narrows of the Harpeth

Enjoy hiking at the Narrows of the Harpeth, known for its beautiful trails and views of the Harpeth River.
Just a short drive, approximately 20 minutes from breakfast.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Peppered Pig

Indulge in delightful sandwiches and local flavors at The Peppered Pig in Dickson.
Head back towards the downtown area, about a 20-minute drive.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Depart for Jackson

Continue your journey to Jackson, a city with rich history and culture.
It’s about an hour’s drive via I-40 W.
Fuel Cost, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Casey Jones Village

Explore the historical Casey Jones Village to learn about the famous railroad engineer and enjoy unique shops.
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Jackson.
USD10, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at La Quinta Inn

Settle into La Quinta Inn in Jackson, a convenient location for exploration.
Located just off the highway.
USD110, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Blacksmith

Savor farm-to-table dishes rich with Southern flavor at The Blacksmith.
A 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Enjoy Jackson’s Live Music

Experience the vibrant local music scene in Jackson, a perfect way to cap off your day.
Head to downtown Jackson, about a 10-minute drive.
Varies, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dickson

Day 3: Scenic Drive and Historical Stops

Jackson, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Waffle House

Fuel up with a classic scattered, smothered, and covered breakfast at Waffle House.
Located just down the road from your hotel.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the US Civil Rights Museum

Gain impactful insight into America’s civil rights history at the US Civil Rights Museum, just a short drive from Jackson.
Approx. an hour's drive to the museum in Memphis.
USD15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gus’s Fried Chicken

Enjoy world-famous fried chicken at Gus’s, a must-visit spot known for its spicy flavors.
Located near the museum, an easy stroll away.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take the Riverfront Walk

Stroll along the Mississippi Riverfront, enjoying parks and views of the mighty Mississippi River.
An easy walk from Gus's.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at the Hotel in Memphis

Settle down at your hotel, giving you a place to refresh after exploring.
Choose a downtown hotel to be close to attractions.
USD130, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Beale Street

Walk the famous Beale Street, vibrant with live music, shops, and a great atmosphere.
Just a 5-minute drive from the hotel.
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Rendezvous

Feast on legendary Memphis-style ribs at The Rendezvous, a local dining staple.
Located on Beale Street, easy walking distance.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Live Music at Beale Street

End your day with live music at one of the bars on Beale Street, soaking in the local culture.
Just return to the same area.
Varies, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Jackson

Day 4: Memphis History and Culture

Memphis, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Plate Cafe

Start your day with a classic Southern breakfast at Blue Plate Cafe, known for its comfort food.
Located downtown, a short walk from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Graceland

Tour Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, and explore the legendary singer’s life and music.
Approximately a 15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD75, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Marlowe's Ribs & Restaurant

Delight in hearty portions of ribs and excellent southern hospitality at Marlowe's.
Only 10 minutes from Graceland.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tour the National Civil Rights Museum

Explore the powerful exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum located at the former Lorraine Motel.
A quick 15-minute drive from Marlowe's.
USD15, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Shelby Farms Park

Take a peaceful stroll or rent a bike to explore the expansive Shelby Farms Park.
It’s about a 15-minute drive from the museum.
FREE, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Four Way

Enjoy traditional soul food at this historical restaurant known for feeding celebrities like Elvis back in the day.
Around a 10-minute drive from the park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Catch a show at Levitt Shell

If the timing is right, enjoy free live music at Levitt Shell, where Elvis performed his first concert.
Only a 15-minute drive away.
FREE, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Memphis

Day 5: More Memphis Exploration

Memphis, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Diner at the Garden

Savor breakfast at the picturesque Diner at the Garden with lovely views and fresh local produce.
Located within the Memphis Botanic Garden.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Delve into the sounds of soul music at the Stax Museum, showcasing the legends of the genre.
About a 15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD13, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Soul Fish Cafe

Experience some of the best fish dishes at this beloved cafe famed for its casual dining and local vibes.
A quick 10-minute drive from the museum.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Mud Island River Park

Walk the park’s beautiful trails or take a pedal boat on the river for a different perspective of Memphis.
A short 10-minute drive from the cafe.
USD10, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax and Refresh at Your Hotel

Take some time to unwind, recharge, and freshen up at your hotel.
Return to the hotel for about 15 minutes.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Capital Grill

Indulge in a signature steak at Capital Grill for your farewell dinner in Memphis, ensuring a memorable climax to your trip.
A 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD60, 2 hours

7:30PM

Nightcap at The Peabody Rooftop Bar

End your epic road trip with a nightcap at The Peabody Rooftop Bar, overlooking the Memphis skyline.
Only 10 minutes away.
USD15, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Memphis

Day 6: Departure Day

Memphis, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sleep Inn

Start your journey home with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
Enjoy breakfast where you stayed.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping at Bass Pro Shops

Make a quick stop at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid before leaving Memphis, the world's largest retail shop!
Just a 10-minute drive.
Varies, 1 hour

10:30AM

Head Back to Nashville

Hit the road back to Nashville, reminiscing about the wonderful memories made.
Approximately 3 hours driving via I-40 E.
Fuel Cost, 3 hours
Find Hotels in Memphis
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Trip Packing List: United States multi-city tour (30 Aug 2026 — early Nov 2026)
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Trip Packing List: Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans — December
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