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12 Oct 2025
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Ohio To New Orleans Road Trip Trip Itinerary

Ohio to New Orleans Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Embark on an unforgettable road trip adventure from Ohio to the vibrant city of New Orleans, journeying through the heart of the American South. Start in Columbus, Ohio, a city celebrated for its energetic urban vibe and dynamic arts scene. Next, discover the riverfront charm and historic districts of Cincinnati before rolling onward to Louisville, Kentucky, famed for its horse racing legacy and bourbon culture. As you head south, immerse yourself in the lively country music atmosphere of Nashville, Tennessee, and uncover the soulful roots of blues and rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis, where music legends left their mark. Journeying into Mississippi, explore Jackson’s significant role in American civil rights history and savor authentic Southern cuisine. Finally, cap off your trip in the eclectic and spirited city of New Orleans, where Creole heritage, jazz rhythms, and world-renowned festivals create a destination unlike any other. Each stop on this itinerary offers a unique blend of culture, history, and regional flavor, promising memories and discoveries at every turn.


Recommended Activities

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    Columbus, Ohio

    Columbus is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and attractions like the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Zoo, and the trendy Short North Arts District.
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    Cincinnati, Ohio

    Cincinnati offers historic neighborhoods, top-rated museums such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, the unique Over-the-Rhine district, and the scenic riverfront with Great American Ball Park.
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    Louisville, Kentucky

    Louisville is famous for the Kentucky Derby, bourbon distilleries, and a lively cultural scene with attractions like the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Waterfront Park.
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    Nashville, Tennessee

    Nashville is known as the heart of country music with iconic sites like the Grand Ole Opry, live music on Broadway, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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    Memphis, Tennessee

    Memphis is famous for its rich musical heritage, especially the blues and rock 'n' roll, with must-see spots like Graceland, Beale Street, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
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    Jackson, Mississippi

    Jackson offers deep historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement, fascinating museums like the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, and Southern cuisine.
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    New Orleans, Louisiana

    New Orleans is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, vibrant live music scene, historic French Quarter, Creole cuisine, and festive atmosphere especially during events like Mardi Gras.
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Restaurants

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    The Pearl

    4.6
    $$$$

    The Pearl

    A celebrated spot in Columbus, The Pearl offers upscale comfort food and fresh oysters, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    Sotto

    4.7
    $$$$

    Sotto

    Located in downtown Cincinnati, Sotto is famed for its rustic Italian cuisine and intimate ambiance, delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Jack Fry's

    4.7
    $$$$

    Jack Fry's

    A Louisville staple since 1933, Jack Fry's is lauded by Eater for its refined Southern fare and historic jazz-era décor.
    4.7
    $$$$
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    Hattie B's Hot Chicken

    4.5
    $$$$

    Hattie B's Hot Chicken

    A Nashville legend for spicy fried chicken, Hattie B's is a must for anyone wanting to experience authentic Nashville hot chicken.
    4.5
    $$$$
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    Coquette

    4.5
    $$$$

    Coquette

    Located in New Orleans, Coquette offers creative Southern cuisine in a charming Garden District setting, highly ranked by Eater for its seasonal menu.
    4.5
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Hotels

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    Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

    9

    Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

    A luxury hotel in the heart of Columbus' Short North Arts District, praised for its stylish rooms and location near great nightlife and galleries.
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    21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

    9.1

    21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

    This unique boutique hotel doubles as a contemporary art museum and offers sleek accommodations in downtown Cincinnati.
    9.1
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    The Brown Hotel

    4.2

    The Brown Hotel

    A Louisville landmark known for elegant Southern charm and the iconic Hot Brown sandwich, located downtown near major attractions.
    4.2
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    The Hermitage Hotel

    4.2

    The Hermitage Hotel

    Nashville's most historic luxury hotel, famed for its opulent architecture and outstanding service in a prime downtown location.
    4.2
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    The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

    4.6

    The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

    An opulent hotel just steps from the French Quarter, lauded for classic New Orleans glamour and its legendary Sazerac Bar.
    4.6
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Studio Tenn Presents: Dracula

