Scenic 4-Day Road Trip from Benson, NC to Denver, CO Avoiding Interstates

Day 1: Benson to Asheville

Benson, NC to Asheville, NC on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sunflower Bakery

Start your morning with affordable, freshly baked goods and coffee at Sunflower Bakery in Benson, open from 7 AM to 2 PM.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00am

Scenic Drive via US-64 and NC-209

Travel west avoiding interstates by taking US-64 and NC-209 through small mountain towns for a relaxed and scenic route to Asheville.
Free, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at White Duck Taco Shop

Enjoy affordable gourmet tacos with unique flavors in Asheville, perfect for a filling and inexpensive meal, open from 11 AM to 9 PM.
USD12, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Downtown Asheville

Walk around Asheville’s vibrant downtown area, featuring local shops, street art, and historic architecture for a cultural experience without cost.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at 12 Bones Smokehouse

Try affordable and highly rated barbecue at 12 Bones Smokehouse, an Asheville favorite open until 9 PM.
USD15, 1h
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Day 2: Asheville to Nashville

Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Biscuit Head

Enjoy hearty and inexpensive southern-style biscuits to fuel your day before leaving Asheville, open from 7:30 AM to 3 PM.
USD10, 1h

8:45am

Travel on US-70 W and TN-11 N

Continue west towards Nashville using US-70 W, avoiding interstates, passing through scenic hills and small towns in Tennessee.
Free, 6h30m

3:30pm

Visit Centennial Park

Relax and explore Centennial Park in Nashville featuring a full-scale Parthenon replica, ideal for a free cultural stop.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Princes Hot Chicken Shack

Taste affordable and famous Nashville hot chicken at this local institution, open until 10 PM.
USD12, 1h
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Day 3: Nashville to Springfield

Nashville, TN to Springfield, MO on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Five Daughters Bakery

Grab delicious and reasonably priced donuts and coffee in Nashville before departure, open from 7 AM.
USD8, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive US-60 W toward Springfield

Travel west through southern Missouri on US-60 W, enjoying small town stops and countryside without highways.
Free, 7h

3:30pm

Visit Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

Explore the beautiful gardens and lakes in Springfield’s largest urban park for an inexpensive outdoor visit open daily till dusk.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Cashew Chicken

Enjoy Springfield’s famous and budget-friendly Cashew Chicken dish at King’s Chef Diner, open till 8 PM.
USD13, 1h
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Day 4: Springfield to Denver

Springfield, MO to Denver, CO on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Van’s Honey Baked Ham

Pick up a simple and affordable breakfast sandwich at this local bakery chain before heading out, open from 6:30 AM.
USD9, 0h30m

7:45am

Route via US-50 W and CO-71 N

Take US-50 W crossing Kansas and into Colorado via scenic rural roads avoiding interstates all the way to Denver.
Free, 10h30m

6:15pm

Dinner at Illegal Pete’s

Finish your trip with an affordable and tasty burrito or bowl at Illegal Pete’s in Denver, open until 10 PM.
USD13, 1h
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