Road Trip: Top Places to Visit From Albuquerque to Nashville-Davidson
Are you itching for an adventure? Do you want to see the beauty of the Southwest and the charm of the Southeast? Well, hit the road! We've put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee. This journey will take you through six states, with plenty of diverse and breathtaking views along the way. So, buckle up, get your snacks, and let's go!
From Albuquerque, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch
Our first stop is Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation located in Amarillo, Texas. This unique roadside attraction consists of ten Cadillac cars from the 1949 to 1963 model years, half-buried nose-down into the ground. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on the cars. It’s a common tradition by visitors to engrave or paint their names or initials, handprints, or messages of love, to make a memorable impression on the cars. Be sure to bring your paint cans to document your visit!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The second stop of our Southwest journey is the Palo Duro Canyon State Park located only 30 minutes outside of Amarillo in Canyon, Texas. This hidden gem is the second-largest canyon in the United States, boasting beautiful cliffs, rock formations, sweeping vistas, and unique hiking trails that zig-zag through the wilderness. Palo Duro Canyon is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure offering horseback riding, camping, and mountain biking.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
After Palo Duro Canyon, we will make a stop at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge located in Lawton, Oklahoma. The area is a 59,000-acres National wildlife refuge featuring a variety of wildlife including buffalo, Texas longhorn cattle, elk, prairie dogs, and golden eagles. There are hiking, biking, and rock climbing trails, waterfalls, fishing, and history all accessible to park visitors.
From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Little Rock, Arkansas
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Our next stop is the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, located in the heart of Oklahoma City. The museum is centered around the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995, and serves to honor the lives lost and remember the day that shook America. The outdoor memorial includes two massive, towering gates, a reflecting pond, and symbolic chairs featuring the name of each victim. The museum offers some exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays about the history of the attack.
The Riverwalk
When in Little Rock, Arkansas, you should visit The River Walk. This downtown attraction features 20 miles of walking and cycling trails along the Arkansas River. The views are breathtaking, with lovely landscaping, and a plethora of restaurants and venues to explore. Visitors can rent bikes and kayaks, watch outdoor concerts, or even go on a riverboat cruise.
Hot Springs National Park
Our final destination in this leg of the journey is Hot Springs National Park. Established in 1832, Hot Springs National Park features 47 natural hot springs and 26 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can soak in the open-air thermal springs, hike up to lookout towers, or explore the historic Fordyce Bathhouse Museum. The town around the park is quaint with stunning landmarks, like the Arlington hotel and Bathhouse Row.
From Memphis, Tennessee to Nashville-Davidson
Graceland
Our penultimate destination is Memphis, Tennessee, home of Elvis Presley’s Graceland. The mansion was the home of the king of rock n’ roll, which draws up to a thousand visitors a day. Tourists can view the mansion, private jets, and impressive possessions of the iconic performer. There's even a mini-passport that you can obtain at the gift shop. When traveling to Memphis, Graceland should be on every list.
Beale Street Historic District
Next, on our Nashville-bound list is the Beale Street Historic District in Memphis. Once the center for African American music from the 1920s to the 1940s, Beale Street is now a lively hangout spot for people of all ages. Visitors can listen to live music, taste authentic Southern food, admire the colorful murals, and talk to the friendly locals. Be sure to visit the interactive Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum to learn more about the musical heritage of the area.
The Hermitage
The final stop of our trip is the Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee. The Hermitage was once the home of President Andrew Jackson, and now serves as a museum of his life and presidency. Visitors can tour the mansion, the garden, the historic church where Jackson worshiped, and various exhibits showcasing memorabilia and manuscripts that offer insights of the US’s seventh president.
Conclusion
Road-tripping from Albuquerque to Nashville-Davidson will take you on an exciting journey through fascinating history, stunning parks, and vibrant culture. Be sure to visit these top places and make them a part of your travel plan. Pack your camera, book your hotels, and enjoy the ride! There are plenty of beautiful sights to see, lasting memories to be made, and unfamiliar adventures to have. Get ready to cross one off the travel bucket list and experience the charm of the Southwest and the Southeast.