The Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee

If you're looking for a perfect combination of history, music, and food, look no further than a road trip from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Nashville, Tennessee. This trip covers approximately 550 miles and can take around 8 hours to complete. The journey offers a mix of scenic vistas, historical significance, fun-filled outdoor adventures, and great food. The midway point of the trip passes through Hartford, TN, on I-40, so it's an ideal place to take a break and stretch your legs.

The Top 5 Things to do

Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate is a must-see on this road trip route. With 250 rooms spread over 175,000 square feet, this grand estate was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 19th century. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the house and learn about the Vanderbilt family's history and their lifestyle. Beyond the mansion, the estate also features beautiful gardens, hiking trails, and delicious dining options.

Interesting Fact: The Biltmore Estate has been open to the public since 1930 and is still family-owned today.

Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As you continue through the mountainous landscape from North Carolina into Tennessee, you'll come across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park, covering over 800 square miles, is a nature lover's paradise. There are many things to see and do here, including wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and camping. For the best views of the park, head up to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies.

Interesting Fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see synchronous fireflies, a rare species that flashes in unison each year during late May and early June.

Take a Tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery

No trip to Tennessee is complete without a visit to the Jack Daniels Distillery. Located in the small town of Lynchburg, this distillery has been producing and aging whiskey since 1866. Take a guided tour to learn about the distilling process and the history of this iconic brand. Don't forget to sample some of the whiskey while you're there!

Interesting Fact: Jack Daniels was only 5'2" tall but had a larger-than-life personality that helped shape the brand into the legendary whiskey it is today.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Any fan of country music will relish a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. The museum offers a glimpse into the roots of country music and how it's evolved over the years. With over 2.5 million artifacts, including instruments, costumes, and recordings, there's something for everyone here. Be sure to check out the rotating exhibits and live performances while you're there.

Interesting Fact: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1961 and has inducted over 130 members to the Hall of Fame.

Explore Downtown Nashville

No trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to downtown. This lively area is packed with restaurants, bars, and live music venues. Walk down Music Row to see some of the iconic recording studios where famous musicians have recorded countless hits. For a great view of the city, head up to the top of the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.

Interesting Fact: Nashville is home to over 180 recording studios, making it a hub for the music industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this road trip itinerary from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to Nashville, Tennessee, is packed with exciting places to visit and things to do. With stops in Ashville, TN, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lynchburg, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and downtown Nashville, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, whiskey connoisseur, or music fan, this trip has it all. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery and memories of your journey.