Memphis to Gatlinburg is a 433-mile, fun-filled road trip through Tennessee to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The quickest way is also the best, taking Interstate 40, the corridor connecting West and East Tennessee. Enjoy these cool discoveries along your way, most located just 1-to-2 miles off the interstate.
Music between Memphis and Nashville
Tina Turner fans will enjoy cranking her greatest hits on their way to tour the Tina Turner Museum in Brownsville, TN. Wild wigs and shiny dresses are optional. Many such items are in residence, donated by the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” herself – all housed in the country school house where she attended grade school.
The Rockabilly Hall of Fame is just outside Jackson, TN. Get an inside look of what made rockabilly music such a world-renowned musical phenomenon in the 1940s and 1950s. Fans will be fascinated to browse through the cool collections that feature signed guitars, performance costumes and other Rockabilly memorabilia.
image courtesy of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame
Famous cars on display
While in Jackson, TN, stop in and enjoy Rusty’s TV and Movie Car Museum, featuring one of the original Batmobile cars from the 1989 movie “Batman.” There are more than 20 cars at this museum, everything from the “General Lee” Chevy Charger used for “The Dukes of Hazzard,” to the white vintage station wagon from the 1984 movie “Ghostbusters.” Rusty the owner is laid back, friendly and, as time permits, will often guide visitors on private tours of the facility.
Towns between Memphis and Gatlinburg
Franklin: Throwback to the 1800’s
Drive 30 miles south from Nashville on Interstate-65 to experience Franklin, TN. The small city features a bustling downtown Main Street area loaded with shops, boutiques, and lots of country cooking. There’s also plenty of Civil War-era buildings and historical sites that will delight and enthrall American History buffs. Try the Carter house on Columbia Avenue, with 1,000 Civil War bullet holes!
Back on I-40, you’ll enjoy the scenic views of the majestic Smoky Mountains as you approach Gatlinburg, TN. Have a rocking good time traveling Tennessee. And when you’re finally here, staying in one of our Gatlinburg cabins or Pigeon Forge cabin rentals, enjoy!
Check our Gatlinburg cabins, Pigeon Forge cabins and our Wears Valley cabins for your best place to stay in the Smokies.
