Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Americana

Day 1: Chicago Exploration

Chicago, IL

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lou Mitchell's

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Lou Mitchell's, famous for its hearty pancakes and charming atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Chicago.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Chicago Architecture River Cruise

Embark on a breathtaking architecture river cruise to appreciate Chicago's stunning skyline from a unique perspective.
Board the cruise at Michigan Avenue.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Millennium Park Visit

Stroll through Millennium Park and snap photos of the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture.
Walk towards Millennium Park from the cruise dock.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Portillo's

Indulge in a Chicago-style hot dog and Italian beef sandwich at Portillo's.
Short drive or Uber to Portillo's.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Art Institute of Chicago

Explore one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, showcasing breathtaking masterpieces.
Drive or Uber to the museum.
USD 25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive to St. Louis, MO

Set off on your journey to St. Louis, soaking in the sights along the way.
Take I-55 S.
USD 0 (gas), 5 hours

10:00PM

Dinner at Pappy’s Smokehouse

Savor some of the best Memphis-style BBQ at the beloved Pappy’s Smokehouse.
Located near the downtown area.
USD 25, 1 hour
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Day 2: St. Louis Sights

St. Louis, MO

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Crossing

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with fresh, local ingredients at The Crossing, a favorite in the area.
Located a short drive from your hotel.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gateway Arch National Park

Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, take the tram to the top, and enjoy sweeping views of the city.
Drive to the park’s entrance.
USD 20, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bogart's Smokehouse

Dive into more smoked meats at Bogart's, a popular local BBQ spot.
Short drive to the restaurant.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

St. Louis Art Museum

Explore the impressive St. Louis Art Museum, featuring art from around the world.
Drive to Forest Park.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Memphis, TN

Hit the road to Memphis and get ready for some Southern charm.
Take I-55 S.
USD 0 (gas), 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

End your day with some of the best fried chicken you've ever tasted at Gus’s.
Located in downtown Memphis.
USD 20, 1 hour
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Day 3: Memphis Highlights

Memphis, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brother Juniper's

Start your day with a delectable breakfast at Brother Juniper's, known for its omelets and bagels.
Located a short drive away from your stay.
USD 15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Graceland

Tour Elvis Presley’s iconic home, Graceland, and learn about the King of Rock and Roll.
Drive to the entrance of Graceland.
USD 45, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Central BBQ

Savor the smoky flavors of Memphis BBQ at Central BBQ, famous for their ribs.
Just a short drive from Graceland.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:30PM

National Civil Rights Museum

Explore the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the former Lorraine Motel, with powerful exhibits.
Drive back to downtown.
USD 15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Beale Street

Experience the lively atmosphere of Beale Street, known for its vibrant music scene.
Walk from the museum to Beale Street.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The BBQ Shop

Indulge in more BBQ goodness at The BBQ Shop, specializing in ribs and pulled pork.
A short walk away from the street.
USD 20, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nashville Nightlife

Nashville, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Start your morning with delicious pancakes at the famous Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village.
Short drive from your accommodation.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

Explore the rich history of country music at this fascinating museum.
Walk over to the Hall from your meal.
USD 25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Taste the famous Nashville hot chicken which you simply cannot miss!
Short drive to Hattie B's.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Parthenon

Visit the full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Centennial Park.
Quick drive to Centennial Park.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Drive to Asheville, NC

Hit the road and head towards the scenic Asheville.
Take I-40 E.; enjoy the views!
USD 0 (gas), 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Cúrate

Delight in exquisite Spanish tapas at Cúrate, a local favorite.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD 35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Asheville Adventure

Asheville, NC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Walk or drive to the eatery.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Biltmore Estate

Tour the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home with stunning gardens.
Short drive to the estate.
USD 65, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at White Duck Taco Shop

Indulge in creative taco options at White Duck Taco Shop, a must-try local spot.
Drive back into town.
USD 15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the River Arts District

Explore the vibrant River Arts District filled with local galleries and artists’ studios.
Drive short distance.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pack’s Tavern

Savor Appalachian cuisine at Pack’s Tavern, with great views of downtown Asheville.
Quick drive from the arts district.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Charleston Charm

Charleston, SC

8:00AM

Breakfast at Toast!

Start your day at Toast! with amazing French toast and breakfast classics.
Short drive from your hotel.
USD 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fort Sumter

Catch a ferry to Fort Sumter and learn about its significance in American history.
Book tickets in advance for the ferry.
USD 25, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant

Enjoy seafood with waterfront views at Fleet Landing.
Take the ferry back and drive to the restaurant.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Stroll through the Historic District

Wander the charming cobblestone streets of the Historic District and marvel at the antebellum architecture.
Short drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive to Savannah, GA

Take a scenic drive to Savannah, GA and enjoy the coastal views.
Via I-95 S.
USD 0 (gas), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Grey

Experience fine dining at The Grey, a renowned restaurant housed in a restored Greyhound bus terminal.
Located in the heart of Savannah.
USD 50, 2 hours
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Day 7: Savannah Serenity

Savannah, GA

8:00AM

Breakfast at Collins Quarter

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with a touch of Australian flair at Collins Quarter.
Just a short drive or walk.
USD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Forsyth Park

Relax and stroll through the picturesque Forsyth Park, complete with beautiful fountains.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore River Street

Wander along River Street, filled with shops, cafes, and lovely waterfront views.
Short walk from Forsyth Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Olde Pink House

Dine in an iconic 18th-century mansion at The Olde Pink House with Southern cuisine.
A short drive to the restaurant.
USD 35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Savannah Historical Museum

Learn about the rich history of Savannah at the Savannah Historical Museum.
A brief drive from lunch.
USD 10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Collins Quarter

Conclude your trip with another delightful dinner at The Collins Quarter, wrapping up your culinary experience.
A short walk from the museum.
USD 45, 2 hours
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