15 Underrated Cities for Your Great US Road Trip

August 22, 2017 2 Comments

Getting off the Beaten Path on a US Road Trip

When it comes time to plan any US road trip, there are cities and landmarks that immediately leap out as ‘must see’ inclusions.

The likes of New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Washington DC, and Philadelphia automatically earn their place on your itinerary just as surely as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite claim a day or three.

While these cities and landmarks are sure to be highlights of any US road trip, there is a host of other cities that are just begging to be explored and experienced.

From hipster-friendly craft beer heavens to hiker’s paradises to charming New England escapes, there is far more to any US road trip than the obvious. Below, you’ll find fifteen underrated cities worthy of a day, a weekend, or even a week on your itinerary.

15 Underrated Cities for Your US Road Trip

There’s never a dull moment on a road trip.

Some of the most memorable experiences on my 2016 Great US Road Trip occurred in towns I never even thought about in planning the trip.

From getting the death stare in a West Texas burger joint to visiting the Roswell Museum to boozy wine tour days in southern California, even the shortest pit stop made for an unforgettable memory.

Looking for a hidden gem to add to your US road trip? Here, you’ll find fifteen cities that don’t get the credit they deserve.

greenville carolina — Image courtesy of James Willamor.

#15 – Greenville, South Carolina

The Carolinas don’t tend to get a lot of love when it comes time to plan a US road trip. Without the world-famous landmarks or bustling cities to draw people’s attention, both North and South Carolina are often missed, and it’s a crying shame.

Take Greenville, for example. A dynamic foodie city with small town charm in spades, Greenville well and truly lives up to its name with an abundance of nearby hiking trails and the famous Swamp Rabbit Trail – a former stretch of rail that has been converted into a stunning cycling route.

But it’s as a food destination that Greenville has earned its plaudits, and every ‘reasons to visit Greenville’ article you’re likely to find will rattle off so many restaurants that you’ll want to devote a week to this charming corner of the States.

#14 – Annapolis, Maryland

Maryland is often overlooked in favour of its more prestigious neighbours such as Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and New York.

The allure of a day in the Big Apple, the City of Brotherly Love, or the US Capitol is obvious, and I would never suggest something as crazy as cutting one of the East Coast Three to make room for Maryland.

While many might favour Baltimore, I found myself just a little bit in love with Maryland’s capital, Annapolis.

Why Annapolis?

Located on the shores of the mighty Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a city that well and truly embraces its proud naval tradition.

Whether you’re out on the water sailing, paying a visit to the US Naval Academy, feasting on blue crab at Cantler’s, or just soaking in the capital’s rich history, Annapolis is a cute little city that is a great break from the bigger and busier cities you’ll doubtless visit while on the East Coast.

The city might not be awash with landmarks you’ve daydreamed about since your youth, but it’s possessed of a quiet charm that is hard not to love.

I spent two sunny weeks in 2012 exploring Annapolis with a local; soaking in the sun on the waterfront, eating my fill of Maryland’s signature blue crab (with lots of Old Bay), and enjoying its laid back nightlife.

#13 – Monterey, California

The drive down California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most breathtaking stretches of road you’re likely to ever encounter.

Stretch from San Francisco all the way down the windswept, craggy coast, Route 1 has featured on two of my previous US road trips and stands out as one of the absolute highlights.

Located not too far from San Francisco, quaint Monterey is a seaside town with a lot of charm.

From the world-famous Monterey Aquarium to saltwater taffy and fresh seafood on the waterfront to gorgeous Carmel-by-the-Sea to its proximity to picturesque Bixby Bridge, Monterey is a stop every Pacific Coast road trip should include.

#12 – Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff doubtless makes it on to a lot of US Road Trip itineraries due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon.

A popular base from which to explore the iconic Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is a charming city of its own. It has a great hipster mountain town vibe to it that is hard not to love, and it would be criminal to leave Arizona without having given a little time to Flagstaff.

More than just the Grand Canyon

Many picture Arizona as dry desert, but Flagstaff’s location in the mountains means it gets downright chilly in the winter. The cool mountain air makes for world-class stargazing, and the Lowell Observatory is a must for anyone with a love of the night sky.

The town itself is awash with brew pubs and brunch joints (my personal favourites are Beaver Street Brewery and the Toasted Owl Cafe, and it’s perfectly located to visit a number of national parks and landscapes such as Petrified Forest National Park, Meteor Crater, and Walnut Creek Canyon.

