Ready to hit the road for a summer trip, but not sure where to go? We’ve planned a trip combining the best of both worlds – city life and the great outdoors. Take a road trip through Appalachia with a drive from 21c Nashville to 21c Durham… or vice versa, we guarantee an equal amount of fun either way!
For your safety and the safety of our communities, we ask that you wear a mask and practice social distancing during your visit. For the most up to date information about all of our cleanliness and wellness policies, designed with the safety of our teammates and guests in mind, click here.
Nashville
Welcome to Music City! Home of Country Music, Honky Tonks, and 21c Nashville. Once you have settled in and probably run into a Teal Penguin , head down to Gray & Dudley where Chef Matt and team will help fuel up for your Nashville adventure. Before you head out on the town, stroll around our three floors of gallery space featuring our current exhibition, Fragile Figures: Beings and Time.
Ready to start exploring Nashville? The Frist Art Museum where you can explore their current exhibitions featuring Mel Ziegler: Flag Exchange which explores a nation that has survived tumult and stress. Looking for an outdoor adventure? If you head just a couple of miles outside of downtown, you will find Percy Warner Park or Radnor Lake– two great places for an easy and beautiful hike! Wanting to enjoy a more leisurely walk with some indoor breaks? Try Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, this 55-acre estate has museums, 12 distinct gardens, and an array of horticultural sculptures.
You’ve probably worked up an appetite at this point… head over to the Germantown neighborhood to find all of the local favorites. Butchertown Hall menu features Texas Style BBQ, craft tacos, and killer margaritas. Oku will satisfy all your sushi cravings and their signature cocktail, Sugar and Spice, is a must try. You can’t go wrong with pizza. One of the most popular Nashville restaurants, City House is known for their pizza with their blend on Italian and Southern ingredients. Slim & Huskys is creating artisan pizzas and cinnamon rolls with fresh dough and sauce daily along with serving beer and wine crafted by local breweries.
If you are in need of some retail therapy. Nashville is lucky to have a variety of locally owned shops. White’s Mercantile, a modern take on a general store, where you can pick up a gift for yourself that you didn’t even know you needed. For the denim lover, Imogene + Willie, creates high-end and custom denim, along with an assortment of other to-die-for minimalist pieces. The shoe fanatic will fall in love with Nisolo Shoes– has sustainable handmade leather shoes for both men and women at a fair price. Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop that has been designing and hand printing since 1879.
Get your caffeine fix from local favorite Barista Parlor with locations in The Gulch, East Nashville, and Germantown. Or grab a to-go cup from Crema Coffee and take a stroll around downtown. In the mood to Brunch? Try Cafe Roze in East Nashville or Adele’s in the Gulch.
Staying a little longer? View our neighborhood guide to see what’s open in Nashville. When you’re ready to say good-bye, pack your bags, and hit the road for the Mountains.
In between…
Watch the landscapes change from wide open grass fields to sun-dappled forests as you drive through the Appalachian Mountain ranges. Along the way to Asheville, NC, you’ll pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park where you can stop for a short hike to see sweeping scenic views of the southern-most region of the Appalachian Trail. From Nashville, add an extra hour to your drive and stop for lunch in Chattanooga, TN. Order the Duck Confit Tacos at the Flying Squirrel or a bowl of Ramen from Two Ten Jack. Have time for a hike? Soak up the scenery at Cloudland Canyon (reservations recommended).
Jump back on the road towards Asheville…
Welcome to Asheville! Nestled in between The Blue Ridge Mountains and The Great Smoky Mountains, this city is filled with a creative spirit. Lovers of the outdoors will find miles of hiking and camping adventures, art enthusiasts will experience a flourishing art scene, and foodies will never go hungry.
Check in to the Black Walnut Bed & Breakfast Inn. This 8 room B&B was built in 1899 and is located the Historic District, giving you easy access to all the city has to offer.
Ready to explore the great outdoors? The North Carolina Arboretum is located just a few miles outside the city and offers pockets of lush seasonal gardens and miles of trails into 434 acres. From the leisure hiker to the expert, The Blue Ridge Parkway compiles a list of their trails, so you can find the perfect hike for you. The Biltmore Estate offers more than tours of the lavish 35-bedroom estate; enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fishing and more on this 8,000-acre grounds estate.
If Hiking is not quite your thing, there is much more to explore! Take a stroll through downtown where you can follow of self-guided tour of the Architecture Trail or the Urban Trail. The River Arts District features the working studios and galleries of hundreds of artists. But we know which tour you’re here for… the craft beer breweries. Here is a list of all the Asheville Breweries. We suggest: Bhramari Brewing Co, Highland Brewing Co, and Burial Beer Co.
Now dive into the culinary scene. High Five Coffee, Biscuit Head, and Hole Doughnuts will give you fuel to start your day. With an endless number of top notch restaurants you can’t go wrong in this city. A few favorites include: Curate, The Admiral, Jargon, Nine Mile, White Labs Kitchen & Tap.
Durham
First stop, check in with the Fuschia Penguin. Once you’ve settled in, head down the elevator and discover our current exhibition, The Future is Female as you walk through the hallways of the historically preserved, Art Deco building. Along the way, you will find works by local artists as part of our Elevate exhibitions in the elevator lobby on each guest room floor. Grab a bite to eat at Counting House with a meal prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Seizer.
Ready for some fresh air? Step outside and live like a “DURM” local. Take a break from the city and explore the forest-like trails of Duke University – run along Al Buehler cross-country trail or soak up the scenery of Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Or discover historic mills and waterfalls at Eno River State Park. Make it a picnic with seafood favorites from Saltbox Seafood Joint and a beer from Durty Bull Brewing Company.
Venture a little further and take a day trip to visit our neighbors in Raleigh. The craft-beer scene there is well worth the 30-minute drive! Be sure to visit Crank Arm, Big Boss, Raleigh Brewing Company and Bond Brothers Beer Company while you are there. Still thirsty? Find more breweries with The Beer Travel Guide.
In need of a little retail therapy? Take home a little piece of our city with you with a graphic tee or DURM™ sweatshirt from Runaway. Before you hit the road again, stop by Beyú Caffè for a morning coffee and pastry to-go.
Not ready to leave? View our neighborhood guide and visit Discover Durham to see what else is open in Durham.
