‘Tis the season to just load up the car and hit the road with elsewhere in mind. Nashville, for all its glitz and glamour, is no different. There are plenty of reasons to love this city, but every once in awhile, I just have to get away. Even if we don’t have the opportunity to take a full week off and go on a real vacation, one of the things I love most about Nashville is its proximity to dozens of fun towns and cities. So, I figured I’d take some time to list a few of my favorite spots in case you’re looking for somewhere quick to retreat to this summer.
Our Favorite Weekend Road Trips from Nashville
Asheville, North Carolina – Big fan of the energy in Asheville. Big fan of all the breweries. The Wicked Weed brewery had some of the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had too. Asheville is the perfect spot to take in the splendor of the mountains with some fantastic dining options, and none of the tourist traps like you see in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Center Hill Lake, Tennessee – If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, but may not have the budget to head to the Smoky Mountains, I’d point you in the direction of Center Hill Lake. It’s only a little over an hour east of Nashville, and you can find some palatial cabins in the hills overlooking the lake for nowhere near what you’re going to pay in the mountains. I’ve spent many a summer evening out on Center Hill Lake, and it has always made for a tranquil getaway.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – full travel guide – If I were to rank my personal favorite weekend getaways from Nashville, Chattanooga would be #1 on the list for a couple of reasons. Namely, it’s only two to two and a half hours away from us. So, I’m spending minimal time over the weekend in a car. Two, there’s mountains, and Lookout Mountain is an elite tier spot to watch the sun set. I love the food scene in Chattanooga. I’m a sucker for Rock City. There’s simply nowhere else nearby that offers the total package the way the Scenic City does.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee – full travel guide – Listen, I’m guilty of being a cynical old curmudgeon. There’s no doubt about that if you listen to me on the SoBros Power Hour. But, I can’t help but adore the majesty of the Smoky Mountains. Clingmans Dome is one of the most majestic places on Earth. And, as pricy and touristy as it may be, I can’t say no to glass of moonshine, and a balcony from which I can just stare at the mountains for a few days.
Memphis, Tennessee – full travel guide – “There are the obvious reasons why one would want to visit Memphis. Graceland, Beale Street, and BBQ are the big 3, but there is so much more than that.” -Steven McCash
Tupelo, Mississippi – full travel guide – “Nestled off of Highway 45 in the Northeastern part of the Magnolia State is Tupelo, a city that’s history sits around the legacy of Elvis. Tupelo is a short three and a half hour drive from Nashville and is a great choice for a weekend getaway from all of the noise brought in by drunken bachelorette parties and tourists stumbling up and down Broadway. Opening the GPS on your phone will provide you with multiple routes to get to Tupelo from Nashville, but if you really want to experience a remarkable and beautiful drive, then hop on the Natchez Trace Parkway and enjoy the ride.” -Steven McCash
I’m sure we’ll keep this list updated as more of the SoBros teams submits their favorite places to sneak away to and as we travel to, and write about, more cities in the southeast. Feel free to share your favorite weekend getaways from Nashville in the comments!
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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