#11 – Albuquerque, New Mexico

ABQ might be best known for its role as the backdrop to Walter White’s crystal meth empire on Breaking Bad, but there’s a lot more to the New Mexico city than the often oppressive way it was portrayed in the AMC hit.

While my own US road trip featured Sante Fe instead of ABQ, there are plenty of reasons to visit Albuquerque including their world-famous Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Located along iconic Route 66 and home to some of a unique melting pot of Hispanic, Native American, Latino, and Anglo culture, this is truly the US Southwest epitomised.

Whether you’re hiking the surrounding desert, visiting Native American desert dwellings, eating your fill of delicious chili, or just taking a spin out on America’s most famous stretch of road, Albuquerque is more than just a quick stop for gas.

#10 – Moab, Utah

The name might not immediately leap to mind when you’re thinking of dream US destinations, but take a look at Moab’s location on a map and you’ll see why it’s a must have in my eyes.

Located at the crossroads between Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park, Moab is the perfect launching point from which to explore these two stunning national parks. For those with a love of the great outdoors, there are few places better suited.

For adrenaline junkies, you’ve got white water rafting, rock climbing, skydiving, ATVing, and mountain biking to keep you occupied. For the more sedate, simply hiking these iconic parks is a once in a lifetime experience.

#9 – Asheville, North Carolina

It’s probably not a well-kept secret anymore, but Asheville in North Carolina is the one city I was most disappointed I missed in my most recent road trip. Named as Lonely Planet’s #1 destination in the US in 2017, Asheville is a city on the rise.

A foodie and beer lover’s heaven, Asheville has captured the hearts of most anybody who has had the wherewithal to add it to their itinerary.

With a thriving arts scene and access to the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for hiking and day trips, Asheville is a city I am determined to get to and thoroughly explore just as soon as I can.

#8 – Portland, Maine

I’ve had an enduring fascination with the New England ever since I got my hands on my first Stephen King book. The seminal horror writer has based a great many of his novels in his home state of Maine, and Portland perhaps best exemplifies the New England aesthetic.

Cobblestone streets, salty breezes, a lonely lighthouse, clam chowder, ice cold beers, and that unmistakable New Englander personality all blend together to make Portland the quintessential coastal New England town.

You half expect a haunted mist or time-eating Langoliers to come looming up out of the morning fog…

#7 – Savannah, Georgia

My own US road trip featured the underwhelming city of Atlanta, so I’m a little disappointed when I read more and more about why Savannah is the best place to go to experience true Southern comfort and hospitality.

Shaded by gorgeous oak trees, the classic Colonial architecture of this fading Southern Belle speaks of a different time in American history. With amazing food, oodles of history, and that all-important southern hospitality, Savannah is a city I am dying to visit and you should be too.

#6 – Page, Arizona

On the shores of gorgeous Lake Powell and set amid some of the most stunning scenery the American west has to offer, Page is your gateway to unforgettable sights such as Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend – two of the most photographed landscapes in all of America.

Whether you choose to take in this remarkable scenery on foot, on a Colorado River cruise, or from a kayak – it’s a corner of the US that should be on any respectable cross-country road trip.

With a huge variety of Page hotels to choose from, visitors can do the backpacker thing or live in the lap of luxury as they explore the canyons, cliffs, and windswept desert at their own pace.

#5 – Buffalo, New York

New York State inevitably ends up on every US road trip, but more often than not, it’s just New York City that gets a few days assigned to it.

The American gateway to Niagara Falls, Buffalo is more than just a place to base yourself ahead of a ride on the Maiden of the Mists. Like the other underrated US cities on this list, it’s a thriving foodie scene that has plenty to keep your taste buds occupied for a weekend or more.

Travel and Leisure named Buffalo as America’s third most underrated city in 2016, citing the city’s thriving craft beer scene, it’s perfect pizza, vibrant arts scene, and jam-packed festival calendar as reasons why the city warrants a visit.

#4 – Raleigh, North Carolina

You’ve got to be a pretty remarkable city to capture the hearts of Caz & Craig from yTravel, but that’s exactly what Raleigh, North Carolina has done. The jet-setting family of four have singled out Raleigh as their favourite spot in the US and even have a fantastic guide on how to move to Raleigh.

