Here’s How I’d Spend $1000 on a Tennessee Road Trip

For starters, there will be no arm-twisting required when it comes to a road trip through Tennessee. While the startling population explosion in Nashville has made me less enamored of Music City in recent years, the rest of the Volunteer State more than makes up for that. And it does so in spades.

Bucket List Road Trips

Before I shuffle off this mortal coil, I have a vision of me in a nice car (preferably a convertible) cruising down U.S. Highway 1 from mainland Florida to Key West. I've always wanted to drive it. I feel like it will happen one day. I mean we're talking about Florida, not Tibet. But since we're on the subject of dropping a grand on a TENNESSEE road trip, I've found something that will suffice until I get to the Keys.

The Tail of the Dragon

Despite my earlier misgivings, I would still need Nashville for what I have in mind. It's where I would rent a SWEET Bentley Continental convertible from a place called Dream Toy Garage.

Now here's the deal. That's the ride I want, but in terms of my budget, this will only be a one-day thing. And that's totally fine. It certainly doesn't take multiple days to drive the famous (infamous?) Tail of the Dragon on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line in the Smoky Mountains. It's only 11 miles long, but it features 318 turns. It's a dream come true for a car enthusiast like myself. Of course, I wouldn't drive it like THIS guy; after all, it's not my Bentley. But take a look.

Creekside Paradise

I debated on whether or not to make this a one-nighter or a two-nighter. But I'll stick with one since I don't my $1000 to expire. So I would pull that beautiful Bentley up to a beautiful cottage at Creekside Paradise. After a day of cruising the Tail of the Dragon and whatever other roads I find fascinating in eastern Tennessee or western North Carolina, I'd want a cool place to rest. And this is the one I want.

Tapoco Tavern

When I travel, I want at least one meal to be a big splurge, so I would do that at the intriguing Tapoco Tavern. The menu is loaded, but I'm going to go for the half-dozen order of wings because I am in LOVE with wings. I'll probably throw in some Tapoco chips which sounds extraordinary. And then, for my entree, I'll go with the campfire mountain trout (my favorite fish) which comes topped with caramelized onions, bacon, and glazed pecans. I'm in tears. And since I have money to spend, I'll order a whole other meal (probably the mountain club with pinto beans) and TWO desserts. I'll have Kim's Carrot Cake and Italian Lemon Cake to go, please. No, I'm not eating it all in one sitting. I want to make it last as long as possible.

There you go. My dream road trip if I had a $1000 to drop on one in Tennessee. Don't worry, I'll save you a bite of carrot cake.

Actually, I probably won't.