There is a window of time when your son is old enough to appreciate a long drive but young enough to still want to hang out with you. For Spring Break 2026, I decided to jump through that window.
We traded the typical beach vacation for a four-day, multi-state "boy road trip." From the neon lights of Nashville to the hallowed halls of Graceland, here is how we tackled the open road and why you should do the same before the "option is gone."
We kicked things off early, heading south toward St. Louis. Our first stop was the City Museum, and let me tell you—if you haven't been, buy your tickets online to save time and a few bucks.
The Vibe: It’s like a group of fabricating artists got together and just never stopped building.
The Highlights: Rebar mazes that climb three stories, endless caves, and stunning masonry salvaged from old buildings. I crawled around until my knees hurt, and I’d do it again.
Pro Tip: It’s a photographer’s dream, but if it rains, the outdoor sections close, so check the forecast!
Next, we hit Gateway Arch National Park. Pro tip: find a parking spot nearby and book your tram tickets in advance. The tram ride to the top feels a bit like being inside a commercial-sized dryer drum, but the 4-minute ride is worth it for the views.
The Food: We finished the day at Lambert’s Cafe, the "Home of Throwed Rolls." It’s loud, it’s fun, and yes, they actually fire warm buns at your head from across the room. Catching a roll with one hand while eating a massive meal is a core memory unlocked.
We rolled into Memphis around 11:00 AM on Thursday—perfect timing to avoid the weekend crowds at Graceland.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
Walking through the mansion is a literal trip back in time. It’s crazy fun to see the Jungle Room and the trophy building. Across the street, the museum holds his cars, motorcycles, and the legendary planes. We spent about three hours soaking in the history. It’s beautiful, nostalgic, and a must-see for any music fan.
The Bass Pro Shops Pyramid
You can’t miss the giant pyramid on the Memphis skyline. We looked into the "Big Cypress Lodge" cabins inside the store, but at $350 a night, we decided to save our cash and just hit the observation deck. The elevator ride up the center of the pyramid is almost as cool as the view from the top.
Dinner: We pushed on to Jackson, TN, and ate at The Blacksmith. If you go, get the shrimp and grits. My "little man" went for the burger, and both were 10/10.
Nashville greeted us with some intense stadium construction, so navigating was a challenge. We parked near Broadway ($22/hour is the "big city tax" here) and spent some time at the Johnny Cash Museum. It’s an incredible tribute to the Man in Black with a massive collection of artifacts.
The Hattie B’s Story:
My son wanted Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and he convinced me it was a "short walk." 1.2 miles later, we finally arrived. The line moved fast (20 minutes), and the "Sweet & Smokey" dry rub strips were incredible.
The kicker? On the walk back to Broadway, we realized we had walked right past another Hattie B’s that was much closer. We had to take a "fail photo" in front of it. If you can’t laugh at yourself on a road trip, you’re doing it wrong.
We ended the night at Ole Red, listening to Isaac Cole kill it on stage, before starting the trek back north.
Day 4: Science, Hot Dogs, and Home
We spent our final morning at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Even if yo
u’ve been before, there’s always something new to see. We spent three hours exploring before the hunger kicked in.
Our final "road food" stop? Portillo’s. You can’t go through Chicago without a classic Chicago-style dog. The chili cheese dog was a glorious mess, and the perfect fuel for the final leg back to Wisconsin.
This trip was about more than just checking landmarks off a list. It was about one-on-one time. In a world where we are all "too busy," our kids are our greatest treasure.
My daughter is already working, and I realized how quickly these opportunities disappear. Whether it’s for one day or one month—get out there. Take the road trip. Eat the hot dog. Laugh at the 1.2-mile walk. You won’t regret it.