Why do they love it so? It’s a cruisy, green, modern, hip city with stunning natural beauty to pair with its thriving food, beer, and arts scene – the kind of place whose charm is apparent from the moment you enter its city limits.

To me, Raleigh’s food and beer scene is one of its biggest appeals, and it might be best for my waistline that I wasn’t able to make it in my 2009, 2012, or 2016 road trips…

A city with small town charm, there are plenty of cheap Raleigh hotels to make it a good stop on your trip north (or south), but why not spend a few days between Raleigh and Asheville to really see what North Carolina has to offer?

#3 – Nashville, Tennessee

Music City is a must-see for country music lovers, but the Tennessee city is an often overlooked gem when it comes to US road trips.

While it may not have the same drawcard appeal as New Orleans or Florida, there’s plenty of reasons why Nashville should feature in your exploration of the US South.

Country music may not be your cup of tea, but you haven’t partied until you’ve spent a night sipping Bud Lite and bouncing from honky tonky to honky tonk in Nashville. With live music in every bar and people singing along to their old favourites, it’s hard not to get swept up in the atmosphere.

Just steer clear of those cheap Fireball shots…

#2 – Portland, Oregon

The premier hipster haven in North America, Portland is a city that well and truly embraces its weirdness.

One of the only places I’ve made a point of visiting on multiple occasions, Portland’s craft beer scene, food scene, and overall atmosphere of general weirdness makes it the kind of city I’d love to call home someday.

Why Portland?

Beer lovers will be spoiled for choice by the city’s dizzying array of craft beers, and the opportunity to design your own Portland brewery tour is a fun way to get out and explore.

Add in the presence of the nearby Colombia River Gorge and the gorgeous Pacific Northwest coastal towns such as Astoria and Tillamook, and you’ve got a recipe for a city that well and truly surpasses all expectations.

#1 – San Luis Obispo, California

I’d never even heard of San Luis Obispo (henceforth known as SLO) until my friend, Kait suggested I swing by on my way from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

I certainly never would have guessed that SLO would go down as one of my favourite stops on the entire road trip.

Wine tasting, bar crawling, and delicious food devouring were all on the agenda in this sunny, youthful college town.

If you’re looking to fully embrace Southern Californian life in a hidden gem that hasn’t been ruined by tourists yet, you could do a lot worse than SLO.

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What are your favourite underrated cities in the United States?

Las Vegas

15 Iconic Things to See and Do in Las Vegas

August 17, 2017 No Comment

I’ve written about Las Vegas a great many times – from the totally debauched boys’ weekend in Las Vegas to describing the things to do in Vegas aside from gamble and drink.

Today, I’ve highlight fifteen unique things to see and do in Sin City. Read on to find out what you should keep an eye out for on your next trip to The Vegas.

The 15 Things You Have To See In Las Vegas

Las Vegas is both one of the easiest and most difficult tourist destinations to enjoy. On the one hand, all you need to do is walk down a popular street such as The Strip or Fremont Street to be immersed in entertainment and visual attractions. On the other, there’s so much Vegas lore, and so many things to do, that you can easily feel like you’re missing out the whole time you’re there.

Because of this, you may find that it pays off to have a checklist of things to do and places to see in Vegas before you actually make your way to America’s Playground. Accordingly, and without further ado, here’s my list of 15 things you absolutely have to see (and enjoy) if you get the chance to visit.

#15 – The Eiffel Tower

Vegas is great at putting up replicas of awesome landmarks from around the world. So naturally, the Paris Las Vegas hotel has a towering imitation of the Eiffel Tower. But it’s not exactly a miniature version. It’s actually nearly 500 feet tall (just a bit shorter than the Washington Monument) and you can dine on its 11th floor with a great view of the city.

EiffelTowerVegas_1

#14 – The Shops At Crystals

This is effectively a mall, but it’s a pretty glorious one. Shopping is a major draw in Las Vegas, and if it’s part of what you’re hoping to enjoy in town make sure you stop by this sprawling area attached to the ARIA resort.

#13 – Hoover Dam

This isn’t exactly a Las Vegas attraction, but it’s commonly featured as an activity associated with the city, and I get it. Hoover Dam is only about 30 miles from Vegas, built to contain Lake Mead, and it’s stunning to see in person. It’s the sort of thing you can take for granted until you see it yourself, at which point it looks like an absolute wonder of creativity and engineering.