    Studio Tenn Presents: Dracula

    A 2x Tony Award winning Broadway sensation, Dracula brings spine-chilling horror to Franklin. Based on the Bram Stoker classic novel, this gripping stage adaptation tells the chilling story of Count Dracula arriving in England and the trail of terror...
    Map IconTurner Theater in Franklin (24.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Oct 2025
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    SENSORY-FRIENDLY Studio Tenn Presents: Dracula

    SENSORY-FRIENDLY Studio Tenn Presents: Dracula

    A 2x Tony Award winning Broadway sensation, Dracula brings spine-chilling horror to Franklin. Based on the Bram Stoker classic novel, this gripping stage adaptation tells the chilling story of Count Dracula arriving in England and the trail of terror...
    Map IconTurner Theater in Franklin (24.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Oct 2025
    Picture for SENSORY-FRIENDLY Studio Tenn Presents: Dracula
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    Studio Tenn Presents: Pink Goes Good With Green

    Studio Tenn Presents: Pink Goes Good With Green

    The event will take place at Turner Theater in Franklin.
    Map IconTurner Theater in Franklin (24.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Nov 2025
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    Studio Tenn Presents: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

    Studio Tenn Presents: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

    Fall in love all over again with the timeless charm of White Christmas. This heartwarming musical follows WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they team up with a pair of singing sisters for a holiday show at a cozy Vermont inn only to discove...
    Map IconTurner Theater in Franklin (24.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Dec 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    My friend and I are road tripping down to New Orleans the last week in July. What are some cool things to check out along the way? We enjoy hiking

    Ohio to New Orleans...stops along the way?

    My friend and I are road tripping down to New Orleans the last week in July. What are some cool things to check out along the way? We enjoy hiking

    /r/roadtrip
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    29 votes, 42 comments. Hi "y'all". Aussie here. After a couple of days in Memphis, my daughter and I are doing a road trip to New Orleans. I was

    Road trip to New Orleans

    29 votes, 42 comments. Hi "y'all". Aussie here. After a couple of days in Memphis, my daughter and I are doing a road trip to New Orleans. I was

    /r/memphis
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    Planning a road trip to New Orleans from upstate New York mid-November. I am trying to take my time and utilize carside camping as much as possible

    Road trip to New Orleans

    Planning a road trip to New Orleans from upstate New York mid-November. I am trying to take my time and utilize carside camping as much as possible

    /r/roadtrip
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    Hi We are driving from memphis to new orleans and not sure where we should stay over on the way. Currently we leave memphis on a sunday and arrive in

    Memphis to New Orleans road trip advice please

    Hi We are driving from memphis to new orleans and not sure where we should stay over on the way. Currently we leave memphis on a sunday and arrive in

    /r/mississippi

Music for Your Journey

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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    A classic road trip anthem that energizes the journey and captures the excitement of the open road.
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson's iconic country hit about the joys of driving and seeing new places, perfect for any road adventure.
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    Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis

    Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis

    A soulful tribute to the music heritage of Memphis, ideal for setting the mood as you approach the famous city.
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    Bob Dylan - Nashville Skyline Rag

    Bob Dylan - Nashville Skyline Rag

    An upbeat instrumental that celebrates the musical culture of Nashville.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    A Southern rock staple that captures the spirit of the American South.
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    Randy Newman - Louisiana 1927

    Randy Newman - Louisiana 1927

    A poignant song painting vivid images of Louisiana and its history, perfect for reflecting on the Bayou State.
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    Connie Smith - Cincinnati, Ohio

    Connie Smith - Cincinnati, Ohio

    A classic tune expressing appreciation for the city of Cincinnati and its Midwestern charm.
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    Jerry Lee Lewis - Great Balls Of Fire

    Jerry Lee Lewis - Great Balls Of Fire

    An energetic rock 'n' roll hit from Memphis legend Jerry Lee Lewis, sure to keep spirits high.
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    Professor Longhair - Go To The Mardi Gras

    Professor Longhair - Go To The Mardi Gras

    A festive New Orleans classic bringing the lively sounds and spirit of Mardi Gras to your trip soundtrack.
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    Johnny Cash - Jackson

    Johnny Cash - Jackson

    A lively duet celebrating the fun and excitement of the city named Jackson, fitting for the Mississippi leg of your journey.
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