Scenic Southern Road Trip from Nashville to Mooresville: A 14-20 Day Adventure Through Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina

Day 1: Explore Nashville

Nashville, TN on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Biscuit Love

Start your road trip with a delicious Southern breakfast featuring biscuits and gravy in this popular Nashville eatery.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Country Music Hall of Fame

Discover the history of country music through exhibits and artifacts in one of Nashville's top museums. Open 9 am to 5 pm.
USD25, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Experience Nashville's famous spicy hot chicken, a local culinary specialty.
USD12, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk around Centennial Park

Enjoy the outdoors and visit the Parthenon replica in this beautiful urban park. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Ryman Auditorium

Tour the historic music venue known as the 'Mother Church of Country Music'. Open 10 am to 5 pm.
USD22, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor

Enjoy handmade burgers and craft sodas at this beloved local spot.
USD18, 1h0m
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Day 2: To Knoxville and Asheville

Nashville, TN to Asheville, NC on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Frothy Monkey

Enjoy artisanal coffee and hearty breakfast before hitting the road.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Knoxville, TN

A 2.5-hour scenic drive east to Knoxville, gateway to Great Smoky Mountains.
Fuel cost approx USD20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tomato Head, Knoxville

Fresh and creative sandwiches and salads in downtown Knoxville.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Market Square and Knoxville Museum of Art

Explore the lively Market Square area and enjoy regional artwork in the museum. Both open till 5 pm.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Asheville, NC

A 1.5-hour drive south into the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Fuel cost approx USD15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tupelo Honey

Taste Southern comfort food with a gourmet twist in Asheville’s vibrant downtown.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 3: Explore Asheville

Asheville, NC on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery

Southern farm-to-table breakfast with organic ingredients.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Biltmore Estate

Tour America’s largest home and its beautiful gardens. Open 9 am to 5 pm.
USD60, 4h0m

2:00pm

Explore Downtown Asheville

Stroll the art galleries, eclectic shops, and street art.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Cúrate

Savor authentic Spanish tapas in a lively atmosphere.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 4: To Greenville, SC

Asheville, NC to Greenville, SC on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Enjoy creative biscuit dishes to start your day.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Greenville, SC

A 1.5-hour drive east into South Carolina.
Fuel cost approx USD12, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Falls Park on the Reedy

Relax at this beautiful urban park featuring waterfalls and scenic bridges.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Soby's New South Cuisine

Delicious forks-friendly southern-inspired dishes in a stylish setting.
USD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Greenville County Museum of Art

See impressive regional art collections. Open 10 am to 5 pm, closed Monday.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Main Street Greenville

Enjoy local shops, cafes, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Goat

Mediterranean cuisine with views of the Reedy River.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 5: To Columbia, SC

Greenville, SC to Columbia, SC on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse

Enjoy sweet or savory crepes with local coffee specialties.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Columbia, SC

A 1.5-hour drive southeast to the state capital.
Fuel cost approx USD12, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit South Carolina State Museum

Explore exhibits on history, art, natural history, and technology. Open 10 am to 5 pm.
USD15, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Motor Supply Co. Bistro

Enjoy New American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Visit this renowned zoological park and botanical garden. Open 9 am to 5 pm.
USD18, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cola's Restaurant

Upscale dining with fresh seafood and steaks.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: To Charleston, SC

Columbia, SC to Charleston, SC on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Marlin

Relax with a hearty Southern breakfast in Columbia.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Charleston, SC

Approximately 2 hours southeast to the historic coastal city.
Fuel cost approx USD15, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Charleston City Market

Explore this historic market area known for artisan crafts and local foods.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Husk

Indulge in farm-to-table Southern cuisine in a celebrated restaurant. Open 11 am to 2:30 pm.
USD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Historic District Walking Tour

Discover Charleston’s rich history including antebellum architecture and cobblestone streets. Tours generally last about 2 hours.
USD20, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Waterfront Park

Enjoy views of Charleston Harbor with fountains and benches.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fleet Landing Restaurant

Dine waterfront with fresh seafood specialties. Dinner service from 5 pm to 9 pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Explore Charleston

Charleston, SC on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Callie's Hot Little Biscuit

Grab a quick and tasty biscuit breakfast famous in Charleston.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Fort Sumter National Monument

Take a ferry to this historic fort where the Civil War began. Ferry operates 10 am to 4 pm, check seasonal hours.
USD25, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Fleet Landing

Alternatively, try lunch at Fleet Landing’s casual neighboring café for lighter fare.
USD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit The Battery and White Point Garden

Walk along the scenic seawall promenade lined with historic mansions and monument.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore King Street Shopping

Browse boutique shops, galleries and wine bars on Charleston’s popular shopping street.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at FIG

Fine dining restaurant known for creative local dishes with seasonal ingredients. Reservations recommended.
USD50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Spartanburg

Charleston, SC to Spartanburg, SC on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Toast! All Day

Enjoy classic breakfast fare in a cozy setting before departure.
USD15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Spartanburg, SC

Approximately 3-hour drive northwest from Charleston.
Fuel cost approx USD20, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cribb’s Kitchen

Fresh, locally sourced food with a modern Southern twist.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Chapman Cultural Center

Explore art galleries, theaters, and a museum focusing on local history. Open 10 am to 5 pm.
Free or small exhibit fees, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk at Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve

Relax in this beautiful public garden and nature preserve. Open till sunset.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Federal

Enjoy craft cocktails and elevated American cuisine in a trendy atmosphere.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 9: To Hickory, NC and Mooresville

Spartanburg, SC to Mooresville, NC on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shelco Breakfast & Lunch

Start the day with hearty breakfast favorites in a local spot.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Hickory, NC

A 1-hour drive north into North Carolina.
Fuel cost approx USD10, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Hickory Museum of Art

View regional art in this well-regarded museum. Open 10 am to 5 pm, closed Monday.
USD5, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Merino’s Mediterranean Grill

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean flavors with local produce.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Mooresville, NC

A 30-minute drive northeast towards Mooresville, known for NASCAR connections.
Fuel cost approx USD7, 0h30m

2:00pm

Visit NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte

Just 20 minutes from Mooresville, explore exhibits celebrating stock car racing.
USD25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and relax in Mooresville

Settle into your accommodation and unwind after the day’s travels.
Varies, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at 131 Main Bistro

Enjoy locally sourced American cuisine in the heart of Mooresville.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 10: Explore Mooresville & nearby

Mooresville, NC on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at SoFra Bakery & Cafe

Enjoy fresh pastries, homemade breakfast dishes, and great coffee.
USD12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Lake Norman

Spend the morning at North Carolina’s largest man-made lake with options for rental boats or lakeside walking trails.
Boat rental approx USD50/hour, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tupelo Honey

Experience a North Carolina version of this Southern favorite for a nice midday meal in Mooresville.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Latta Plantation Nature Preserve

Explore trails and historical areas at this beautiful preserve just outside Mooresville.
USD5 parking, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax and stroll downtown Mooresville

Enjoy a quiet evening walk among local shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Moor

Upscale yet cozy restaurant with creative American dishes and craft cocktails.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Return to Nashville

Mooresville, NC to Nashville, TN on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at a local café

Grab a quick breakfast before your drive back to Nashville.
USD10, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive back to Nashville, TN

Approximate 7-hour drive west to Nashville with stops for stretching and refreshments.
Fuel cost approx USD50, 7h0m

3:30pm

Arrival in Nashville & check-in

Settle in and relax after your scenic road trip.
Varies, Flexible

6:00pm

Dinner at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Southern comfort food in Nashville's cozy atmosphere.
USD25, 1h0m
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