Hoover Dam Vegas

#12 – Mandarin Bar

It’s a great bar, but it’s also appeared on a list of bars with the best views in Vegas, which ought to be enough reason to check it out. There’s really nothing like sipping a cocktail over this particular city.

#11 – The Shark Reef

Mandalay Bay is one of the more unique resorts at Vegas. It’s got its own wave pool, an artificial beach, and its own shopping area as well. But the best attraction at the resort is the shark reef aquarium, which you can essentially walk through as you get a close-up look at beautiful (and sometimes terrifying) aquatic creatures.

#10 – Caesar’s Palace

I’m trying not to simply point out resorts on this list, because truth be told all the resorts in Vegas are sightseeing attractions. That’s why one of the best activities in town is just walking up and down the Strip and taking it all in. But Caesar’s Palace—a massive imitation of Roman architecture complete with columns and sculptures, etc—is definitely one to make sure you get a good look at.

Caesar's_1

#9 – The Stratosphere

Basically, you get to jump off a 108th floor platform. It made it into my previous post on extreme Las Vegas attractions for a reason.

#8 – The Volcano

This is an attraction at The Mirage, and while it doesn’t exactly look realistic, it still makes for a fun show. Head to the resort during a scheduled eruption and enjoy the party.

VolcanoMirage_1

#7 – The Venetian Game Floor

When you think of casino gaming, it’s probably poker and blackjack that first come to mind. But the truth of the matter is that slots (or “pokies” as some call them) are some of the most popular and alluring offerings from casinos, whether in person or online. And while you’ll find them all over the place, The Venetian has one of the biggest selections of slot machines in the world. It’s amazing just to look at.

#6 – Cirque du Soleil

It doesn’t matter which show you see—there are several in town—but do yourself a favor and grab a ticket for Cirque du Soleil. It’s an incredible display of artistry and athleticism, and something about seeing it in Vegas heightens the experience.

#5 – Fremont Street

Once a little run down, Fremont Street is now a popular alternative to the Strip. It has restaurants and casinos along its length, but it’s dominated mostly by the “Fremont Street Experience,” which is an amazing light show. It’s a fun place to hang out for a different pace and atmosphere.

#4 – Lago

This has to be one of the coolest restaurants in a city full of choices. It made it onto at least one list of romantic places to eat in Vegas, and with good reason. The menu was done by famous chef Julian Serrano, the décor is dream-like, and with the right seat you’ll have a view of many of the city’s best attractions—including the #1 item featured on this very list.

#3 – Hakkasan

This is the nightclub at the MGM Grand, and it’s an explosion of light and enthusiasm on any given night. There are a lot of pulsing, elaborate and spectacular clubs in Vegas. This is perhaps the best one to sit back and soak in. It also features one of the city’s best restaurants if you’re in the mood for dim sum.

#2 – The Venetian Canals

Sure, they’re a little bit cheesy in theory. But The Venetian’s artificial canals top other city-based attractions like New York-New York’s fake Manhattan, The Paris’s Eiffel Tower, and even the Roman baths at Caesars. They’re actually quite charming, particularly if you’re hanging out with a date.

#1 – The Bellagio Fountains

Yeah, I’m going with a cliché for the last one. The Bellagio fountains are probably the top tourist attraction in Vegas, and you may as well just see them shooting off as you wander around. But trust me, you want to go full Ocean’s 11 on this one. That is to say, gather whomever you’re with, line up with a good vantage point, and gaze at the wonder of the fountains erupting into the glitzy night sky. The Bellagio president has actually given that 2001 movie credit for increasing the allure of the fountains, but in all seriousness, it’s an awe-inspiring attraction.

BellagioFountains_3

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What are your must see or must do things in Las Vegas?

Europe

Six Family Friendly Places to Visit in the UK

August 6, 2017 2 Comments

6 Family Friendly Places to Visit in the UK

With its long history of tourism, it’s no surprise that the United Kingdom is one of the most family friendly vacation destinations in the world.

There’s literally something for everybody in the UK. From history to breathtaking landscapes to kid-friendly activities for the young and the young at heart, it’s not hard to plan a perfect family vacation to the British Isles.

Here are six of my recommendations for places to visit on a family trip to the UK.

