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Since we moved to Raleigh, we’ve been taking loads of street journeys to uncover extra of the USA. Considered one of our favorites is a Western North Carolina to Tennessee street journey, which takes you from Raleigh to Memphis.
It combines two issues we love: mountains and music. It is a street journey that comes with magnificence, soul, historical past and tradition.
The main focus is on music and pure magnificence, however you possibly can add different issues into this expertise whereas within the varied locations, like beer meals and small city historic attraction.
Alongside the best way, you possibly can take within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, Lake Lure, Nashville, and a lot extra, earlier than you get to Memphis.
We’ve got completed this street journey a number of instances, so we’ve highlighted the final word itinerary for you under so you possibly can fall in love with this route as a lot as we now have!
Greatest Time to Take A North Carolina to Tennessee Highway Journey
This NC to TN street journey can actually be taken at any time of the 12 months – the Smoky Mountains affords 4 seasons of magnificence, and the musical experiences are by no means lower off with the altering seasons.
Summer season is a good time for a street journey from North Carolina to Tennessee, clearly, as you possibly can benefit from the open air extra, and also you might be able to slot in a couple of out of doors concert events or festivals.
In the course of the summer time, it could be barely cooler within the mountains for some reduction, and you may swim within the lakes and rivers and hike in shady forests.
As half of this journey is in nature, you possibly can journey fairly cheaply by tenting and staying within the Nice Smoky Nationwide Park, which is essentially the most visited within the nation. There’ll be numerous mountain climbing, swimming, biking trails, and scenic drives and you could even see black bears.
The Final North Carolina to Tennessee Highway Journey
We’ve got began this street journey in Raleigh as that is the place we reside, however you too can take this Raleigh to Memphis street journey in any course and begin anyplace in North Carolina.
Flip it if it’s good to and alter it to fit your model and size of journey. We advocate at the very least one week, extra realistically two weeks, if you wish to take it gradual and discover slightly deeper.
High tip: Plan prematurely so you slot in any particular musical occasions you don’t need to miss.
Cease 1: World of Bluegrass Competition, Raleigh
Is there a greater option to kick off a enjoyable Mountains & Music street journey than on the largest city bluegrass competition on the earth?
The annual Wide Open World of Bluegrass in Raleigh, NC closes out the Worldwide Bluegrass Music Affiliation’s World of Bluegrass Week. It is without doubt one of the most fun and unique things to do in North Carolina
The competition options the perfect performers and musicians within the nationwide and worldwide bluegrass scene annually. Streets are blocked off and also you’ll discover free music everywhere in the metropolis Along with the principle stage on the Pink Hat Amphitheater.
The occasion additionally contains an wonderful road competition full with scrumptious meals, a dance tent, a BBQ cook-off, an arts & crafts market and a many different actions for all ages.
If you wish to incorporate this occasion into this mountains and music street journey from Raleigh to Memphis, you’ll have to plan round this occasion, which is often held finish Sept/begin Oct yearly.
In any other case, there are lots of cool issues to do in Raleigh that make it an ideal place to start your street journey.
Cease 2: Charlotte
Charlotte is the capital of North Carolina and is a vibrant metropolis that’s value testing for a little bit of metropolis life earlier than heading into nature. You could be beginning your street journey from right here as a substitute of Raleigh, and that’s okay, it’s simply as compelling a vacation spot as Raleigh.
Generally known as the Queen Metropolis, Charlotte is well-known for being a serious middle for finance and banking, however it’s additionally recognized to effortlessly mix its fashionable city facilities and pure magnificence.
The downtown space is the place you’ll discover stylish bars, eating places, and top-notch nightlife.
A few of the prime points of interest within the metropolis are the NASCAR Corridor of Fame, which showcases the wealthy historical past and interactive reveals associated to the enduring sport. You should definitely watch a race on the Motor Speedway!
You may as well take a look at the Levine Museum of the New South, which uncovers the historical past of the submit–Civil Struggle period within the South.
Cease 3: The North Carolina Mountains
The North Carolina Mountains space is to the west of the State close to the Tennessee border. It’s the area nestled among the many Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains and are full of outside journey, spectacular pure magnificence, and cute small mountain cities.
Right here you will discover the Grandfather Mountain to the North, and Chimney Rock within the South. We advocate staying within the South as you’ll want to keep on this aspect to get to your subsequent cease.
We’ve got extra in-depth recommendations on prime locations to go within the North Carolina Mountains here, when you’re uncertain of what to do there.
