Explore 3 UCPlaces digital self-guided tours in Memphis

Welcome to our Memphis-to-Nashville road trip! Now, there are probably a billion ways to get from Memphis to Nashville. Okay, maybe not literally a billion — but there are certainly enough that choosing just one wasn't easy. The simplest option is obvious: get on Interstate 40, point the car east, and stay there until Nashville. It's fast, efficient... and that's exactly what we're not going to do. Because this road trip isn't about getting to Nashville as quickly as possible. It's about making the most of the journey between two of America's great music cities. So when we designed this route, we had a few rules. We wanted to keep the trip reasonably efficient, while getting you off the interstate whenever the alternative was worth it. We looked for roads that would take us through small Tennessee towns, beautiful countryside, forests and historic communities rather than simply around them. We wanted stories too — music, barbecue, Civil War history, old railroads, forgotten highways, unusual characters, and the people and places that shaped Tennessee. And every once in a while, when the interstate really is the best option, we'll use it. We're adventurous, not unreasonable. Along the way we'll travel portions of old highways that carried people across Tennessee long before I-40 existed, wind through the countryside of West Tennessee, cross the Tennessee River, discover communities like Lexington, Waverly, McEwen and Dickson, and gradually watch rural Tennessee give way to Nashville. Some places will be worth stopping. Others we'll simply enjoy from the road. And occasionally we'll take you somewhere you probably never would have discovered if you'd just asked your navigation app for the fastest route. That's really the idea behind this tour. Memphis and Nashville are the bookends. But today, the space between them is the story. So get comfortable, enjoy the drive, and don't worry — we'll handle the storytelling. Let's take the long way to Nashville.

Welcome to Memphis, Tennessee—a city that has shaped the soundtrack of America and played a central role in our nation’s history. Founded in 1819 by John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson, the city was named after the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, which also sat on a great river. Fittingly, our Memphis was built along the mighty Mississippi, and the river has been the city’s lifeline ever since. Memphis grew quickly as a trading hub, especially for cotton and river commerce, and became known as the “Cotton Capital of the World” in the 19th century. But it wasn’t always easy—the city nearly collapsed during devastating yellow fever epidemics in the 1870s, losing thousands of lives. Memphis rebuilt, though, and emerged stronger, fueled by industry, resilience, and, above all, culture. And culture is what makes Memphis unforgettable. This is the Home of the Blues, the Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll, and the launching pad for soul music that swept the world. Legendary names like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Isaac Hayes, Johnny Cash, and Aretha Franklin all have roots here. Beale Street became the heartbeat of the blues, Sun Studio gave us rock ’n’ roll, and Stax Records created a sound that blended gospel and rhythm into something uniquely Memphis. But Memphis isn’t just music—it’s history. The city was at the center of the civil rights struggle, from the 1866 Memphis Massacre to the 1968 Sanitation Workers’ Strike, which brought Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. here for what would be his final days. Today, places like the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel and the I AM A MAN Plaza keep that history alive. And then there are the fun facts: Memphis is famous for its barbecue, with more than 100 BBQ joints serving slow-smoked pork and ribs. It’s also home to the Peabody Ducks, who march daily through the lobby of the grand Peabody Hotel. And let’s not forget, Memphis gave the world not only Elvis, but also literary giant John Grisham, actress Cybill Shepherd, and NBA star Penny Hardaway. So as we begin this tour, buckle up and get ready for a journey through a city that has seen tragedy and triumph, but always managed to turn its story into music, soul, and spirit. From the banks of the Mississippi to Graceland itself, this is Memphis—let’s hit the road and explore it together.

Welcome, fellow adventurers, to a grand Tennessee road trip! This self-guided GPS audio driving tour is your golden ticket to exploring the heart and soul of the Volunteer State, stretching approximately 487 kilometers from the vibrant streets of Nashville to the legendary rhythm of Memphis. Designed for both first-timers eager to hit the highlights and returning tourists looking to delve deeper, this itinerary promises a captivating journey through music history, presidential legacies, natural wonders, and cultural icons. You'll kick off your adventure at the Country Music Hall of Fame, then loop through Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium and the majestic Parthenon. From there, the open road beckons westward, leading you through the serene landscapes of Montgomery Bell State Park and the legendary Loretta Lynn's Ranch. Discover the tranquility of the Buffalo River, pay homage at the Tina Turner Museum, and step back in time at Casey Jones Village. As you approach Memphis, you'll encounter the natural beauty of Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, before some essential stops in downtown Memphis, including Beale Street, Sun Studio and much more. And Finally, culminate your journey at the iconic Graceland. Get ready for an unforgettable exploration of Tennessee's most popular spots, must-see places, iconic landmarks, and plenty of Instagrammable selfie opportunities! Let's get going! Please follow your navigation to the Country Music Hall of Fame. I'll see ya there!