6. The Forbidden Corner, North Yorkshire

Both kids and adults are sure to enjoy this well-loved attraction. It has a relaxing and idyllic garden, but the highlight of your visit will be the tunnels and mazes that you will have to explore. With multiple doors and pathways, it is a challenge to find your way out. You will be confronted with various surprises as soon as you step in and you will be in for a different kind of an adventure, that the whole family will never forget.

It’s the kind of experience that is sure to enchant the little ones in your traveling party, but there’s a certain childlike joy to be found even for the adults.

5. Buckingham Palace, London

As they say, it is a crime to visit London without seeing Buckingham Palace.

Editor’s Note: Whoops! I somehow missed this on my 2012 visit to the British capital…

A tour of the palace is never boring; it is informative and entertaining. While there are many parts of the palace worth seeing, some of the best are its grandiose staterooms, its elegant staircase, and the diverse art collection. There is also a garden café serving light snacks and drinks.

Of course, there’s much more to London than the Queen’s residence, and you could spend days exploring historic sites such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, the fascinating British Museum, wandering the Thames, riding the London Eye, and more.

Once you’ve seen the obvious tourist attractions, you can then check out a few of these alternative things to do in London.

buckingham palace family friendly uk — Image courtesy of Hernan Pinera

#4 – Longleat Safari Park, Wiltshire

If you want to have a safari experience with the whole family, there is no need to go far.

Open since 1966, it is one of the best safari parks in the country. Highlights of your visit will include seeing the infamous black-maned lions and getting lost in the park’s huge maze. You can also ride a train or boat, or simply just enjoy the vast grounds.

Editor’s Note: Of course, if you want to do the real thing, I’m the man to talk to. Drop me an email if you’ve been dreaming of an African safari.

#3 – Warwick Castle, Warwick

While there are many castles that are worth seeing during your vacation to the UK, Warwick Castle offers something a little different from stale walking tours and squinting at faded signs. It is a heritage attraction that will surely be educational for all guests. Aside from the live shows and the guided tours, visitors can also enjoy The Horrible Histories Maze.

A destination that strives to bring history to life, Warwick Castle is sure to delight imaginative kids with its selection of live shows, while parents will learn about British history on the guided tours. There’s also a fascinating (and only slightly gross) Horrible Histories Maze!

For accommodation, the charming (and only a little cheesy) Knight’s Village has a selection of rooms.

warwick castle family friendly vacation uk — Image courtesy of Mac McCreery

#2 – The Eden Project, Cornwall

Get closer to nature – this is one thing that you can expect when visiting The Eden Project. It is composed of two large biomes hosting a diverse selection of plants from all over the world.

One of the biomes recreates a Mediterranean environment while the other imitates a rainforest. Aside from the plants, there are also exciting activities to enjoy, such as trying the fastest and longest zip line in England.

Cornwall also offers a variety of child-friendly homes, beautiful coastal towns, and beaches, so you can really feel like you’ve had a holiday when you’ve not even left the country.

#1 – Legoland, Windsor

This theme park is sure to be a big hit with families, especially because there are rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. There are more than 150 rides in the park, including those that will surely challenge your adventurous spirit.

As you’d expect from the name of the park, in almost every corner you will see amazing Lego creations! For those wanting to extend their Legoland experience, the Legoland Resort offers a pretty unique accommodation experience.

Your Say

What are your favourite family friendly things to do in the United Kingdom?

Countdowns

Where to go this August: Last Minute Travel Inspiration

August 5, 2017 No Comment

Have you left planning your summer holiday to the last minute? This is not necessarily a bad thing as you can get hold of some amazing deals. Here’s a list of places near and far, which you can consider checking out. Regardless of how much time you have, you’ll have an amazing holiday escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life and discovering a new place.

Vancouver, Canada

With warm and sunny days, August is one of the best months to visit Vancouver. It has great weather, making it possible to explore the destination without worrying about being cold and getting drenched. Since it is summertime, there are plenty of waterfront activities and festivals.

One of the places you should not miss is Stanley Park, which provides the perfect respite from the urban jungle. You can take a tour of the park in a horse drawn carriage, or you can rent bicycles, or just explore by foot. In the middle of the park, you will find the brilliant Vancouver Aquarium which is definitely worth seeing, with sea otters, penguins, sea lions and much more. You are able to stroke stingrays and enjoy watching Chester, the false killer whale, being fed his lunch.

vancouver sunrise august — Image courtesy of tdlucas5000

Kyoto, Japan

August is summer in Kyoto, so expect the weather to be hot. This is actually a good thing since it means that you can do a lot of sightseeing as the weather will be on your side. While there are many things that you can do in Kyoto, you should not miss the temples and shrines. There are more than 1,000 temples and 400 shrines, which means that the options will be endless. Some of the best include The Golden Pavilion, The Silver Pavilion, and Ryoan-ji Temple.

