As inflation persists, many travelers are looking for ways to stretch their vacation budgets. Analysts at Dunhill Travel Deals, a leading platform for finding travel bargains, examined 48 U.S. states to determine the most affordable road trip destinations for 2025.
To create its rankings, Dunhill Travel Deals combined travel affordability metrics with access to recreation and cultural opportunities. Affordability factors included gas prices, hotel rates, and the cost of everyday expenses. Access to recreation and cultural opportunities were measured by National Park Service (NPS) visits, the number of NPS sites, arts and entertainment business density, and road quality.
Thanks to its analysis, Dunhill identified the five best states for an affordable road trip. Ranked by overall affordability, the top states are Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. In this article, we’ll focus on two of these standout destinations: Tennessee and Mississippi—states that are rich in musical heritage.
So, let’s begin our musical pilgrimage through Tennessee and Mississippi to explore the roots of blues, rock, and country.
To help you plan your musical road trip, we’ve created a custom interactive Google Map that highlights all the major stops, attractions, and hidden gems along the route from Nashville to the Mississippi Delta. Use the “View larger map” icon in the top-right corner to open it in Google Maps. Zoom in to see detailed street names, buildings, and the exact locations of each attraction. Click on any icon to view more information, photos, hours of operation, and additional notes.
Tennessee: the Heartbeat of American Music
Average hotel nightly rate: $151
Average gas price: $2.72 per gallon
Cost of everyday expenses (compared to average): -7.5%
Tennessee is often hailed as the birthplace of modern American music, where the echoes of blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll converge in a sonic tapestry that has influenced generations. Tennessee’s musical legacy is not just a history lesson but a living, breathing experience.
Our very first stop in our road trip is a city made famous for its country music scene, earning the nickname “Music City”.
1. Nashville: The Country Music Capital
Nashville offers a variety of attractions, particularly for music lovers and history buffs. For a unique experience, explore The Parthenon at Centennial Park, visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, or stroll through the lively Honky Tonk Highway, on Lower Broadway, between 1st and 5th avenues. Honky Tonk Highway is a row of bars with live music, often with no cover charge.
Other Nashville’s key sights include the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Here’s the complete list:
Grand Ole Opry
600 Opry Mills Drive
Established in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry began as a radio broadcast and has since become a cornerstone of American music culture. — Plan your visit —
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Rep. John Lewis Way S
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in downtown Nashville, has been called the “Smithsonian of country music.” It is celebrated for its broad cultural impact, educational mission, and unrivaled collection of historically important country-related artifacts. — Calendar —
National Museum of African American Music
510 Broadway, Nashville
The NMAAM is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Black music in America. — Plan your visit —
Johnny Cash Museum
119 3rd Ave S
The Johnny Cash Museum showcases the life and legacy of the iconic singer, featuring exhibits of memorabilia, photographs, and personal artifacts that celebrate his influential career. — Tickets —
Music City Walk of Fame Park
121 4th Ave S
The Music City Walk of Fame is a tribute to those from all genres of music who have contributed to the world through songs or other industry collaboration and made a significant contribution to the music industry with a connection to Music City. — Come see the stars —
Musicians Hall of Fame Museum
401 Gay St
The Musicians Hall of Fame recognizes not only the well-known stars to the public, but the musicians who played on so many hit records as studio players. — Plan your visit —
Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave N
The “Mother Church of Country Music”, the Ryman Auditorium has hosted legendary artists and remains a key cultural landmark. — Calendar —
From Nashville, take Interstate 40 west to Memphis—your next stop on this musical pilgrimage. It’s only a three-hour drive, but there are several worthwhile stops along the way if you’d like to explore.
- Tennessee Safari Park – 618 Conley Rd, Alamo, TN
- West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center/Tina Turner Museum – 121 Sunny Hill Cove, Brownsville, TN
- Natchez Trace State Park – 24845 Natchez Trace Rd, Wildersville, TN
- Mousetail Landing State Park – 3 Campground Rd, Linden, TN
- President James K. Polk Home and Museum – 301 W 7th St, Columbia, TN
- Lotz House Museum – 1111 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN
- And more.
Next up: Memphis!
2. Memphis: The Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Blues
Memphis’s rich musical heritage was born from the convergence of blues, country, and gospel—an intersection that gave rise to rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and soul.
Here’s a glimpse of what you can experience in Memphis.