If in case you have extra time then incorporate the Blue Ridge Parkway (also called the Cherohala Skyway), which is a scenic drive that gives 252 miles of sheer magnificence, out of doors actions and cute mountain cities.
Cease 4: Lake Lure, North Carolina
Lake Lure is a good looking place and certainly one of my favourite locations within the US.
It has an air of historical stillness and silence. Greatest felt in the midst of the lake on a paddle board with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Hickory Nut Gorge and the inexperienced pine tree forest surrounding the banks.
Do you know the carry scene (and others) type Soiled Dancing had been filmed right here? A very enjoyable factor to do (that additionally entails music) is to attend the annual Dirty Dancing festival – we beloved it.
A cruise on Lake Lure can be an ideal exercise to study extra of the historical past and tradition of the world. Chimney Rock is close by for an ideal hike to excellent views (some scenes from the Final of the Mohicans filmed right here).
You may as well keep in Hendersonville, which is a cool city recognized for its Civil Struggle historical past (take a look at the Henderson County Heritage Museum to study extra).
Watch our video of Lake Lure
Cease 5: Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is small mountain city in North Carolina well-known for inventive different way of life, craft brews and music.
The music scene in Asheville blends age outdated mountain blue grass traditions with fashionable people, Americana, and all the pieces in between.
We’re upset to have missed lots of our favourite artists enjoying right here as a result of touring elsewhere. They embrace: Xavier Rudd, John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Pearl Jam – see the range it affords and on this setting, it’s pure magic.
It is a true hippie spirit city that aligns superbly with its gorgeous pure environment and entry to out of doors journey.
Asheville additionally boasts extra breweries per capita than every other US metropolis. In fact you need to pair reside music and hikes with sampling high quality craft brews.
Some breweries value mentioning: Upcountry Brewing, Catawba Brewery, Asheville Brewing and I beloved Ginger’s Revenge for his or her ciders. Tell us within the feedback your favorites.
Cease 6: Biltmore Property
The Biltmore Property is situated in Asheville and is a prime North Carolina attraction!
It can require at the very least half a day, however because it’s essentially the most magnificent and largest residence in America, we extremely advocate you do.
We’ve been 3 times and LOVE it. They’ve varied themes all year long. It’s spectacular at Christmas and I beloved the spring expertise we had with my dad and mom with their gorgeous gardens and Chihuly Glass sculptures.
Cease 7: Cherokee
Cherokee is legendary for having the largest Native American neighborhood on the earth, the Sequoyah, in addition to a miriad of points of interest.
Harrah’s Cherokee On line casino Resort is without doubt one of the most important the explanation why folks come right here. It’s a world-class on line casino that gives extra than simply playing, however we all know it’s not everybody’s scene.
It’s additionally the proper place to base your self to entry the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park and Southern Appalachian path, so when you’re a eager hiker then you definately’ll need to spend a couple of days right here.
Don’t miss the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, The Oconaluftee Indian Village and Mingo Falls for breathtaking surroundings.
Cease 8: Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park
We love the inexperienced, lush world of the Smokies, which stretches throughout the border of North Carolina into Tennessee.
We’ve principally explored the Western Tennessee aspect and if you’re brief on time, I like to recommend doing that, however you probably have extra time do head over to Japanese Tennessee as that is the place you discover the music.
The North Carolina aspect of the Nice Smoky Mountains is often a bit quieter and a extra relaxed expertise. You may as well discover the well-known Nice Smoky Mountains Railroad, a historic railway, which matches from Bryson City to the park if you wish to give your automobile a break.
We advocate you keep in both Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge to entry the Nice Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg is usually concerning the Smoky Mountains and all of the points of interest listed here are a part of the nationwide park, however Pigeon Forge is the place you’ll discover the well-known Dollywood theme and water park – I’ll allow you to make a desire.
There are a number of nice mountain climbing trails and mountain passes together with the Little Cataloochee Path, Oconaluftee River Path (nice for spring wildflowers), and the 5-mile loop Deep Creek Waterfall hike, which takes you previous three lovely waterfalls.
On the Tennessee aspect is the implausible Cades Cove Loop, a biking path that gives an exciting expertise, in addition to a couple of fantastic simple household pleasant hikes and delightful views at Clingmans Dome (highest level), Morton Overlook and Newfound Hole (straddle the border!).
Watch our video of the Cades Cove Bike Experience Loop
Cease 9: Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is without doubt one of the finest spots on this NC to TN street journey because it affords a lot! On the coronary heart of Knoxville is the charming Market Sq., an iconic hub of native tradition the place you’ll find a sprawling park surrounded by eating places, bars, and cafes nestled contained in the historic structure.
Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Ijams Nature Middle, an expansive pure sanctuary filled with picturesque trails, native wildlife, and serenity. Proper close to there’s Meads Quarry which we beloved for a refreshing swim, beautiful views, and a dose of serenity.
For wonderful views, head up the Sunsphere Tower for a singular perspective of Knoxville’s city and pure landscapes.
Learn our information on best things to do in Knoxville.
Cease 10: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Take a brief detour to Chattanooga, a preferred spot to mix metropolis life with nature. Positioned on the Tennessee River, Chattanooga in Tennessee is without doubt one of the finest locations to base your self for a couple of days if you wish to discover the Appalachian Mountains however with out feeling too distant.
It’s a enjoyable out of doors city with a blossoming artwork scene and nice native meals.
In case you’ve had sufficient mountain climbing on this street journey, benefit from the Incline Railway to the highest of Lookout Mountain and head over to Ruby Falls waterfall and Rock Metropolis for unbelievable views.The Tennesse River can be enjoyable to kayak down because it winds by way of town.
It’s additionally an essential vacation spot for Civil Struggle historical past fans, as Level Park marks the spot the place a Civil Struggle battle came about. You may study extra about it on the Chattanooga Museum.
Don’t miss these fun things to do in Chattanooga. Savannah and I had an ideal mom daughter getaway there!
Cease 11: Nashville, Tennessee
Tennessee has been a spot the place musicians have gone to be found for a few years, most notably Nashville and Memphis.
I’m certain you’ve heard of Elvis, Johnny Money, Dolly Parton, and present stars like Keith City and Carrie Underwood.
You may uncover their journey and present aspiring artists in Tennessee on this street journey.
Nashville is certainly one of my favourite cities within the nation for its uniqueness and alternative to expertise every kind of music at any time of the day.
Simply present as much as any bar or restaurant and somebody shall be enjoying. Be taught extra of the historical past on the Nation Music Corridor of Fame & Museum, catch a show at the Grand Ole Opry or one of many many Honky Tonk bars.
A spotlight of this musical street journey can be an evening on the Bluebird Café. Plan that one prematurely. Monday night time open mic is the perfect, however that could be a first come first served and plenty of line up for hours.
There’s additionally Civil Struggle historical past within the close by historic city of Franklin, which made our checklist of cool places to visit in the USA and Puckett’s Grocery in Leipers Fork is an iconic musical venue. You by no means know what begin could pop in there and play – Good day Keith City.
Leipers Fork and Franklin are the place many US Nation artists reside.
Learn Extra:
When visiting Nashville, take into account getting a Nashville Sightseeing Move to economize on prime points of interest. See more information here.
Watch our video of Backstage on the Opry
Cease 12: Memphis
In Memphis you’ve got blues and soul and rock n roll, Graceland and BBQ. A tour of Graceland is a should not miss US expertise. As is Sun Studios the place Elvis was found and the Stax Museum which tells the story of soul.
There’s additionally the very sobering Civil Rights Museum which tells the story of an essential half in historical past – the Civil Rights movement and the assassination of Martin Luther King.
You’ll additionally need to take a look at the well-known Peabody Geese and Beale St – though plan for daytime if visiting Memphis with youngsters.
Video: Memphis with Youngsters
Map of This North Carolina to Tennessee Highway Journey
That will help you plan your street journey, here’s a useful map of the perfect stops talked about on this information:
Ultimate Ideas
This is without doubt one of the finest street journeys we now have taken since moving to Raleigh. There’s one thing about hitting the open street and with the ability to witness an unlimited number of landscapes and points of interest.
From uncovering hidden gems to taking a stroll round an iconic metropolis, or mountain climbing within the Southern Appalachians to buying boutiques in a quiet mountain city, there’s a lot to see and do on this route.
Even the surroundings from the automobile makes it value it!
We hope this information helped you intend your North Carolina to Tennessee street journey and gave you some inspiration for locations to cease alongside the best way.
Need extra music?
Chances are you’ll want to duck all the way down to Huntsville, Alabama, which is simply just below two hours from Nashville.
Resulting from its proximity to Music Metropolis (and the excessive value of dwelling there) many proficient and aspiring artists reside in Huntsville and commute into Nashville.
This implies you possibly can simply discover good music on the bars in Huntsville too!
Save time by getting our FREE Mountains + Music itinerary information once you be a part of our free VIP e-mail neighborhood. Straightforward to observe printable with an inventory of prime issues to do in every vacation spot.
Extra Journey Ideas for the South
Want extra inspiration for visiting the South within the USA? Listed here are another useful guides!
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