Travelers crave hidden gem locations, with 63% noting that on their next trip, they’re likely to visit an “off-the-beaten-track destination” Expedia’s “Unpack ‘25” travel trend report unveils. For those who wish to explore the United States, there are no shortage of road trip destinations that fit the bill — especially for country music fans. Whether you wish to learn about the history behind some of country music’s most iconic artists or take part in a unique activity (like the unique ability to stand in the same spot where Elvis recorded), there are plenty of locations that are perfect for a country music inspired road trip.
Beyond the classic Graceland
Over 600,000 guests head to Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee each year, a fact that makes the home one of the most visited in the country. However, Graceland is far from the only location that fans of The King can visit, as there are plenty of lesser-frequented destinations out there that are perfect for a road trip itinerary. Las Vegas, for instance, features less frequented locations by fans such as the Golden Steer, a restaurant where Presley (as well as stars such as Frank Sinatra and Muhammad Ali) used to frequent after shows.
An American Trails Magazine post highlights several locations worth a visit in Mississippi, where Elvis was originally from. This includes “The birthplace of Elvis Presley,” a humble abode that can be found in Tupelo, as well as the locations where Elvis’ musical journey began. The Tupelo Hardware Store, for instance, is noted to be the exact location where Gladys Presley, Elvis’ mother, purchased her son’s very first guitar. Aside from all things Elvis, visitors to Tupelo can find great food and live music at the Blue Canoe. With nightly performances and a selection of 35 beers on tap daily, there’s no question that the Blue Canoe provides a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for music enthusiasts.
A journey to where it all began
For country music fans who love to explore the history of their favorite artists, a trip to where it all began for many stars can make for a truly unique road trip. Launched in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Studio is just one perfect destination that fits the theme — located in Memphis, the studio is credited as the discovery location of several country music icons that have left their mark on music history, some of which include Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash, in addition to Elvis Presley.
Sun Studio offers guided tours that last roughly around 40-45 minutes, though the site recommends that guests allot one to one and a half hours for the excursion. Throughout the tour, guests can expect experiences that range from standing in the same spot that Elvis recorded to the ability to hear “inside stories” about some of the legendary artists who recorded there. When you’re in the area, activities extend well beyond Sun Studio. In addition to Graceland (and the hotel, The Guest House at Graceland) as well as iconic venues such as the Orpheum Theater and the Overton Park Shell, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame is another history-rich location to add to the itinerary.
The scenic route
Those in search of a truly memorable road trip may wish to settle for a pre-planned route that includes a variety of stops along the way in addition to picturesque views and plenty of fresh air. As such, the Country Music Highway in Kentucky is a fantastic route recommendation for music enthusiasts. Kentucky Tourism notes that the scenic route traverses seven counties, and passes by state parks, museums, and music venues. This part of Kentucky, according to the site, “has produced more hit country artists than any other region per capita.” This includes icons such as Loretta Lynn, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Patty Loveless — to highlight just a few. Billy Ray as well as The Judds, for instance, were raised in Ashland (where the route begins). Here, visitors can head to the Paramount Art Center for performances, and afterward, a visit to the Yatesville Lake State Park is recommended for nature and relaxation. In the Prestonsburg stretch of the route, it’s noted that travelers can visit the Kentucky Opry at the Mountain Arts Center, where live music performances take place throughout the year.
Also, it’s important to remember that when you’re getting ready for a long road trip, the car you choose can really make a difference in how the whole experience goes. Having a good stereo system for those country music vibes along the way is of course a priority, but you also need a vehicle that performs well and offers features that make the ride more enjoyable. Crossovers today are a great choice for road trips because they come with a lot of helpful safety features, like driver-assistance technology, that can make the trip safer and less stressful. And, despite being smaller than some larger vehicles, crossovers still provide plenty of space for all your gear, whether you’re packing up camping equipment or just taking a lot of bags with you. Looking at ratings for crossovers can give you a lot of insight into what to expect when it comes to price, performance, and what features are included and it’s especially useful if you’re comparing newer models to see which one fits your needs best.
The United States features a variety of history-steeped locations that are perfect for a country music inspired road trip — especially when it comes to hidden gems. From the Deep South to Kentucky, history-rich locations range from Elvis’ birthplace of Tupelo to the Country Music Highway up north.
