Road Trip: Tennessee and the Carolinas

With centuries of history, incredible art and music, and boundless Appalachian and coastal landscapes to explore, the Southern USA is a sure pick for enchanting road trips. Kick off your journey with a culture-packed jaunt through Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Discover music legends, mouthwatering cuisine and spectacular views as you make your way across the South.

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Travel through Tennessee and the Carolinas for unforgettable flavors and unmistakable charm.

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See Tennessee and the Carolinas

Nashville, Tennessee

Shop for cowboy boots and hats in Western wear shops along Nashville’s most famous street, where live music fills the air.
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Taste the plates you’ve seen on your Instagram feed, from Nashville hot chicken to fall-off-the-bone barbecue.
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Explore artifacts and exhibits dedicated to the hitmakers and cultural icons that have shaped the USA’s roots music scene.
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Tennessee Road Trip Stops

Just east of Nashville, the shores of Center Hill Lake are rife for paddling excursions and waterside strolls.
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A wonderland of waterfalls and rocky plateaus is yours to explore in Cumberland County.
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From rock climbing at Ijams Nature Center to nightlife and dining in Market Square, this riverfront city is packed with excitement.
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Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Find all-ages rides, spectacular entertainment and Southern hospitality in singer Dolly Parton’s family theme park.
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Take in panoramic mountain views from glass gondolas, high-speed ziplines and downhill coasters in this adventure park.
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Ride the free Gatlinburg Trolley to the city center to explore local shops and eateries along the lively Parkway.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Take a scenic drive to this incredible overlook to peer over mountain ridges straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina.
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Stand atop the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains. Catch breathtaking sunrises from the observation tower.
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A short, steep hike leads you to this beautiful cascade nestled amid peaceful forests.
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Blue Ridge Parkway

Get immersed in the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation at sites like Qualla Arts & Craft Mutual and Oconaluftee Indian Village.
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Pack a picnic to enjoy at picturesque Smoky Mountain overlooks scattered along the drive.
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Shop for Appalachian art or watch craftspeople at work in this cultural center on the parkway in Asheville.
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Asheville, North Carolina

This lavish mountain estate is where you’ll find the USA’s largest home. Explore the expansive grounds, garden and winery on a guided tour.
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Asheville’s hippest neighborhood is a paradise of working art studios, vibrant murals and hands-on craft classes.
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Go behind the scenes at one of the USA’s largest craft breweries, then enjoy beer samples and pub fare on the Back Porch.
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On the Road in South Carolina

Grab food and drinks at cosmopolitan eateries along Main Street, then take in beautiful waterfall views just steps away at Falls Park on the Reedy.
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With kilometers of shoreline and a network of trails along its shores, Lake Murray is ideal for fishing, boating and hiking enthusiasts.
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Winding boardwalks lead you through firefly-filled forests of ancient cypress trees.
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Charleston, South Carolina

Take a walking tour through Southern history in this charming area, which includes picturesque Rainbow Row and the intricate Pineapple Fountain.
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Once a strategic center of operations during the Civil War, today this rustic nature preserve is prime for serene strolls and birdwatching.
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Get to know the food, art and music of South Carolina’s swamps, including the vibrant culture of the Gullah Geechee communities, in towns like Beaufort.
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