Graceland
Elvis Presley Blvd
The famous home of Elvis Presley. What more can we say? — Live the legacy —
The Blues Hall of Fame Museum
421 S Main St
Opened in 2015, the Blues Hall of Fame Museum is a Memphis gem for both serious blues fans and casual visitors. — Plan your visit —
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
926 E McLemore Ave
The Stax Museum pays special tribute to American soul legends. — Website —
Sun Studio
706 Union Avenue
“The Birthplace of Rock ’n’ roll” is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. — Plan your visit —
Beale Street
What’s on Beale Street? Beale Street is a National Historical Landmark with a rich history of legendary live music. It’s also home to three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, museums, and shops where live music is a constant stream in the heart of downtown Memphis. — Calendar —
BB King’s Blues Club
143 Beale St
Named after the legendary blues guitarist BB King, the BB King’s Blues Club celebrates blues music and offers live performances from both established and up-and-coming artists. — Calendar —
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
191 Beale St
The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum tells the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that people still love. — Plan your visit —
Memphis Music Hall of Fame
126 S 2nd St
What began as a tribute to Memphis’s legendary musicians who shook the world has finally opened as a museum. — Plan your visit —
While in Memphis, take the opportunity to explore wildlife from around the world at the Memphis Zoo, where you can also learn about animal conservation. Or immerse yourself in lush greenery as you stroll through a tropical rainforest at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Interested in history? Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, which powerfully chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement through compelling exhibits and the voices of both iconic leaders and lesser-known foot soldiers.
Now, it’s time to head south—toward Mississippi, the birthplace of the blues.
Mississippi: Deep Roots, Soulful Sounds
Average hotel nightly rate: $126
Average gas price in Mississippi: $2.64 per gallon
Cost of everyday expenses (compared to average): -12.7%
While Tennessee is renowned for its country and rock legacy, Mississippi is where the soul of American music was born. The blues originated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where pioneers like Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters laid the foundation for modern music.
From Memphis, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive to Tupelo, Mississippi—the birthplace of Elvis Presley—via I-22.
3. Tupelo: Elvis, Americana, and Small-Town Charm
It was in this Mississippi town that Elvis Presley let out his first cry in 1935. Even if you’re only a casual fan of the King, the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum is worth a visit. The house, church, and museum together tell the story of a boy who grew up poor in Mississippi and went on to change the course of music history.
You might also visit the Tupelo Hardware Company, where Gladys Presley paid just under $8 (about $900 today) for her son’s first guitar on his 11th birthday. A cross marks the exact spot on the floor where the transaction took place.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs, the Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo is a quirky but fun detour—especially if you’re traveling with kids. Nature lovers can explore the Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs through Tupelo and offers scenic views and peaceful hiking trails—a perfect way to wind down before the next leg of your trip.
4. Clarksdale–the Heart of the Delta Blues
The drive from Tupelo to Clarksdale covers about 116 miles—roughly two hours—via U.S. 278 E. A major stop along the route, Clarksdale is home to the Delta Blues Museum (1 Blues Alley). Since its founding, the museum has worked to preserve, interpret, and promote the story of the blues. Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Library Board of Trustees and restructured as a stand-alone institution in 1999, it is the oldest music museum in Mississippi.
Right next door is the Ground Zero Blues Club, where the walls hum with the soul of the Delta. Co-owned by Morgan Freeman, this raw, unforgettable venue offers a dive into live blues and Southern grit. Just down the road is the legendary Crossroads, where Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul for musical genius—a haunting, iconic spot that feels like standing at the edge of myth and music history.
From Clarksdale, head to Cleveland via U.S. 49, a route that goes through the heart of the Mississippi Delta—a landscape of flat, open fields, cotton farms, and deep blues roots.
5. Cleveland and the Second Grammy Museum
Driving through rural Mississippi, you might not expect to stumble upon a Grammy Museum—only the second to open in the United States, after the one in Los Angeles. This modern, 28,000-square-foot building opened in Cleveland in 2016. Why was this city of just over 12,000 people chosen to host such a prestigious, state-of-the-art museum? Simply because it occupies a strategic location in Mississippi, the state with more Grammy winners per capita than any other in the country!
6. Indianola–Home of B.B. King
A 35-minute drive will take you to Indianola via U.S. 278 and MS-448. Why Indianola? To visit the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center.
This museum offers a variety of programs that tell the story of B.B. King’s life and legendary career. A family-friendly destination ideal for music fans of all ages, the attraction educates visitors about the events of King’s era, including discussions on civil justice and race relations. It also explains how King helped shape Mississippi’s reputation as “The Birthplace of America’s Music.”
A road trip through Tennessee and Mississippi isn’t just a journey across states—it’s a pilgrimage through the heart of American music. From the birthplace of the blues to the home of country legends, every stop tells a story that shaped the soundtrack of a nation. Whether you’re a devoted music fan or simply seeking a deeper connection to the roots of these iconic sounds, this trip promises unforgettable memories and a richer appreciation of America’s musical heritage.
RESSOURCES:
- Tennessee festival guide
- Mississippi festival guide
- The Tennessee Music Pathways
- The Mississippi Blues Trail
- TN Department of Tourist Development
- Visit Mississippi
- Places to stay in Tennessee
- Places to stay in Mississippi
- Tennessee’s best tables
- Food and drink in Mississippi