Spirit of the South: Bold Flavors and Natural Wonders

From misty mountain peaks to small-batch bourbon distilleries, this road trip winds through Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky and Missouri to showcase the best of the Southern USA. Along the way, you’ll hike dramatic national parks, stroll quaint small towns and savor timeless Southern flavors. This journey blends outdoor adventure, culinary discovery and cultural treasures into one unforgettable experience.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: Misty Peaks and Endless Views

You’ll be in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, a subrange of the Appalachians, when you land at McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee. From there, it’s just over an hour’s drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the USA. Admire fog-shrouded peaks and layered ridges in vibrant shades of green from Kuwohi, the park’s highest peak, accessed by a short paved trail. Find more breathtaking scenery around Newfound Gap and Cades Cove. This scenic loop road is dotted with historical buildings. For a stay as adventure-packed as the park, look to the charming gateway towns of Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, the home of Dolly Parton’s beloved Dollywood theme park.

Whiskey and Country Music in Bristol, Tennessee

A two-hour drive brings you to Bristol, a small town with a big influence on Southern culture. At the Smithsonian-affiliated Birthplace of Country Music Museum, hear the story of the 1927 recording sessions that shaped the sound of a genre. Interactive exhibits let you listen to original tracks, see instruments played by music legends and even sing along in the studio. The hills and hollers of Eastern Tennessee gave rise to another American tradition: Moonshine. Once a staple of backwoods bootleggers, that same skill has evolved into today’s thriving craft distilling culture, on display at hot spots like Lost State Distilling and Tennessee Hills Distillery. When you’re ready to move on, drive just over two hours to explore a natural wonder in West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia: The USA’s Newest National Park

Designated in 2020, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is the USA’s newest national park – and one of its most dramatic. The canyon plunges nearly 500 meters deep and stretches more than 80 kilometers, carved by the rushing New River, an epicenter for world-class whitewater rafting. Towering above it all is the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s longest single-span steel arch bridges and West Virginia’s most photographed landmark. Travel winding trails, rock climbing routes and scenic overlooks to take in the gorge’s beauty. Stay overnight in nearby Fayetteville, a small but energetic town, or an hour away in Charleston, with its abundance of hotels, dining and culture.

Horsing Around in Lexington, Kentucky

Rocky canyons give way to rolling bluegrass on the roughly four-hour drive to Lexington, the heart of Kentucky’s horse country. Experience local equestrian culture on tours of Kentucky farms, where you’ll peek inside historic barns and see majestic mares and foals in their pastures. See thoroughbreds in action at Keeneland racecourse, a National Historic Landmark featuring masterfully landscaped grounds. Tour the grounds year-round or experience the thrill of live racing in April and October. After the track, spend the evening sipping Kentucky’s signature spirit, bourbon. Start at Barrel House Distilling, then continue exploring the Distillery District, where restaurants, bars and music venues keep the fun going all night. As you head out the next day, stop in state capital Frankfort to tour Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the USA. From there, it’s just 1.5 hours to your next stop, Louisville.

Derby City Delights in Louisville, Kentucky

Kentucky’s biggest city is world-famous as the home of the Kentucky Derby – but that’s only the beginning of Louisville’s appeal. Often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the long-standing Kentucky Derby takes place each May at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack. Sip a refreshing mint julep and explore the Kentucky Derby Museum, where interactive exhibits and track tours showcase Louisville’s equestrian tradition. Bourbon lovers can follow the Urban Bourbon Trail, a walkable collection of over 50 restaurants, bars and tasting rooms offering extensive selections of Kentucky bourbon. Head to the waterfront for glistening Ohio River views: Stroll the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge, a converted 1895 rail span linking Kentucky to Indiana, or enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on the Belle of Louisville riverboat.

Bourbon Immersion in Bardstown, Kentucky

Just 45 minutes south of Louisville, historic Bardstown proudly wears its nickname as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Esteemed distilleries like Lux Row, Heaven Hill and Willett draw bourbon enthusiasts from across the globe. Bardstown’s bourbon heritage is on full display each September during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, a citywide celebration of the USA’s native spirit. Dive deeper into bourbon culture at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, whose treasures range from Prohibition-era relics to Abraham Lincoln’s liquor license. When you’ve had your fill, make a detour west to Owensboro, Kentucky’s bluegrass music and barbecue capital.

Bluegrass Beats and Barbecue in Owensboro, Kentucky

Owensboro hums with the sounds of bluegrass, a fitting soundtrack for this riverside city known as the Bluegrass Capital of the World. Dive into Kentucky’s signature sound at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum with live performances, engaging exhibits and rare artifacts. No visit is complete without tasting Owensboro’s famed burgoo or mutton barbecue, regional specialties you won’t find anywhere else. Sample the tender, tangy meat at legendary spots like Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn and Old Hickory Bar-B-Q, where locals have gathered for generations. Stroll along the scenic Smothers Park riverfront or catch a concert at RiverPark Center before continuing south toward cave country.

Caves and Corvettes in Southern Kentucky

One of the USA’s greatest natural wonders lies deep beneath Kentucky: Mammoth Cave, the longest known cave system in the world. With more than 600 kilometers of explored passageways (and counting), visitors can wander the winding chambers of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guided tours range from evening lantern-lit excursions to off-trail “wild cave” adventures. The surrounding Green River Valley invites peaceful hikes, horseback rides and outstanding fishing for bass, bluegill and catfish. Stay the night in Bowling Green before the five-hour drive to St. Louis. Reserve some time to visit the National Corvette Museum, located next to the assembly plant where “America’s Sports Car” has been built since 1981.

St. Louis, Missouri: Gateway to the West

Pull off near the Illinois-Missouri border to walk the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a former Route 66 crossing over the Mississippi River with an unusual 22-degree bend. Fifteen minutes south, St. Louis teems with American landmarks. Its most famous, Gateway Arch National Park, is a gleaming symbol of the city’s status as the “Gateway to the West.” Browse museum exhibits on the USA’s westward expansion, then soar on the tram to the top of the arch for sweeping views. End your day with a leisurely riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River and a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you can sip a fresh beer and even meet the iconic Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Springfield, Missouri: The Birthplace of Route 66

A two-hour drive into the Ozark Mountains brings you to Springfield, the “Birthplace of Route 66.” The legendary Missouri-to-California highway was christened here in 1926, and its legacy lives on in museums, plaques and even remnants of old service stations around town. Keep exploring Springfield for attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Fantastic Caverns, North America’s only ride-through cave, takes visitors on Jeep-drawn trams through passages once used as a speakeasy during Prohibition. The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium features thousands of animals, 4-D galleries and, for the truly adventurous, shark cage-diving. Your next stop is Kansas City, just over 2-and-a-half hours away.

Jazz and Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri

With its smoky barbecue and storied music history, Kansas City is a fitting final stop. At legendary joints like Arthur Bryant’s and Gates Bar-B-Q, you’ll taste why this city’s barbecue is world-famous – from ribs and brisket to pulled pork slathered with the city’s signature sweet-and-tangy sauce. Discover Kansas City’s musical soul at the 18th & Vine historic jazz district, where the American Jazz Museum traces the roots of jazz and clubs like the Blue Room keep the sounds of Count Basie and Charlie Parker alive. Raise a glass of Kansas City Whiskey at the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery to cap off your adventure before flying from Kansas City International Airport (MCI).