Honky-tonks, blues, and Kentucky bourbon.
Honky-tonks, blues, and Kentucky bourbon.
Nashville, TN 37219Louisville, KY 40202
Trip overview
Follow the sound of the South from Nashville's neon honky-tonks to the soulful blues of Memphis' Beale Street. Then, trace the spirit of Kentucky, sipping small-batch bourbon in the rolling bluegrass hills on your way to Louisville.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Nashville
Ryman Auditorium
Tour the “Mother Church of Country Music,” a legendary venue with unparalleled acoustics. Stand on the same stage where legends like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline once performed.
116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Brave the line for an essential Nashville culinary experience. Choose your heat level, from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up!!!, and taste the city's most famous dish.
112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
The Bluebird Cafe
Experience an intimate acoustic show at this iconic 90-seat listening room where countless country music stars were discovered. Reservations are essential and highly competitive.
4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215
Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Stay in a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco building in the heart of downtown, blending historic luxury with modern comfort and just steps from Printer's Alley.
200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Day 2 — Nashville
National Museum of African American Music
Explore the profound influence of Black artists on over 50 genres of music. Interactive exhibits celebrate the central role African Americans have played in shaping the American soundtrack.
510 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Sun Studio
Step into the 'Birthplace of Rock 'N' Roll' and stand in the very room where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits. This legendary studio is a pilgrimage site for music lovers.
706 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Beale Street
Wander down the iconic neon-lit street officially declared the 'Home of the Blues.' Let the live music spill out from historic clubs like B.B. King's and Rum Boogie Cafe as you soak in the electric atmosphere.
Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
The Peabody Memphis
Stay at the historic 'South's Grand Hotel,' famous for its opulent lobby and the twice-daily march of the Peabody Ducks, a beloved tradition since the 1930s.
149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Day 3 — Memphis
Graceland
Explore the opulent and eccentric home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The Graceland Mansion tour offers a deeply personal look into his life, from the famous Jungle Room to his final resting place.
3734 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
National Civil Rights Museum
Located at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, this poignant museum traces the history of the American Civil Rights Movement. The exhibits are both powerful and essential.
450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103
Central BBQ
Savor some of the city's best barbecue at this local institution near the Civil Rights Museum. Known for its slow-smoked meats, especially the ribs and pulled pork, it's a must-try for authentic Memphis flavor.
147 E Butler Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Day 4 — Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park
Break up the drive by exploring the world's longest known cave system. Take a guided tour like the Historic Tour to see massive underground rooms and learn about the cave's fascinating history.
1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Heaven Hill Distillery
Arrive in Bourbon Country and visit one of its iconic producers. The 'You Do Bourbon' experience allows you to bottle your own bourbon straight from the barrel, creating a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004
The Old Talbott Tavern
Dine in what's considered the oldest western stagecoach stop in America, operating since 1779. Enjoy classic Southern fare in a building steeped in history, rumored to be haunted by several friendly ghosts.
107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004
Talbott Inn
Stay in one of the Main Inn's historic rooms, each named after a famous person who has visited, including Abraham Lincoln and Jesse James. It’s an authentic and atmospheric base for exploring the Bourbon Trail.
107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004
Day 5 — Loretto
Maker's Mark Distillery
Take a scenic drive to this stunningly beautiful distillery, known for its iconic red wax seal. Tour the historic grounds and dip your own bottle in wax to take home.
3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037
Churchill Downs
Visit the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. Even on a non-race day, a tour of the grounds and the Kentucky Derby Museum offers a deep dive into the history and excitement of 'The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.'
700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208
Jack Fry's
Enjoy a classic dinner at this beloved Louisville institution, a former speakeasy that has served fine dining since 1933. The walls are lined with historic photos, and the atmosphere is pure old-school elegance.
1007 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40204
21c Museum Hotel Louisville
Lodge in a unique boutique hotel that doubles as a contemporary art museum. Located on historic 'Museum Row,' it offers a vibrant and creative stay, complete with its famous red penguin sculptures.
700 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
Day 6 — Louisville
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Discover the story behind the iconic baseball bat at this interactive museum. See bats being made on the factory tour and get a free mini-bat at the end. Don't miss the world's largest baseball bat out front.
800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202
Muhammad Ali Center
Celebrate the life and legacy of 'The Greatest,' Louisville's native son Muhammad Ali. This cultural center explores not just his incredible boxing career but also the six core principles that guided his life.
144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Brown Hotel Lobby Bar
Have a farewell lunch and try the legendary 'Hot Brown' sandwich in the grand lobby of the hotel where it was invented in the 1920s. It's an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce, and it's pure Louisville.
335 W Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Southern Sounds road trip covers about 633 mi and roughly 10h 20m of driving, comfortably spread across about 6 days.
This itinerary maps out 22 stops from Nashville, TN 37219 to Louisville, KY 40202. Highlights include Sun Studio, Graceland, and National Civil Rights Museum.
It begins in Nashville, TN 37219 and ends in Louisville, KY 40202, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,070, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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