Scenic Eastern Road Trip from Nashville to North Carolina and South Carolina Cities

Day 1: Nashville to Greenville

Nashville, TN to Greenville, SC on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Biscuit Love Gulch

Enjoy southern-style breakfast biscuits in a casual setting, perfect fuel for a road trip start.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Begin drive to Greenville, SC

A scenic 4.5-hour drive east along I-40 and I-26 passing through beautiful Appalachian foothills.
USD20 (fuel estimated), 4h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Soby's New South Cuisine

Offers upscale southern dishes with locally sourced ingredients in Greenville's downtown area.
USD30, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Falls Park on the Reedy

A scenic urban park with waterfalls, bridges, and walking trails that beautifully showcase Greenville's charm.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Goat

Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a stylish riverside setting, ideal to unwind after the day's travel.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Greenville to Columbia

Greenville, SC to Columbia, SC on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tandem Creperie & Coffeehouse

Start your day with gourmet coffee and delicious crepes in a cozy setting in Greenville.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Columbia, SC

A 1.5-hour journey south on I-26, passing through peaceful South Carolina countryside.
USD10 (fuel estimated), 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

Explore one of the top zoos and botanical gardens in the US, featuring a wide variety of animals and lush gardens.
USD25, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Motor Supply Co. Bistro

Farm-to-table restaurant focuses on fresh and creative southern dishes in a hip arts district.
USD30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Tour South Carolina State House

Historical tour of the beautiful state capitol building with winding staircases and monuments in the grounds.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cola's Restaurant and Bar

Contemporary southern cuisine with live jazz music in the evenings for an intimate dining experience.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Columbia to Charleston

Columbia, SC to Charleston, SC on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

Famous for their gigantic and indulgent cinnamon rolls, perfect for a sweet start.
USD12, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Charleston, SC

Approximately 2 hours along I-26, a quick and smooth drive to the historic port city of Charleston.
USD12 (fuel estimated), 2h0m

11:15am

Walk along The Battery and Waterfront Park

Scenic promenade featuring historic antebellum homes and beautiful harbor views.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar

Seafood specialties with excellent views over Charleston Harbor, serving fresh local catches.
USD35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tour the historic district with carriage ride

Hop on a guided horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about Charleston’s rich history and architecture.
USD30, 1h15m

4:00pm

Visit the Charleston City Market

Stroll through the lively market featuring local crafts, food stands, and souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Husk

Celebrate Southern cuisine with a modern twist at one of Charleston’s top-rated restaurants; reservations recommended.
USD50, 2h0m
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Day 4: Explore Charleston

Charleston, SC on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Savor freshly baked biscuits and southern specialties at this beloved local spot.
USD10, 45m

9:00am

Visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Discover historic gardens, a nature tram, and a rich cultural history at this famed antebellum plantation (open 9am–5pm).
USD30, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Poogan's Porch

Southern comfort food served in a charming Victorian house with a cozy atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore the Nathaniel Russell House Museum

Tour this beautifully preserved 1808 historic mansion showcasing fine architectural details and period furnishings (open 9:30am–4:30pm).
USD15, 1h0m

3:30pm

Beach time at Folly Beach

Relax or stroll along Folly Beach’s sandy shorelines, only 20 minutes from downtown (free access).
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cedar’s Fine Mediterranean Cuisine

Enjoy flavorful Mediterranean dishes with an intimate ambiance perfect for a peaceful evening.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Charleston to Spartanburg

Charleston, SC to Spartanburg, SC on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe

Popular breakfast spot serving hearty southern-inspired morning meals.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Spartanburg, SC

Travel north approximately 3 hours via I-26 and I-85 for a change of pace and to explore upstate South Carolina.
USD20 (fuel estimated), 3h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at SIP Coffee & Beer Garage

A unique spot combining craft coffee and local beers with an eclectic food menu in a garage-like setting.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve

A tranquil, free botanical garden perfect for relaxing walks and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore downtown Spartanburg

Stroll downtown for shops, murals, and art galleries to soak up the local vibe.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cribb's Kitchen

Known for creative southern farm-to-table cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Spartanburg to Asheville

Spartanburg, SC to Asheville, NC on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Soby’s New South Cuisine Spartanburg

Enjoy a delicious southern-inspired breakfast before heading north to Asheville.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Asheville, NC

A scenic 1.5-hour drive northwest into the Blue Ridge Mountains, renowned for arts and nature.
USD15 (fuel estimated), 1h30m

11:00am

Visit the Biltmore Estate

Tour America’s largest home with stunning architecture, gardens, and winery (open 9am–5pm).
USD85, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Tupelo Honey

A southern kitchen favorite offering creative takes on classic dishes in Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
USD30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Asheville Art District

Walk the River Arts District to visit galleries, shops and artist studios for local culture immersion.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Curate

Experience acclaimed Spanish tapas paired with a lively atmosphere; reservations recommended.
USD50, 2h0m
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Day 7: Asheville to Mooresville

Asheville, NC to Mooresville, NC on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Farm-to-table breakfast with southern comfort foods to start your day right.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Mooresville, NC

A 2.5-hour drive east toward Mooresville, a town known for NASCAR heritage and scenic lake views.
USD20 (fuel estimated), 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Dam Restaurant

A cozy spot offering hearty American fare with views over Lake Norman.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte (20 mins from Mooresville)

Celebrate NASCAR history with interactive exhibits and famed race cars (open 9am–5pm).
USD25, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Lake Norman State Park

Enjoy scenic trails and water activities at this lovely state park just outside Mooresville.
USD7 parking, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cork & Cleaver

Upscale steak and seafood with an extensive wine list in a welcoming atmosphere.
USD45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Mooresville to Nashville

Mooresville, NC to Nashville, TN on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sweet Biscuit

A popular local biscuit spot offering hearty and delicious southern breakfast fare.
USD12, 45m

9:00am

Start drive back to Nashville, TN

A longer drive of approximately 7 hours west on I-40 returning to Nashville with scenic views and rest stops along the way.
USD30 (fuel estimated), 7h0m

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Knoxville, TN

Stop halfway for lunch at Tomato Head, known for fresh, creative dishes in a vibrant downtown setting.
USD20, 1h0m

6:30pm

Arrive in Nashville and dinner at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Finish your trip with a classic Nashville burger and craft beers in a lively beer garden atmosphere.
USD25, 1h30m
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