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Scenic Non-Interstate Road Trip from Benson, NC to Denver, CO in 4 Days

Viewed by 126 travelers

Day 1: Southern Charm & Scenic Views

Benson, NC to Chattanooga, TN on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Farmhouse Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast featuring farm-fresh eggs and homemade biscuits in Benson. This spot opens at 7am providing a cozy start to your trip.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive along US-74 and US-64 to Chattanooga

Avoiding interstates, this route takes you through rolling hills and rural landscapes of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, offering scenic views and small-town charm.
USD0, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Plate in Chattanooga

Savor contemporary Southern cuisine in a stylish setting, with dishes like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. Open from 11am to 3pm.
USD25, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Lookout Mountain

Explore Rock City Gardens and enjoy panoramic views overlooking Chattanooga. Open 9am-7pm in June.
USD30, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at St. John’s Restaurant

Dine on upscale American dishes with a focus on local ingredients, perfect to relax after your day of travel. Open until 9pm.
USD40, 1.5h
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Day 2: Midwest Exploration

Chattanooga, TN to St. Louis, MO on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bluegrass Grill

Start your day with classic Southern breakfast dishes and excellent coffee. Opens at 7am.
USD15, 1h

8:30am

Drive through US-41 and US-50 toward St. Louis

Travel through Kentucky and into Missouri, taking the scenic non-interstate roads enjoying small towns and countryside.
USD0, 7h

3:45pm

Lunch at Vito’s Italian Chophouse in St. Louis

Excellent Italian steakhouse serving classic dishes in a refined atmosphere. Open until 4pm for lunch.
USD30, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Gateway Arch National Park

Take a tram ride up the iconic Gateway Arch for stunning views of the city and Mississippi River. Open 9am-7pm in summer.
USD15, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pappy’s Smokehouse

Relish St. Louis-style BBQ featuring ribs and pulled pork in a laid-back setting. Open until 8pm.
USD20, 1h
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Day 3: Missouri Delights

St. Louis, MO to Kansas City, MO on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced breakfast dishes in downtown St. Louis. Opens at 7:30am.
USD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive via US-50 and MO-24 to Kansas City

Traverse small towns and scenic rural Missouri roads, embracing the heartland atmosphere.
USD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Try the famous Kansas City-style BBQ in this iconic spot. Open from 11am to 7pm.
USD22, 1h

2:30pm

Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Browse impressive collections of art from classic to contemporary. Open 10am-5pm (closed Monday).
USD0, 2h

5:00pm

Walk around Country Club Plaza

Enjoy the Spanish-inspired architecture, shopping, and fountains during the evening light.
USD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Westside Local

Farm-to-table American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, open until 9pm.
USD35, 1.5h
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Day 4: Rocky Mountain Approach

Kansas City, MO to Denver, CO on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in this well-known BBQ spot’s early hours, open from 7am on weekends.
USD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive on US-24 and CO-86 to Denver

Travel across Kansas into Colorado through scenic highways, gradually approaching the Rocky Mountains.
USD0, 7h

12:00pm

Lunch stop in Limon, CO at The Rusty Wagon Saloon & Grill

Enjoy classic American comfort food in this cozy, local spot. Open 11am-8pm.
USD20, 1h

3:30pm

Arrival and check-in in Denver

Settle into your accommodations and prepare for an evening stroll.
USD0, N/A

5:00pm

Stroll through Denver’s Larimer Square

Explore historic blocks full of unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
USD0, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mercantile Dining & Provision

Enjoy creative, farm-to-table dishes located in Denver’s Union Station. Open until 10pm.
USD45, 1.5h
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