The Best Road Trip from Camden, Arkansas to Cleveland, Tennessee
Travelers seeking to escape city life and hit the open road on a one-of-a-kind road trip won't be disappointed with a trip from Camden, Arkansas to Cleveland, Tennessee. The journey will take travelers through scenic routes, historic towns, Southern fare, and vibrant entertainment options. The midpoint of the trip is Jackson, Tennessee, known for its Civil War history, cultural museums, and Sweet Potato Festival. Here are the top five must-see stops along the way.
National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis, TN)
The National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the former Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, is a must-see destination. Visitors can experience firsthand the history of the American Civil Rights Movement through interactive exhibits, audio-video presentations, and historical artifacts. The museum preserves the history of the movement, which encompasses more than the 1960s and 1970s and inspires individuals to stand up for justice today.
Interesting fact: The museum was originally opened in 1991 and underwent a $27.5 million renovation in 2014.
Graceland (Memphis, TN)
Elvis Presley's beloved Graceland is a popular tourist attraction and an essential stop for music lovers. The mansion tour includes Elivs' home, decorated in his signature style during the 1970s, along with his luxury cars, airplanes, and memorabilia collection displayed across dozens of exhibits. Visitors can tour the estate and take a peek inside the King of Rock and Roll's private life and how he rose to fame.
Interesting fact: Graceland was purchased by Elvis in 1957 for $100,000.
Jack Daniel's Distillery (Lynchburg, TN)
Whiskey lovers won't want to miss out on a guided tour through the historic distillery of one of the world's best-known whiskey brands. Visitors can see the process of making the famous sour mash whiskey that draws millions of visitors a year to Lynchburg. The distillery's tours conclude with a tasting of the Tennessee sippin' whiskey, and adult visitors can explore the historic location for themselves.
Interesting fact: Jack Daniel's was established in 1866 by Jasper "Jack" Newton Daniel.
Lookout Mountain (Chattanooga, TN)
Head to the summit of Lookout Mountain, a famous landmark and an iconic spot that provides stunning panoramic views of Chattanooga. The natural beauty of the area, lovely gardens, and endless hiking trails make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The site also includes the famous Incline Railway, a scenic railway that has been running for more than a century.
Interesting fact: During the Civil War, the Lookout Mountain Summit was of critical strategic importance.
Rock City (Lookout Mountain, GA)
Located atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City is a unique and whimsical destination, offering stunning views, flower gardens, and enchanted rocky trails of natural stone formations. Visitors can explore the themed gardens, ancient caverns, and see the breathtaking view of seven states at Lover's Leap, a beautiful spot where you can view the sunset and sunrise.
Interesting fact: The first tenant of Rock City's first attraction, the Fairyland Caverns, was the fairytale characters from the 1946 film "Song of the South."
The road trip route from Camden, Arkansas to Cleveland, Tennessee is approximately 8 hours, depending on the number of stops along the way, making it an ideal itinerary for a road trip. Travelers passing through can experience the stunning natural features of the region, explore historical sites, taste local Southern cuisine, and stop for some world-renowned whiskey distillery. It's a must-visit destination that will leave any traveler feeling refreshed and eager to plan their next adventure.