If you've ever driven through the stretch of mountains connecting Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia, you already know that this is not a part of the country you rush through. The towns tucked into the mountains each have their own personality, their own food scene, and their own reasons to pull over and stay a while.

This road trip itinerary strings together four of the best stops in the region, from Chattanooga, the westernmost stop, to the high-elevation towns of western North Carolina in the east. Whether you're driving the whole route or picking a few favorites, here's where to stop and what to do when you get there.

Chattanooga

Famously known as the Scenic City, Chattanooga is the perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in their natural surroundings. The Tennessee River runs right through the city and serves as a gateway to the mountains, but it also boasts a lively downtown area buzzing with energy and excitement.

What to Do

Most of your time in Chattanooga will probably end up being spent outside, and that's not a bad thing. Lookout Mountain alone could fill a full day, between hiking the scenic trails, climbing Sunset Rock, and visiting the iconic Rock City Gardens. 

Beyond outdoor activities, popular things to do include visiting the Tennessee Aquarium - one of the best in the Southeast- and the River Gallery Sculpture Garden in the Bluff View Art District, which is a peaceful and underrated stop worth adding to your afternoon.

Where to Eat

Chattanooga is full of flavor, and there are no shortage of local restaurants to try on your road trip through the southeastern mountains. Massey's Kitchen is a local favorite atop Lookout Mountain, with lovely outdoor seating in a quaint setting. 

In the heart of Downtown Chattanooga, Wooden City offers southern hospitality and a flavor-infused American menu.

Where to Stay

For a Chattanooga vacation, Chanticleer Inn is the place to book, providing you with a home-away-from-home atop Lookout Mountain. There are 17  luxury rooms in the inn, each uniquely designed as a private retreat with elegant details and select amenities, including fireplaces, private patios, and Whirlpool tubs.

Guests will find a variety of packages and add-ons, allowing them to tailor their experience to their unique needs. Couples, in particular, enjoy the Cozy Romance package that includes rose petal turndown service, house-made chocolate-dripped strawberries, and a chilled bottle of champagne, among other features. 

Adventure-seekers often select the Hike Lookout Mountain package, which includes a custom insulated cooler backpack, a house-made lunch or gourmet snack with beverages, a curated hiking trail map to the best lookout spots, and admission vouchers to Rock City Gardens.

With amenities thoughtfully designed to nurture connection and encourage relaxation, Chanticleer Inn has something for every type of traveler. During your stay, you will have access to our swimming pool, lawn games, and fire pit. In the lobby, you will find complimentary coffee, tea, water, and cookies waiting for you whenever you are ready.

Ideally located atop Lookout Mountain, Chanticleer Inn is just a few minutes from the area's top tourist attractions, including Rock City, the Incline Railway, Ruby Falls, and Downtown Chattanooga. As a Select Registry Member, Chanticleer Inn provides the assurance you need when booking your stay.

Highlands
(~3.25 hours from Chattanooga)

From Chattanooga, head east toward the North Carolina border, and you'll find yourself climbing into Highlands - a small mountain town sitting at nearly 4,000 feet elevation that has earned a reputation as one of the best mountain escapes in the country. The air is cooler, the pace is slower, and the waterfalls are everywhere.

What to Do

Waterfalls are a top attraction in Highlands, so most visitors spend their time outdoors. Bridal Veil Falls are perhaps the most accessible outdoor attraction in the area, as you can get to them by taking a short scenic drive. The ironically-named Dry Falls can be reached via a family-friendly hiking trail, and you even have the opportunity to step behind the falls and witness the sheer power of the cascading water for yourself.

If you'd rather keep your feet dry, downtown Highlands is well worth an afternoon on its own. The main street is lined with independently owned boutiques, art galleries, and home goods shops that reflect the town's creative, unhurried character. 

Where to Eat

Full of southern charm and splendor, Highlands is home to an abundance of locally-owned restaurants. Lakeside Restaurant is a favorite among visitors, particularly those with dogs, for its fine-dining menu and five dog-friendly tables on the patio.

Where to Stay

If your four-legged friend is enjoying your road trip with you, then The Park on Main is the best place to stay in Highlands. Featuring an upscale-rustic theme, this luxury, dog-friendly hotel features 24 suites and a gorgeous garden terrace. This boutique hotel is a Select Registry Member, and is located downtown, near Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and numerous hiking trails in the area.

Asheville
(~1 hour from Highlands)

Asheville is a destination that offers visitors a little bit of everything. There are impossibly gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the eclectic downtown area with its funky vibes, and of course, the Biltmore Estate, where travelers will discover one of America's last great castles.

What to Do

Effortlessly blending outdoor recreation with history and culture, Asheville is an exciting stop on your road trip. No visit to Asheville would be complete without a visit to the Biltmore, America's largest residential home and a living reminder of the grandeur and elegance of the Gilded Age.

Where to Eat

Downtown Asheville features broad-ranging restaurants and is heralded for its craft beer scene. Tall John's is a local neighborhood eatery that is the perfect place for visitors who want to soak up the community's culture. Serving an ever-changing menu, there's always something fresh and new to try here.

Where to Stay

When it comes to staying overnight in Asheville, you simply have to book a room at 1900 Inn on Mitford. This Asheville bed-and-breakfast blends modern convenience with historic charm, giving guests the ability to feel completely at home in this century-old property. With crackling fireplaces and sprawling porches where live music is played in the evening, this Select Registry Member property is the kind of place where you feel an instant sense of connection.

Blowing Rock
(~1.5 hours from Asheville)

Considered the crown jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blowing Rock, North Carolina, is a romantic getaway that appeals to those seeking adventure and scenic vistas.

What to Do

Blowing Rock is conveniently located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, appealing to those who are looking for a hidden gem along the way. It's a small southern town at its core, and the top things to do include hiking, biking, and navigating the nearby trails. Families enjoy the Tweetsie Railroad, which is a small seasonal theme park.

Where to Eat

The best place to eat in Blowing Rock is the on-site restaurant at the Gideon Ridge Inn. Known for its intimate atmosphere and panoramic views, this exclusive dining locale is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in the region. The menu changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients available from local farmers, allowing guests to savor the true flavors of the Appalachians.

Where to Stay

Boasting some of the most jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Gideon Ridge Inn is the top place to stay in Blowing Rock. The hotel is famous for its cozy, mountain-inspired rooms, but perhaps the best amenity on the property is the spacious back porch, which offers unforgettable vistas of the surrounding mountains. This Select Registry Member hotel will provide you with unparalleled service every step of the way.

Book Your Stay in Chattanooga

Every great road trip needs a great first night, and your Chattanooga vacation starts at Chanticleer Inn. Perched atop Lookout Mountain with easy access to everything the city has to offer, it's the kind of welcome that sets the right tone for everything that follows.

Book your room at Chanticleer Inn today.