Road Trip from Conroe, TX to South Lyon, MI with Stops in Hot Springs, Memphis, Nashville, and The Ark Encounter in Kentucky

Day 1: Conroe to Hot Springs

Hot Springs, AR on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Depart Conroe, TX

Leave early to arrive fresh at Hot Springs by breakfast time, allowing a smooth road trip of about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
USD0, 0h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Pancake Shop

Enjoy southern style lunch options at this local favorite open until 2pm, perfect for a restorative midday meal.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hot Springs National Park

Explore thermal springs and historic bathhouses open until 5pm, a relaxing introduction to the area’s natural beauty.
USD0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Garvan Woodland Gardens

Stroll through botanical gardens open until 5pm, taking in seasonal flora in the calm afternoon light.
USD14, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kollective Coffee + Provisions

Enjoy a casual dinner with light bites and excellent coffee at this café, open until 7pm.
USD20, 1h0m

Day 2: Hot Springs to Memphis

Memphis, TN on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kollective Coffee + Provisions

Start early with breakfast at the café to fuel a driving day ahead, open from 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart Hot Springs, AR

Begin 3.5 hour drive to Memphis to arrive in time for lunch and afternoon activities.
USD0, 3h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Central BBQ

Savor classic Memphis barbecue for lunch, open 11am to 3pm.
USD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Graceland Tour

Tour Elvis Presley’s mansion, tours begin at 9am and run regularly throughout the day.
USD45, 2h30m

3:30pm

Beale Street Exploration

Walk around the historic music district, many venues open mid-afternoon for public enjoyment.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken

Enjoy spicy fried chicken at this Memphis staple, open until 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

Day 3: Memphis to Ark Encounter

Williamstown, KY on May 24, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Brother Juniper's

Grab a quick and hearty breakfast before hitting the road, open 7am to 2pm.
USD20, 0h30m

7:00am

Depart Memphis, TN

Drive approximately 6 hours northeast to reach the Ark Encounter near Williamstown, KY by late afternoon.
USD0, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch on-the-go

Pack or pick up a quick lunch to eat during the road trip to maximize sightseeing time later.
USD15, 0h30m

3:30pm

Visit The Ark Encounter

Explore the life-size Noah's Ark replica open daily from 9am to 7pm, including exhibits and immersive experiences.
USD50, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Williamstown

Dine at a local restaurant close to Ark Encounter, such as Richie's Diner, open until 7pm.
USD20, 1h0m

Day 4: Ark Encounter to Nashville

Nashville, TN on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Nearby Café

Enjoy breakfast at a local spot near your hotel before departure, typically opening by 7am.
USD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Depart Williamstown, KY

Drive approximately 2.5 hours southwest to Nashville, TN to begin afternoon exploration.
USD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Country Music Hall of Fame

Discover country music history and exhibits; open from 9am to 5pm daily.
USD30, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Try Nashville’s famous hot chicken for lunch, open until 9pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:45pm

Tour the Ryman Auditorium

Visit the historic 'Mother Church of Country Music,' tours available 9am to 5pm.
USD25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk Broadway

Explore the lively downtown with its honky-tonks and shops, open afternoon through evening.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant

Experience southern comfort food in a historic setting, open until 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

Day 5: Nashville to South Lyon

South Lyon, MI on May 26, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Biscuit Love Gulch

Eat a quick southern breakfast before the long drive north, open at 7am but you may opt for nearby early options.
USD18, 1h0m

7:00am

Depart Nashville, TN

Drive approximately 8.5 hours north to South Lyon, MI with planned breaks to arrive by mid-afternoon.
USD0, 8h30m

3:30pm

Arrival and Rest in South Lyon

Relax after your drive and get ready to explore the town over the coming days.
USD0, Variable

5:00pm

Dinner at John’s on Main

Enjoy contemporary American cuisine in downtown South Lyon, open from 4pm to 9pm.
USD30, 1h30m