If you’re still working on your summer plans, consider a road trip through the South. Whether you fly into one city and out another – renting a car and stopping along the way – or if you’re nearby and just want to see what’s around you, there are plenty of cities to check out in Tennessee, Georgia, and the like. Check out our suggested itinerary for your drive this summer.
Nashville, Tenn.
Our road trip begins in Nashville, which is usually the first stop on any vacation for country music lovers. From the Grand Ole Opry to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Music City gets its name for a reason.
Before you visit, check out who will be in town. There are outdoor concerts throughout the year, along with festivals and holiday celebrations. Nashville is the best place to grab a jar of sweet tea and listen to your favorite musicians.
Nashville is a fun place to visit, even if you’re not a country music fan. Three U.S. Presidents hailed from Tennessee -- Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson – and historians can visit Andrew Jackson’s home and James K. Polk’s burial site.
Before you leave, wake up early and have breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. There’s always a line to get in, making it one of the top flapjack joints in Tennessee.
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Just two hours away from Nashville is the town of Chattanooga. Whether you’re a history buff or art lover, this town will speak to you. Visit the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a converted train station and homage to the heyday of locomotive travel. This station was the gateway to the South, and all trains went through there between 1909 and 1970.
Depending on how you want to see the city, visitors can take a walking tour, a riverboat excursion, or a double-decker bus. If you make the town a home base to visit other towns in the area, check out Rock City for nature hikes or the historic Chickamauga battlefield, where the Union army suffered its greatest loss.
Before you leave, enjoy a wine or whiskey tasting at one of the two top wineries in the South. Sipping whiskey on the porch is a distinctly southern activity, and there’s no better place to do it than Chattanooga.
Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta is just a few hours away from Chattanooga, and it’s the pulsing heart of the South. In more ways than one, Atlanta has become an international hub for animals and hip hop stars. Visit the pandas at the zoo and then the whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the country with more than 500 species.
Of course, you don’t have to be an animal lover to enjoy the many attractions in Atlanta. See behind the scenes processes of two global names when you visit the World of Coca-Cola and the CNN Center, then catch a Braves Game at the iconic Turner Field.
If you’re hungry – which you will be after all of these sites – check out The Varsity across the street from Georgia Tech. Order a chili cheese dog and a Frosted Orange, and don’t forget to pick up a hat on your way out.
Charleston, S.C.
Charleston is a little less than five hours away from Atlanta, but the drive is worth it and there are plenty of places to stop along the way. Spend a day on the road by picnicking at the Oconee National Forest, then stop in Augusta, home of the Masters Tournament.
Of course, you'll want to be well rested for your time in Charleston, which is perfect for civil war buffs. Visit the Fort Sumter National Monument, the location of the official start of the civil war, and then catch the Friday parade at the Citadel.
In the warmer months, begin your day at the Charleston Farmer’s Market, which also has clothing and candles in addition to its fresh produce. From one market to the next, you can’t leave without walking through the historic Charleston City Market and buying a sweetgrass basket. When you need a break to refuel, enjoy a peanut butter burger at Poe’s Tavern, or try the fish and grits or she-crab soup at any local joint around town.
Savannah, Ga.
From Georgia to South Carolina and back again, we’re heading to Savannah. The drive is considerably shorter – less than two hours from Charleston – and is well worth the stop. Wander down River Street with century-old buildings that are now shops selling everything from candy to antiques, then take in the historic district.
Savannah is known for its spirits – the kind that go bump in the night. Check the different types of ghost tours available to see the spooky side of this town. As the oldest city in Georgia, there are a lot of troubled souls lingering among us, and you'll be sure to have goosebumps by the end of the evening.
If you want to stick your toes in the sand, check out Tybee Island. It’s a 20-minute drive from Savannah and boasts five miles of public beaches so you’re sure to enjoy your time playing in the surf.
St. Augustine, Fla.
We’re ending our road trip in St. Augustine, less than three hours from Savannah and just south of Jacksonville. Arrive hungry and enjoy a horse-drawn tasting tour that crawls through the best restaurants and bars in town. You'll definitely visit these places again during the rest of your trip.
On top of taking tours of Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas, visit the Lightner Museum to see mummies and shrunken heads, and learn how they play a part in our great history.
These are just a few highlights to see throughout the south, to say nothing of New Orleans, Asheville, and the mountains of North Carolina. Hop in the car and see where the road takes you this summer. You’re sure to be surrounded by good food and southern hospitality wherever you end up.
