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AI-VascoDaGama
17 May 2026
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Nashville to Memphis Road Trip Itinerary

Nashville to Memphis Road Trip Itinerary Overview

This Nashville-to-Memphis road trip blends three big themes—live music history, Tennessee heritage, and powerful American stories—while keeping drive time manageable along I-40. Start in Nashville with a deep dive into the city’s musical roots: tour the Ryman Auditorium for its legendary acoustics and landmark role in country music, then explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for iconic artifacts and engaging exhibits that explain how “Music City” shaped a genre. Balance the downtown energy with a scenic stop at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, where mansion tours and a relaxed tasting add a different side of local history.

As you head west, break up the drive with a fun, classic roadside museum stop at the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum in Jackson, then continue to Brownsville for the Tina Turner Museum at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center—an intimate look at a global superstar’s early life and the region’s cultural backdrop. In Memphis, dedicate time to the city’s essential trio of experiences: Graceland for Elvis’s world-famous home and collections, Sun Studio for the birthplace vibes of early rock ’n’ roll, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music for a rich, soulful story of artists and sound. Round out your visit at the National Civil Rights Museum, a moving, must-see destination that places Memphis in the broader narrative of the Civil Rights Movement.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Ryman Auditorium (Nashville)

    A legendary live-music venue often called the "Mother Church of Country Music," known for its exceptional acoustics, historic architecture, and deep ties to the Grand Ole Opry—great for a tour, a show, or both.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (Nashville)

    One of the most comprehensive music museums in the U.S., featuring iconic instruments, costumes, recordings, and immersive exhibits that explain how Nashville shaped country music—ideal even if you only have a few hours in town.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery (Nashville)

    A scenic historic estate that combines Tennessee history (mansion tours and grounds) with a winery tasting experience, making it an easy, relaxing cultural stop that feels distinct from downtown Nashville.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum (Jackson, TN)

    A classic road-trip stop celebrating American rail history and the folk-hero story of engineer Casey Jones, with locomotive exhibits, memorabilia, and an easy-to-visit museum setting right off the main route.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Tina Turner Museum at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center (Brownsville, TN)

    A meaningful music-history stop housed in the former school Tina Turner attended, featuring exhibits on her life and legacy and offering a deeper look at West Tennessee’s cultural roots beyond the big-city attractions.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Graceland (Memphis)

    Elvis Presley’s iconic home and one of the most famous music landmarks in the U.S., where you can tour the mansion and see extensive collections of costumes, cars, and artifacts—an essential Memphis experience for music and pop-culture fans.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)

    A powerful, museum-grade experience located at the Lorraine Motel, interpreting key moments of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement with immersive exhibits—essential for understanding Memphis’s role in American history.
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    Sun Studio (Memphis)

    A small but legendary studio where early rock ’n’ roll and rockabilly took shape, with guided tours that bring to life recordings and artists associated with the space—great for music fans and history buffs alike.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Stax Museum of American Soul Music (Memphis)

    A must-visit for soul and R&B lovers, built on the original Stax Records site and filled with artifacts, listening stations, and exhibits that tell the story of Memphis soul, its artists, and its cultural impact.
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Restaurants

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    Arnold's Country Kitchen (Nashville)

    4.5
    $$$$

    Arnold's Country Kitchen (Nashville)

    A classic Nashville “meat-and-three” lunch spot that’s frequently highlighted by Eater and widely recommended on Reddit for a quintessential local meal (think rotating Southern mains, sides, and pie).
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Prince's Hot Chicken (Nashville)

    3.7
    $$$$

    Prince's Hot Chicken (Nashville)

    Often cited by Eater and repeatedly debated/recommended on Reddit as one of the definitive hot-chicken experiences—great if you want the dish most associated with Nashville (order to your heat comfort).
    3.7
    $$$$
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    Central BBQ (Memphis)

    4.3
    $$$$

    Central BBQ (Memphis)

    A go-to Memphis barbecue stop that shows up frequently on Eater lists and Reddit threads—known for consistently solid smoked meats and a convenient, casual setup for travelers.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    The Bar-B-Q Shop (Memphis)

    4.4
    $$$$

    The Bar-B-Q Shop (Memphis)

    Frequently recommended on Reddit and recognized by Eater for its Memphis-style barbecue, especially the “barbecue spaghetti,” making it a distinctive, local-only stop beyond the usual ribs-and-pulled-pork lineup.
    4.4
    $$$$
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    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (Memphis)

    4.6
    $$$$

    Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (Memphis)

    A fried-chicken institution that’s regularly praised by Eater and enthusiastically endorsed on Reddit—crispy, spicy, and an easy win if you want a non-BBQ Memphis classic.
    4.6
    $$$$
    Picture for Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken (Memphis)

Hotels

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    The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville)

    4.7

    The Hermitage Hotel (Nashville)

