Mountains, Music & More

CINCINNATI

Feel the excitement build as your flight descends into Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati Airport. Make your way to your hotel then head out to explore what is technically two cities; Cincinnati to the north of the river in Ohio, and Covington to the south of the river in Kentucky, connected by the impressive 155 year old Roebling Suspension Bridge, built as a prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

Along both sides of the river you’ll find parklands, historic buildings, bars, breweries, restaurants and eateries. While in town, check to see if the Cincinnati Reds are playing (America’s oldest professional baseball team) or the Bengals, the city’s American football team.

Standard: Embassy Suites Cincinnati – RiverCenter or similar

LOUISVILLE (100 Miles)

After a leisurely morning in Covington, collect your motorhome and head southwest to Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city. Here you can visit the Muhammad Ali Center, which follows the life of arguably the world’s most famous sportsman, who was affectionately known as the ‘Louisville Lip’ for his self-promotion and razor sharp quips. Nearby, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a must for baseball fans, likewise an afternoon following the Urban Bourbon Trail for those who enjoy sampling local flavours!

Hop on board the Belle of Louisville for cruise along the Ohio River, or head to Big Four Bridge, which connects Louisville’s Waterfront Park to Jeffersonville in Indiana, to watch the sunset. Built in 1895 as a railroad bridge, it was pedestrianised in 2013 and is illuminated each night, using thousands of LED lights.

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK (100 Miles)

A couple of hours south of Louisville is unsung gem; Mammoth Cave National Park. Home to the longest cave network in the world (426 miles and still being explored!) the park is UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a wonderful diversity of flora and fauna. A cave tour is a must, with long, short and wheelchair accessible options available, as well as an adventure tour, for those prepared to crawl and scramble! Advanced booking is highly recommended.

NASHVILLE (90 Miles)

Mammoth Caves to Nashville is a straight forward two hour drive. Best known for its country roots and tight singer-songwriter community, as you wonder down Broadway (or Honky Tonk Highway!) you’ll doubt hear rock, blues, Americana, bluegrass and gospel coming from the neon-lit bars. For a quintessential American experience, why not enjoy a cabaret dinner cruise aboard the iconic General Jackson Showboat?

NASHVILLE

Today is yours at leisure in Nashville. Treat yourself to a lie in before heading back into town, where you can visit the Grand Old Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum or Jack Daniels Distillery, before another night of live music. Try Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Robert’s Western World or Legends Corner, where some of country music’s biggest stars have cut their teeth.

BLUE RIDGE (210 Miles)

It’s a slightly longer drive today as you head southeast from Nashville to Blue Ridge, a small mountain town in northern Georgia. Chattanooga is a fun stop for lunch, and to ride on the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain, or to visit the Ruby Falls cave and underground waterfall!

ASHEVILLE (135 Miles)

There is a choice of routes between Blue Ridge and Ashville. Following the US-74 takes around two and a half hours, a scenic journey through the mountains of North Carolina. For even more spectacular vistas however, join the Blue Ridge Parkway near the small town of Cherokee. It’s a windy road and slower going, but the panoramic views make it more than worthwhile, with numerous lookout points on this part of the route, including the Richland Balsam Overlook, 6,053 ft above sea level.

BLOWING ROCK (90 Miles)

The drive from Ashville to Blowing Rock is less than 100 miles, however if you continue on the Blue Ridge Parkway (highly recommended!) give yourself at least three hours, to navigate the hairpin turns and stop for photos. Don’t miss Craggy Pinnacle, where a 0.6 mile walking trail through rhododendrons to a 360 degree lookout. Nearer Blowing Rock, you’ll drive over the famous Linn Cove Viaduct, a 1,243 ft long concrete bridge that elegantly hugs the mountainside, 4,100 ft up.

ROANOKE (180 Miles)

Panoramic views continue today as you continue along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the mountain city of Roanoke. Groundhog Meadow Overlook is a pleasant stop for a picnic lunch, and at Marbry Mill there’s a collection of historic buildings to wonder round, including a blacksmith’s shop and sawmill, as well as a restaurant and gift shop.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK (140 Miles)

Swap one of America’s most scenic drives for another today, as you reach the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and join the Skyline Drive, which takes you into the heart of Shenandoah National Park. Known as ‘Virginia’s Crowning Glory’, there are numerous hiking trails to follow in the park, as well as canoe and mountain bike hire.

WASHINGTON D.C. (100 Miles)

Welcome to Capital City! There is so much to see in Washington D.C. with many of the city’s famous museums and monuments free to enter, including the acclaimed National Museum of African American History & Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian. A great way to get around is on bike, with several hire outlets around the city. Cycle down the National Mall, from the Capitol Building to the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, then head up to the White House!

FAREWELL FROM WASHINGTON D.C.

Take your motorhome back to the depot this morning then head to the airport for your flight home