The latest episode in in Brand USA’s Agents on the Open Road: RoadTrips USA Edition, in partnership with Travel Gossip and Gold Medal, is a heady mix of music, outdoor life and great food, in a tour of the Wild West, taking in Tennessee, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
Read the feature, then answer the question at the bottom of the page for the chance to win a £50 One4All voucher and to be entered into a grand prize draw to win a £5,000 Gold Medal voucher that can be redeemed against any 2025 Gold Medal USA package holiday.
Full details of the trip can be found here and below is a day-by-day snapshot of what to expect.
Nashville is a music-lover’s paradise. Tour Music Row, the Historic RCA Studio B, where music legends like Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded hits and created what’s known as the ‘Nashville Sound’, and also visit Columbia’s historic Quonset Hut Studio, where great songs as Patsy Cline’s Crazy were recorded.
Nashville, Tennessee
In the Broadway Historic District, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and learn about the history of country music in the Sing Me Back Home exhibit.
In the evening, enjoy the neon lights and live music of the Honky Tonk Highway, and head to Bootleggers Inn, Nashville’s only moonshine bar.
Tour St Louis’ famous National Blues Museum, where visitors can even create their own blues song, then view St. Louis’ most famous monument, the Gateway Arch, known as the ‘Gateway to the West’.
St. Louis is also famous for its ribs, and a visit to Pappy’s Smokehouse is recommended.
Just outside of St. Louis is the Historic Daniel Boone Home, a reconstructed village depicting life in the early 1800s, located on a 120-hectare site in Defiance, Missouri. In the town of Independence is Independence Square, which once marked the start of the Oregon Trail and has the 1859 Jail Museum, where famous outlaw Frank James was once imprisoned.
Further west, Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, are renowned for their barbecue, and both offer many barbecue tasting tours.
One iconic eatery is Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, which thrills foodies and history buffs alike with its original gas station location.
Go to Kansas City, Missouri’s historic River Market district, then visit Minor Park, peer across the river to see the deep depressions in the hillside known as Red Bridge Crossing. Head across the border to Kansas to see Fort Leavenworth, a critical post that housed soldiers whose duty was to protect travellers going west along the Oregon Trail. Explore the historic sites and homes, the Buffalo Soldier monument and the museum. Dine at Q39 for authentic Kansas City barbecue.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas
Visit the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm in Olathe, Kansas, one of the only remaining stagecoach stops along the original Santa Fe Trail, which is now a museum. Look for American bison in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
In Wichita, Kansas, take a step back in time and visit the Old Cowtown Museum to get a taste of what life was like in the Wild West, then explore Old Town Wichita, before going to the Keeper of the Plains statue at sunset. An illuminated Ring of Fire at the statue’s base blazes for 15 spectacular minutes daily.
Stop for a brisket sandwich at Buck’s BBQ on the outskirts of Sedan, Kansas, then cross into Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to visit the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, with artifacts from more than 40 Native American nations. Then stop at Claremore, Oklahoma, to tour the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and uncover the Cherokee Nation roots of the Hollywood actor and political activist.
Head east to visit Tahlequah, Oklahoma, home to the Cherokee National History Museum. Opened in 2019, this museum in the restored Cherokee National Capitol Building displays timeless art and artifacts from Cherokee heritage. In the heart of Tahlequah is the Cherokee National Prison Museum, where you’ll tour a real prison built in 1875 and learn more about famous outlaws.
In Park Hill, Oklahoma, the John Ross Museum tells the story of the eponymous Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and spotlights notable events in Cherokee history.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Start at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, a premier institution for Western art, history and culture. Visit Stockyards City, a Western-themed shopping and entertainment district. The Oklahoma National Stockyards still operates authentic cattle auctions on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For dinner, try Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma’s oldest restaurant, then drive to Chisholm’s Saloon, an authentic country bar with live music and free dance lessons.
Travel south into Texas and stop in Duncan to see the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Continue south to Fort Worth to enjoy a fun evening tonight at Billy Bob’s Texas in the historic Stockyards District. Immerse yourself in great food, live music and even a bull ride if you feel adventurous. Billy Bob’s is the nation’s largest Honky Tonk.
At Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, discover Texas heritage, then visit the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, a gallery honouring the sport of rodeo. Enjoy lunch at one of the Stockyards’ many restaurants, such as the casual, fun atmosphere of Hunter Brothers’ H3 Ranch.
Plan your visit for Friday or Saturday night to see the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, the world’s only year-round rodeo.
