Road Trip Ideas for Country Music Fans
4 min read
The rumble of an engine and the open road have long been intertwined with the soul of country music. Think of the highway anthems and the stories spun from endless miles of asphalt and gravel. Now is the time to trade your headphones for horsepower and set a course for the places where the genre’s history echoes from the walls of storied halls and along the quiet stretches of America’s (and the world’s) backroads.
You can walk the paths legends walked, feel the spirit of the music in the very air, and uncover the authentic sounds that continue to shape the genre today. This kind of journey transforms a simple string of holidays into an experience you will remember long after the final chorus fades.
Why a country-music road trip appeals
For the devoted country music fan, a road trip offers an unparalleled way to connect with the genre. It provides a unique chance to get truly intimate with the music’s heritage. You will find yourself standing where your heroes first picked up a microphone, whether that is a historic recording studio that spawned countless hits or an iconic venue where stars were truly made.
The appeal also lies in the drive itself, cruising down rural highways and pulling into unassuming honky-tonks, the very places that inspired so many classic songs. Cities like Nashville, Tennessee, often rank among the top destinations worldwide for their sheer density of country-music access, offering a central hub from which to launch your adventure. This type of journey gives you a perspective that simply listening to an album at home cannot match.
Iconic US routes and destinations for country fans
The United States offers several legendary routes for country music aficionados. The obvious starting point for most enthusiasts is Nashville, Tennessee. From there, you could drive south-west towards Memphis (the home of the Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll, a major country influence) before concluding in New Orleans, Louisiana (a roots-music powerhouse).
Another essential stop is the Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia border, widely celebrated as the “Birthplace of Country Music” because of the historic 1927 recording sessions. In these places, make sure you dedicate time to tangible stops.
Visit the museums, such as Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, tour famous studios like RCA Studio B, and catch a show at legendary live venues like the Ryman Auditorium.
Country-music-influenced destinations worldwide
While the genre’s heart lies in the American South, country music enjoys a thriving following across the globe. You can easily build a road-trip-style itinerary abroad that embraces roots-country culture. For example, festivals across Europe, such as the famous Country to Country (C2C) events in the UK and Ireland, or dedicated venues in Australia and Canada, celebrate the genre with equal passion.
To plan a foreign adventure, you should rent a car and map out regional stops that align with local live music. Research towns known for folk or roots scenes, which often overlap with country fans’ interests. Seek out smaller venues and pubs where local musicians play, as these places provide a genuine, unpolished version of the genre.
Practical planning tips for the road-trip fan
Before you hit the road, sensible planning will ensure your trip runs smoothly and allows you to maximise your music experiences. Start by budgeting for entrance fees to museums and, crucially, for the cost of tickets to live gigs, as these often constitute the most memorable parts of the journey.
When considering accommodation, weigh up staying in the city centre near venues versus booking a more tranquil spot in the countryside, which can offer a valuable contrast to the nightly hustle of the music scene.
Pack thoughtfully; ensure you bring comfortable driving clothes alongside smart outfits, perhaps including those cowboy boots, for attending live shows. To incorporate live gigs, try to align your booking with festival dates in the region, which offer multiple acts in one place.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
