Nashville to Austin - Cowboys, Country Music and Barbecue

Days 1- 2 Nashville  
Welcome to Nashville, also known as ‘Music City’! Wander through this vibrant party town, following in the footsteps of music legends as you enjoy the lively atmosphere of ‘The District’ and visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, or perhaps the new Museum of African American Music. As night falls, stroll down thrilling Honky Tonk Highway with its bright neon signs and catch a live music performance while sampling some southern cuisine.        

Day 3 Nashville to St Louis    
Pick up your car and head into Illinois, perhaps stopping for lunch at Belleville Farm for their famous fried chicken. Then continue the drive to St Louis, Missouri. Explore the history of blues music at the National Blues Museum and soak up sweeping views from the top of the iconic Gateway Arch.
         
Day 4 St Louis to Kansas City  
Drive west to Kansas City, Missouri. En route, consider breaking your journey at the intriguing town of Independence to see Independence Square, which once marked the start of the Oregon trail, or learn about the Old West at the 1859 Jail Museums. In the evening, why not sample the mouth-watering wares of one of Kansas City’s authentic barbecue joints?

Day 5 Kansas City    
Today, maybe visit the historic sites around Kansas City such as Fort Leavenworth, a famous military outpost on the Oregon Trail just over the Kansas state border. Witness spectacular views across the Missouri River before returning to Kansas City to stroll through the River Market District to browse unique shops or enjoy regular community festivals.    

Day 6 Kansas City to Wichita    
Take a scenic dive through rural Kansas en route to Wichita, looking out for the heard of bison at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and elk at Maxwell Wildlife refuge. Arriving in Wichita, explore the historic city centre and take a step back in time at the Old Cowtown Museum to get a taste of life in the Wild West.      

Day 7 Wichita to Tulsa    
Head south and cross the border into Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where you can visit the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, featuring artefacts dating back to prehistoric civilisations. Arriving in Tulsa, admire its Art Deco architecture and explore the Blue Dome District, famous for its entertainment and trendy restaurants.    

Day 8 Tulsa to Oklahoma City    
This morning, perhaps drive east to Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. Wander through the original historic township and admire the unique street signs that are written in both English and Cherokee. Continue to Oklahoma City, another hotspot for succulent, smoky barbecue.      

Day 9 Oklahoma City    
Experience the myriad attractions of Oklahoma City, starting with the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum where you can see mock frontier village displays of life in the Wild West. In the evening, visit an authentic country bar and have a go at the Oklahoma Two Step, the local equivalent to line dancing!        
         
Day 10 Oklahoma City to Fort Worth/Dallas    
Travel south into Texas, breaking the drive in Duncan to see the Chisholm Trail Heritage Centre. Arrive in Dallas, a bustling metropolis, known for its iconic cowboy culture, thriving cultural scene, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Perhaps take a stroll through the prominent Art District, and lively Deep Ellum, the entertainment district, known for its vibrant street murals, art galleries and live music at cool bars.        

Day 11 Fort Worth    
Step into the true American West exploring the Stockyards National Historic District, once home to cowboys, cattlemen and outlaws, then perhaps pay a visit to the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Stroll through the colourful Design District filled with art galleries and hip gastropubs, shop for handcrafted cowboy boots and dance the night away at one of the many famous honky tonks.  

Days 12- 13 Dallas to Austin  
Hit the open road a final time and journey on to quirky Austin, known for its incredible live music and liberal spirit. Maybe explore the colourful South Congress neighbourhood, home to Austin’s most celebrated street art, or join the locals paddle boarding along Lady Bird Lake. In the evenings, venture to the Sixth Street, the city’s vibrant heart, bustling with bars and music venues playing every genre imaginable.  

Day 14 Austin    
Enjoy a final morning in Austin before heading to the airport for your flight home.