Scenic 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Atlanta with 3-Hour Drive Radius

Day 1: Explore Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bluegrass Grill

Enjoy a hearty southern-style breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy in a cozy setting, perfect to start your day.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Tennessee Aquarium

Visit one of the top aquariums in the country, known for its diverse exhibits of freshwater and saltwater species.
USD36, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sticky Fingers Ribhouse

Taste renowned Memphis-style BBQ ribs in a lively atmosphere downtown.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Rock City Gardens

Explore stunning cliffs, ancient rock formations, and panoramic views atop Lookout Mountain. Open 8:00am to 7:00pm in summer.
USD24, 2h

4:00pm

Walnut Street Bridge Walk

Take a scenic stroll across one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, offering beautiful views of the Tennessee River.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria

Dine on handmade Italian pasta and fresh seafood in an inviting atmosphere downtown.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 2: Nature and History

Chattanooga, TN on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Milk & Honey

Enjoy fresh coffee and delightful breakfast sandwiches at this popular local spot.
USD12, 1h

9:00am

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Ride a historic steam train through beautiful countryside, operating daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD35, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Puck’s Hoagies

Grab a flavorful hoagie sandwich with fresh ingredients, a Chattanooga favorite.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Take the world's steepest passenger railway up Lookout Mountain for amazing views, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
USD15, 1h

3:30pm

Ruby Falls

Tour the underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain. Tours run 9:00am - 6:00pm.
USD24, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at St. John's Restaurant

Enjoy upscale American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients in a beautifully restored historic building.
USD50, 2h
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Day 3: Drive to Asheville

Asheville, NC on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Maple Street Biscuit Company

Savor warm, flaky biscuits stacked with delicious toppings to fuel your trip to Asheville.
USD12, 1h

8:30am

Drive Chattanooga to Asheville

A scenic 2-hour and 15-minute drive through the beautiful Appalachian region.
Gas USD20, 2h15m

11:00am

Check-in and relax at hotel in Asheville

Settle into your accommodation and prepare for exploring the artsy mountain city.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tupelo Honey

Taste Southern-inspired dishes with creative twists in a charming downtown location.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Biltmore Estate

Tour the stunning Vanderbilt mansion and beautiful gardens. Open daily 9:00am to 5:00pm.
USD75, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Downtown Asheville

Wander the vibrant streets filled with shops, galleries, and breweries.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Curate

Enjoy authentic Spanish tapas served in an intimate setting, reservations recommended.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville, NC on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Farm-to-table southern breakfast dishes, entree and coffee to start the day right.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Blue Ridge Parkway Drive

Scenic drive along this famous parkway with stunning mountain vistas and stops at overlooks and hiking trails.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Craggy Gardens

Prepare a picnic or grab takeaway to enjoy at the Craggy Gardens picnic area overlooking spectacular views.
USD20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Craggy Gardens Trail

Take an easy to moderate hike (about 1.5 miles) with breathtaking panoramic views atop the mountains.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Return to Asheville and visit River Arts District

Explore local artist studios and galleries open typically until 6:00pm, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rhubarb

Sample innovative farm-to-table cuisine with local ingredients in a cozy ambiance downtown Asheville.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 5: To Greenville

Greenville, SC on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vortex Doughnuts

Indulge in unique and flavorful doughnuts paired with fresh coffee for a sweet start to the day.
USD10, 1h

8:00am

Drive Asheville to Greenville

A 1.5-hour drive taking you from the Blue Ridge Mountains into Greenville’s charming downtown.
Gas USD10, 1h30m

10:00am

Falls Park on the Reedy

Visit this beautiful urban park featuring waterfalls, walking trails, and the iconic Liberty Bridge, open all day.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Soby’s New South Cuisine

Enjoy upscale Southern classics with a modern twist in an elegant yet relaxed setting.
USD30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Greenville’s Main Street