For barbecue with a twist, visit Lonesome Dove Western Bistro to try the rabbit and rattlesnake sausage and wild boar ribs. After dinner, go to Second Rodeo Brewing for beers and music.
Stop in Waco for lunch at Tony DeMaria’s BBQ, a community institution serving up crowd-pleasing brisket since 1946. In Austin, the state capital of Texas, visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and go to Allens Boots, which is easy to spot because of the giant red boot on its roof.
For a classic barbecue, try Micklethwaite Craft Meats, where brisket and sausage with a side of lemon poppy slaw make for a hearty meal.
Franklin BBQ has been voted one of the best barbecue joints in the USA, and is a local hot spot that attracts the crowds.
The colourful, walkable South Congress neighbourhood, known as SoCo, is home to some of Austin’s most celebrated street art, including the Mr. Rogers Portrait and I Love You So Much mural. Head to Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats who live under the bridge take to the skies, creating a surreal black cloud.
Head to The Broken Spoke to dance the night away at one of Austin’s signature honky-tonks.
Agents’ views
Linda Mahoney, travel agent at Charter Travel
“Austin is a clean city and not too built up. There’s a real Mexican influence in the restaurants, and music is the deal here. We had a blast at The White Horse Honky Tonk, including Texas Two-Step lessons with Beth, which proved useful in our round of Honky Tonk clubs that evening.
Dallas is a great city and good to walk around. Check out the garden of the Joule, with the 30-ft-tall optic sculpture, Eye, in downtown Dallas. We also visited the sixth floor museum at Dealey Plaza, the location where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F Kennedy, which was informative and thought-provoking. We spent an evening in a private box watching the Dallas Mavericks.
Hands up who thought Dallas Forth Worth was just the name of an airport? Well, Fort Worth is a totally different place to Austin or Dallas, and it’s worth a night or two here to embrace your inner cowboy.
The cattle driving shows are popular at Fort Worth Stockyards, as is the John Wayne Museum. There’s a diverse mix of eateries with the emphasis defiantly on chilli. End the night at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk, for country music, classic rock and bull riding.”
Theresa Kelly Personal Travel Consultant at Not Just Travel Wanderlust
“In Nashville, I’d recommend a trip to the Bluebird Café, a very small live music venue. Booking is essential – it took us three visits to get a table.
While in St Louis, you must visit the Gateway Arch. You get to the top in a tram car and it is an extremely tight squeeze. St Louis Zoo has free entry so if you’re travelling as a family, it is a good day out without breaking the bank. Union Station is now a hotel and shopping mall with an aquarium, which is also worth a visit. Then go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. My favourite is the knickerbocker glory.
Independence Mo is the hometown of Harry S Truman, the only US President to come from Missouri. There are many places and sites related to his life here. If you like the wild west, then plan a visit to Liberty and St Joseph to see the home of Jesse James, and the house where his life ended.
Don’t forgot to listen to Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman when driving down Old Town Wichita.
There is plenty to do in Tulsa, but if you are short on time, the Blue Dome District is a trendy area for eating, shopping and nightlife
In Oklahoma, we visited the National Memorial, which honours the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, Bricktown, a lively entertainment district, and the Sonic Drive-In – the banana milkshakes are to die for.
Tex Mex in Texas is some of the best you will ever eat, washed down with a salt-rimmed Margarita. In Dallas, the JFK memorial Main Street Dallas is worth a visit for a few minutes’ reflection. Meanwhile, over in Fort Worth, there are cattle drives, rodeos and historic shops. Pop to the National Cowgirl Museum to see the contribution that women have made to this way of life.
And finally, no visit to Dallas is complete without going to the Southfork Ranch for a tour of the TV home of J R Ewing and an iconic photo of you coming down the stairs.”
There are plenty more road trip suggestions on the USA Itineraries section of the Brand USA website.
Also check out the newly refreshed Brand USA training platform, USA Discovery Program.
And click here for a video on Fort Worth, Texas.
Gold Medal offers 13 nights in various two- and three-star hotels along the route, including direct flights from London Heathrow to Nashville on 20 April and return flights from Austin-Heathrow on 3 May 2025, hotel parking, personalised digital destination and route guide, plus car drop-off at Austin Airport, from £1,679 per person. Quote ref 42593347.
