Top Places to See When Driving From Boston, Massachusetts to Nashville, Tennessee
The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the country's most beautiful and historically rich states. Taking a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Nashville, Tennessee is a great way to take in the natural beauty, history, and culture of this amazing region. Whether you are looking for a quaint New England town, mouth-watering Southern cuisine, or stunning natural beauty, this road trip has everything you could want. Here are our top places to see when driving from Boston, Massachusetts to Nashville, Tennessee.
1. Newport, Rhode Island – for a glimpse of the Gilded Age
The first stop on our list is Newport, Rhode Island, located about an hour and a half south of Boston. This quaint seaside town is famous for its opulent mansions, which were the summer homes of the country's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. Take a stroll along the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that hugs the coastline and offers stunning ocean views and a chance to peek at some of the mansions' backyards. Don't miss the Breakers, the largest and most impressive of the mansions, with its ornate architecture and stunning oceanfront location.
2. Mystic, Connecticut – for a taste of New England
Continuing south, you'll hit Mystic, Connecticut, known for its charming downtown area and historic seaport. Take a stroll along the picturesque Mystic River and explore the quaint shops and cafes. If you're a history buff, be sure to visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area's maritime past, with historic ships, exhibits, and demonstrations. For a unique experience, check out Mystic Pizza, made famous by the 1988 movie of the same name.
3. Washington, D.C. – for a taste of American history and politics
After leaving Mystic, head south to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital and home to a wealth of historic sites, museums, and government buildings. Take a tour of the White House, the home and office of the country's president, or visit the Smithsonian museums, with their extensive collections of art, history, and culture. The city is also home to the National Mall, a park that stretches from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, and includes iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – for stunning natural beauty
As you head further south, be sure to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. This stunning park is home to 522,427 acres of mountains, forests, and streams, with hiking trails and scenic drives that offer awe-inspiring views of the park's natural beauty. With its diverse flora and fauna, including more than 1,600 species of plants and animals, the park is a nature lover's paradise.
5. Nashville, Tennessee – for music and nightlife
The final stop on our list is Nashville, Tennessee, also known as Music City. With its rich musical heritage and thriving nightlife scene, the city is a must-see for anyone interested in American music. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and memorabilia, or head to the Grand Ole Opry, the longest-running radio show in the country, for a live performance. For a taste of the city's famous hot chicken, head to Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, a local favorite.
Conclusion
From opulent mansions to stunning natural beauty, and from American history to music and nightlife, a road trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Nashville, Tennessee has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or music fan, this road trip is sure to be a trip of a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the beauty, history, and culture of the East Coast of the United States.