Stroll through the charming downtown with boutique shopping, galleries, and cafes.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Greenville County Museum of Art

View an award-winning collection featuring American art including Andy Warhol and Southern painters. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Larkin’s on the River

Experience upscale steakhouse dining overlooking the Reedy River with a sophisticated ambiance.
USD50, 2h
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Day 6: Greenville Outdoors

Greenville, SC on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Swamp Rabbit Cafe

Casual cafe offering delicious breakfast sandwiches and excellent coffee in downtown Greenville.
USD12, 1h

9:30am

Swamp Rabbit Trail Bike Ride

Rent a bike and enjoy a scenic ride along the 22-mile multi-use trail following the Reedy River.
Bike rental USD20, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bohemian Cafe

Unique historic venue serving fresh, flavorful sandwiches and coffee.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Roper Mountain Science Center

Explore exhibits, a planetarium, and nature trails. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD8, 2h

5:00pm

Relax and stroll along Main Street

Enjoy evening ambiance with plenty of cafes and shops open.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jianna

Fresh Italian coastal cuisine in a modern, elegant downtown setting.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Drive to Athens

Athens, GA on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Mary’s Gourmet Diner

Comfort food breakfast staples with a creative twist to start your day in Greenville.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive Greenville to Athens

A scenic 2-hour drive southwest toward Athens, GA, home of the University of Georgia.
Gas USD15, 2h

11:30am

Check-in at Athens hotel

Settle in and prepare for city exploration.
Varies, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The National

Enjoy Southern-inspired dishes with great local atmosphere in downtown Athens.
USD25, 1h

1:30pm

Visit State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Explore beautiful gardens and walking trails, open daily 8:00am - dusk.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Tour University of Georgia Campus

Walk through the historic campus including Franklin College and the Arch, key landmarks in Athens.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Last Resort Grill

Eclectic menu of Southern dishes with vegetarian options, lively environment downtown.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 8: Athens Culture & Music

Athens, GA on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mama’s Boy

Delicious Southern-style breakfast offerings in a warm setting to boost your day.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Georgia Museum of Art

Enjoy diverse art collections and rotating exhibits. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Heirloom Cafe

Celebrate local seasonally grown ingredients in a bright, welcoming café environment.
USD20, 1h

1:00pm

Downtown Athens Walking Tour

Explore historical sites, shops, and street art highlighting the city’s vibrant culture.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Tour 40 Watt Club or Georgia Theatre (check for live events)

Experience Athens’ rich music heritage by visiting iconic music venues, some may have afternoon tours or early shows.
Varies based on event, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Grit

Vegetarian-focused southern cuisine with hearty flavors and an intimate vibe downtown.
USD25, 1.5h
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Day 9: Nature & Leisure

Athens, GA on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Big City Bread Cafe

Freshly baked goods paired with quality coffee to start your leisurely day in Athens.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Sandy Creek Nature Center

Enjoy hiking trails, a lake, and natural exhibits. Center open daily 9:00am - 5:00pm.
USD5, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Taqueria Del Sol

Casual spot offering delicious and authentic Mexican tacos and other southwestern favorites.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Hotel or Visit Local Coffee Shops

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your hotel or visit popular coffee shops like Jittery Joe’s.
USD10, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll through Five Points district

Experience boutique shopping, restaurants, and bars in this lively neighborhood.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at SE Food Bar

Enjoy locally sourced New Southern dishes in a casual, intimate setting with great cocktails.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Return to Atlanta

Atlanta, GA on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Favorite

Enjoy a good breakfast before heading back, or try a quick local spot like The Grit or Home.made.
USD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive Athens to Atlanta

Approximately 1.5-hour drive returning to Atlanta, giving ample time to depart at a relaxed pace.
Gas USD15, 1h30m

11:00am

Arrival and Optional Afternoon Activity in Atlanta

Depending on your schedule, visit attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Ponce City Market.
Varies, Afternoon
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