Driving between Nashville and Memphis
 

My daughter and I are taking a 9 day trip in Nashville and Memphis. I have two questions:
1. Does anyone have any suggestions on any stops to make on the road between Nashville and Memphis, or even diverting a little. We are allowing for a leisurely drive.

2. Restaurant suggestions in both cities. Our budget is moderate and one night higher end. We want funky, local, casual, and just great food. We are open to all suggestions.

We are leaving May 2.

We stopped at the Casey Jones Museum, Loretta Lynn's home, and a nature center (?Cypress Grove?). Made a 3+ hour drive take all day.

The Rendezvous for good ribs in Memphis: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Tennessee.html Walkable from the Peabody which you want to go see for the ducks.

The attractions abram lists are about all I can think of between the two cities - really, it's generally a boring drive. Depending on what you're into, you could veer way off course and do some hiking, add a day or two in Chattanooga or Fall Creek Falls, that kind of thing, but if you stick fairly close to I-40 that's about it.

In Nashville - for your higher end night, I'd heartily recommend Husk, Rolf & Daughters, City House or Margot. They're all great (I'd make reservations). Actually R&D and City House might fit in your "moderate" price range as well if you're able to keep yourself from ordering everything on the menu - both have great entrees/pizzas under $20 (though you can easily spend much more). Some of my favorite more moderate places: Fido, Burger Up, Marche (especially for weekend brunch), Barista Parlor (if you don't have hipsters in your city, this is a great place to watch them in action :) ), I'll probably come up with more.

<<Our budget is moderate and one night higher end.>>

Explain these terms in dollars and cents. If you think "moderate" is $20 or less for the two of you for entrees with a glass of something other than water, then you're quite limited.

Marlowes Restaurant in Memphis. Elvis fans love it. Close to Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard.

tC

"We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout.
We been talkin bout Jackson, ever since the fire went out"

That Jackson is on your way.

All the Tennessee State Parks are nice, and some of them have lodges and cabins where you can stay. Montgomery Bell is near Nashville.

There is a lot of moderate, even cheap food in this part of the country. You must be familiar with "meat and three", a serving of meat and three sides for a reasonable price, usually at lunch. Not for health fanatics. Ask around wherever you are because people LOVE to recommend their favorites.

Was not at all impressed with Casey Jones Village--very run down, food was bland, train costs extra to climb around on.

We did enjoy Loretta Lynn's place but it might not mean much to your daughter.

I've driven that road many, many times and I just drive to get through it. Nothing much to see.

The food at Casey Jones Village was gross. The buffet was messy, food on the floor, sticky tables, we could not wait to leave and ate very little.