Gion, the only geisha district in the country, is sure to be worth your time as well. If you’re visiting Kyoto, you should also make time to explore other areas of Japan. Osaka is only an hour’s drive away, and Kobe is also nearby if you want to sample its famous beef. The public transport in Japan is very fast and efficient, so it makes it easy to get around.

You can check out my ultimate Japan bucket list here.

20 - Geisha — Image courtesy of Japanexperterna

The French Riviera

The French Riviera is a collection of idyllic destinations that are sure to leave you in awe. You can choose from Monaco, Cannes, St. Tropez, and Nice. This is the perfect destination if you would like to splurge on an epic getaway. From luxurious accommodation to incredible restaurants, exclusive beach clubs to high-end shopping, there are many ways to have an indulgent vacation. As you will be booking at the last minute, you should be able to get some amazing deals on hotel rooms, where you’ll be able to experience the luxury for a fraction of the cost. You can also charter your own yacht and go sailing at your own pace. This is a good choice for sun worshippers who are looking for the perfect August escape.

French Riviera sunset — Image courtesy of iggyshoot

South West England

This part of the UK is composed of nine different areas, each with their own promise of making your August holiday memorable – Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire, The Cotswolds, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol, and Bath.

If you want to see charming towns and quaint villages, The Cotswolds should be on the top of the list. On the other hand, if you are looking for sun, sea, and sand, the coastal towns of Dorset and Cornwall will make great picks.

August is probably the best time to visit these places as you are in with more chance of sunshine, but still be prepared for rain. If you are planning a tour of England then you should definitely include at least some of the areas of the South West in your itinerary.

cotswolds england — Image courtesy of Tejvan Pettinger

Lisbon, Portugal

The glorious and sunny days of August will be the perfect time to explore Lisbon. The capital city of Portugal offers a long list of attractions. Among others, the hilly neighborhood of Alfama and waterfront neighborhood of Belem are some of the best places.

When it comes to iconic attractions, meanwhile, some that should be part of your itinerary include Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, Igreja de Sao Vicente de Fora, and Aqueduto das Aguas Livres. The tramway in Lisbon, used by both locals and tourists alike, provides a fun way to get around and explore this beautiful city.

lisbon august — Image courtesy of Yann Coeru

Your Say

Where are you headed this August?

Destinations

Showdown: Memphis or Nashville? Which Tennessee City is For You?

July 25, 2017 1 Comment

A Tough Decision: Memphis or Nashville?

When I was planning the most recent incarnation of The Great US Road Trip, we had to make a tough decision when it came to our stop between Atlanta and Washington DC.

With time allowing us one more stop in the south before heading north to tackle DC, Philly, and NYC – my mate and I found ourselves torn between the two great Tennessee cities: Memphis and Nashville.

With both offering a very different Tennessee experience, we debated long and hard before eventually settling on our last southern stop.

Both Memphis and Nashville boast a lot of attractive features for somebody looking to encapsulate the spirit of the US on their US road trip. There’s their differing but equally important contributions to US music, their food, and little quirks such as the Memphis wrestling scene.

It was a tough decision to make, but we ultimately opted for Nashville due to it being just ten hours drive from DC instead of almost 14 hours from Memphis.

Still, if you’re facing the same conundrum, let me do a little bit of the hard work for you.

Showdown: Memphis vs. Nashville: Which Tennessee City is For You?

Obviously, what you look for in a city will depend largely on your own tastes, but I think it’s fairly safe to say that there are a few musts that any city needs to have.

It’s got to have a happening night life, it’s got to have delicious food, and there has got to be enough to keep you occupied each day.

And, of course, there’s got to be someplace for you to hang your hat at the end of the day. We looked long and hard at hotels in Memphis and Nashville hotels ahead of our trip.

The Night Life

From a nightlife perspective, Nashville’s honky tonks and bars offer a little something for everybody. The District is famous for its vibrant party scene any day of the week.