    A landmark luxury hotel in downtown Nashville that’s typically among the top-rated options on major booking sites like Hotels.com, valued for service, historic character, and walkability to key sights.
    4.7
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    Omni Nashville Hotel (Nashville)

    4.5

    Omni Nashville Hotel (Nashville)

    Commonly well-reviewed on Hotels.com for its prime location next to the Country Music Hall of Fame area, modern rooms, and easy access to Lower Broadway attractions.
    4.5
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    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jackson (Jackson, TN)

    3.9

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jackson (Jackson, TN)

    A practical, frequently well-rated Hotels.com-style stopover for breaking up the drive, with reliable amenities and convenient access to I-40.
    3.9
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    The Peabody Memphis (Memphis)

    4.5

    The Peabody Memphis (Memphis)

    An iconic, centrally located Memphis hotel that is typically highly rated on Hotels.com for its historic atmosphere, strong service, and classic Memphis experience.
    4.5
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    Hu. Hotel (Memphis)

    3.9

    Hu. Hotel (Memphis)

    Often rated well on Hotels.com for a stylish boutique feel, comfortable rooms, and a downtown location that works well for Sun Studio, Beale Street, and museums.
    3.9
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Tracy Lawrence

    Tracy Lawrence

    The event will take place at Crossroads Arena in Corinth.
    Map IconCrossroads Arena in Corinth (46.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jun 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    Mark Chesnutt

    Mark Chesnutt

    The event will take place at Crossroads Arena in Corinth.
    Map IconCrossroads Arena in Corinth (46.81 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Sep 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Mark Chesnutt

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    What are the must see attractions between Nashville and Memphis? Driving through towns in may. ... Passing through Memphis on a road trip - one night, one meal.

    Taking TN100/US64 from Nashville to Memphis: Recommended food/stops/dos and don'ts

    What are the must see attractions between Nashville and Memphis? Driving through towns in may. ... Passing through Memphis on a road trip - one night, one meal.

    /r/memphis
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    We are in our early 30's like food, dive bars or nice cocktail bars, live music, dancing, checking out the "hip" or "authentic" places. Share ... Central BBQ is the best ...

    Driving from Memphis to Nashville.

    We are in our early 30's like food, dive bars or nice cocktail bars, live music, dancing, checking out the "hip" or "authentic" places. Share ... Central BBQ is the best ...

    /r/Tennessee
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    What are the must see attractions between Nashville and Memphis? Driving through towns in may. ... /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related.

    Best things to see on the road to Nashville

    What are the must see attractions between Nashville and Memphis? Driving through towns in may. ... /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related.

    /r/memphis
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything re...

    What are the must see attractions between Nashville and Memphis? Driving through towns in may.

    /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything re...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    14 votes, 108 comments. Flying in from out of town and will be driving from Memphis to Nashville. Any cool stops along the way? Anything to avoid?

    Memphis to Nashville?

    14 votes, 108 comments. Flying in from out of town and will be driving from Memphis to Nashville. Any cool stops along the way? Anything to avoid?

    /r/memphis
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    As far as NOLA goes, check out Lil Dizzy's for a soul-food staple. There's a million more tho :). You could also check out The Joint for some low-key barbecue vibes ...

    Road Trip through South (NOLA->Memphis->Nashville->Atlanta->Birmingham->NOLA) Food and travel recommendations?

    As far as NOLA goes, check out Lil Dizzy's for a soul-food staple. There's a million more tho :). You could also check out The Joint for some low-key barbecue vibes ...

    /r/AskNOLA
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  • Reddit Icon

    East Nashville's the hipster area and will be less touristy. Memphis is 11 hours from Charleston. It's a lot of driving. Maybe skip Charleston and come back for a So...

    Suggestions for short road trip - Charleston- Memphis - Nashville -Charleston

    East Nashville's the hipster area and will be less touristy. Memphis is 11 hours from Charleston. It's a lot of driving. Maybe skip Charleston and come back for a So...

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    I am planning a trip to Nashville with a few people (three) middle of October. One of the main part of the trip is visiting Graceland one of the

    Memphis and Nashville

    I am planning a trip to Nashville with a few people (three) middle of October. One of the main part of the trip is visiting Graceland one of the

    /r/VisitingNashville
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  • Reddit Icon

    You can def do Memphis in a day IF you start early & finish late. Leave Nashville at 7 am. Graceland (2 hours) Stax (maybe 2 hours but we just did it A quick visit), Civil Rig...

    Is it possible to do a day trip to Memphis from Nashville or is the journey to long to make it enjoyable

    You can def do Memphis in a day IF you start early & finish late. Leave Nashville at 7 am. Graceland (2 hours) Stax (maybe 2 hours but we just did it A quick visit), Civil Rig...

    /r/VisitingNashville
    View on RedditView on Reddit