Even if you’re not a fan of country music, it’s hard not to get your toes tapping and your hands clapping when there’s a righteous fiddle solo taking place or a crowd of college kids singing along to their favourite Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, or Keith Urban.

While you certainly can’t turn your nose up at Memphis’ Beale Street for its blues bars, it’s a smaller selection and a more laid-back vibe. From a straight-up ‘we’re here to have a good time perspective’, Nashville was a runaway winner in our eyes.

broadway honky tonks nashville — Image courtesy of spablab

The Music

Country Music in Nashville

You can’t talk about Nashville or Memphis without commenting on both city’s contributions to music.

Nashville isn’t known as Music City for nothing, and it’s the place to be if you’re a fan of country music. Whether you’re bouncing from honky tonk to honky tonk, attending a concert at the Grand Ole Opry, wandering the Country Music Hall of Fame, or taking a swinging Nashville music tour with Nash Trash Tours – there are plenty of ways to engage with the genre.

country music grand ole opry nashville — Image courtesy of Ron Cogswell

Soul, Blues, and Rock in Memphis

If blues, soul, or old-fashioned rock and roll are more your speed, Memphis is the place to be.

With names such as Elvis, BB King, Al Green, and Justin Timberlake hailing from Memphis, the city is heaven for those who ache for that delicious blend of soulful sounds and smooth voices.

For many, the pilgrimage to Graceland would be a highlight of any trip to Memphis, but for my buddy and I – it was all about smoky clubs and live music along Beale Street.

memphis music tennessee — Image courtesy of Sean Davis

The Food

Just as they both have a little something special to offer when it comes to music, so too do Nashville and Memphis have their iconic foods.

Spicy chicken is the famed dish in Music City, while Memphis is all about that delectable southern style BBQ.

Truth be told, it was the food in Memphis that gave me pause when we were making our decision. While I do like me some fried chicken, it’s not meat unless it’s red meat in my opinion. I’d have loved to sink my teeth into some smoky Memphis BBQ.

In the end, though, we opted for Nashville and I can’t say I regretted it.

memphis tennessee bbq — Image courtesy of Funky Tee

Where to Eat in Nashville

I’m by no means an expert on where to dine in Nashville, but Hogg and I made an effort to eat as much delicious food as humanly possible while not violating his inexplicable vegetarian lifestyle.

Highlights for me included delicious burgers and BBQ at ACME Feed & Seed and some delicious hipster treats at Silo.

Things to Do

There’s more to a city than food and drink (whaaaat!?), and so it’s important that wherever you go has something to entertain you.

In this area, perhaps, it is Memphis that has the slightest of advantages in the battle.

Things to do in Memphis

Graceland, Sun Studio, the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music are a must for fans of the music industry, with each exemplifying a different element of Memphis’ rich contributions to American and world music.

If that kind of thing isn’t for you, however, there is still plenty to do in Memphis.

The Memphis Zoo is one of the few zoos in America with pandas on-site, while the National Civil Rights Museum is a must-see for people from all walks of life.

i love memphis mural — Image courtesy of Sean Davis

Things to do in Nashville

It’s all about country music in Nashville, and the most popular sights in the city tend to reflect that. The Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Country Music Hall of Fame all top TripAdvisor’s list of things to do in Music City.

My own visit saw me on the Music Row Confidential tour with Nash Trash tours, and while a lot of the relevance was lost on me, it was still an informative look into the music business.

For those who don’t appreciate a little steel guitar and banjo, Nashville doesn’t offer quite as many options. Country music is the main draw here, and the city isn’t ashamed of that.

Why We Chose Nashville

If we’re being completely honest, a lot of the above didn’t come into our minds when we were deciding between Nashville and Memphis.

As we were trying to get from Atlanta to Washington DC, Memphis would just have been out of the way.

Couple this with the fact that the main reason we wanted to visit Memphis (Memphis wrestling) isn’t really a thing anymore, and it made more sense for us to head to a town with honky tonks, corn-fed country girls, and a shorter drive to DC.

We Loved Nashville

Despite Hogg not being even remotely interested in country music (I was indoctrinated by an Idaho girlfriend back in the day), we still had a blast in Nashville.

Our night wandering from honky tonk to honky-tonk singing, drinking, tipping, and making random new friends was one of the best nights of the trip, and our stay at the Hotel Preston was a blast. They even have room service fish bowls!

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