To book this or any USA RoadTrip itinerary, call 0800 014 7777 or visit goldmedal.co.uk
Answer the question based on these itineraries correctly to be entered into the grand prize draw to win a £5,000 Gold Medal voucher that can be redeemed against any 2025 Gold Medal package holiday. There’s also a £50 One4All voucher up for grabs each month.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name the state capital of Texas:
Name *
First
Last
Job Title *
Company Name *
Work Email *
Do you currently use any of these Brand USA tools? (tick all that apply)
The closing date to enter this month’s draw is 10 November 2024. View the competition Terms & Conditions.
The post Agents on the Open Road: RoadTrips USA Edition – Wild West: Cowboys, Country Music and Barbecue appeared first on Travel Gossip.
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Read the feature, then answer the question at the bottom of the page for the chance to win a £50 One4All voucher and to be entered into a grand prize draw to win a £5,000 Gold Medal voucher that can be redeemed against any 2025 Gold Medal USA package holiday.
Full details of the trip can be found here and below is a day-by-day snapshot of what to expect.
Days 1 and 2, Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a music-lover’s paradise. Tour Music Row, the Historic RCA Studio B, where music legends like Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded hits and created what’s known as the ‘Nashville Sound’, and also visit Columbia’s historic Quonset Hut Studio, where great songs as Patsy Cline’s Crazy were recorded.
Nashville, Tennessee
In the Broadway Historic District, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and learn about the history of country music in the Sing Me Back Home exhibit.
In the evening, enjoy the neon lights and live music of the Honky Tonk Highway, and head to Bootleggers Inn, Nashville’s only moonshine bar.
Day 3, Nashville, Tennessee to St. Louis, Missouri
Tour St Louis’ famous National Blues Museum, where visitors can even create their own blues song, then view St. Louis’ most famous monument, the Gateway Arch, known as the ‘Gateway to the West’.
St. Louis is also famous for its ribs, and a visit to Pappy’s Smokehouse is recommended.
Day 4, St. Louis, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri, to Kansas City, Kansas
Just outside of St. Louis is the Historic Daniel Boone Home, a reconstructed village depicting life in the early 1800s, located on a 120-hectare site in Defiance, Missouri. In the town of Independence is Independence Square, which once marked the start of the Oregon Trail and has the 1859 Jail Museum, where famous outlaw Frank James was once imprisoned.
Further west, Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, are renowned for their barbecue, and both offer many barbecue tasting tours.
One iconic eatery is Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, which thrills foodies and history buffs alike with its original gas station location.
Day 5, Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri
Go to Kansas City, Missouri’s historic River Market district, then visit Minor Park, peer across the river to see the deep depressions in the hillside known as Red Bridge Crossing. Head across the border to Kansas to see Fort Leavenworth, a critical post that housed soldiers whose duty was to protect travellers going west along the Oregon Trail. Explore the historic sites and homes, the Buffalo Soldier monument and the museum. Dine at Q39 for authentic Kansas City barbecue.
Day 6, Kansas City, Missouri to Wichita, Kansas
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas
Visit the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm in Olathe, Kansas, one of the only remaining stagecoach stops along the original Santa Fe Trail, which is now a museum. Look for American bison in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
In Wichita, Kansas, take a step back in time and visit the Old Cowtown Museum to get a taste of what life was like in the Wild West, then explore Old Town Wichita, before going to the Keeper of the Plains statue at sunset. An illuminated Ring of Fire at the statue’s base blazes for 15 spectacular minutes daily.
Day 7, Wichita, Kansas to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Stop for a brisket sandwich at Buck’s BBQ on the outskirts of Sedan, Kansas, then cross into Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to visit the Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, with artifacts from more than 40 Native American nations. Then stop at Claremore, Oklahoma, to tour the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and uncover the Cherokee Nation roots of the Hollywood actor and political activist.
Day 8, Tulsa, Oklahoma to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Head east to visit Tahlequah, Oklahoma, home to the Cherokee National History Museum. Opened in 2019, this museum in the restored Cherokee National Capitol Building displays timeless art and artifacts from Cherokee heritage. In the heart of Tahlequah is the Cherokee National Prison Museum, where you’ll tour a real prison built in 1875 and learn more about famous outlaws.
In Park Hill, Oklahoma, the John Ross Museum tells the story of the eponymous Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and spotlights notable events in Cherokee history.
Day 9, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Start at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, a premier institution for Western art, history and culture. Visit Stockyards City, a Western-themed shopping and entertainment district. The Oklahoma National Stockyards still operates authentic cattle auctions on Mondays and Tuesdays.
For dinner, try Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma’s oldest restaurant, then drive to Chisholm’s Saloon, an authentic country bar with live music and free dance lessons.
Day 10, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
Travel south into Texas and stop in Duncan to see the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. Continue south to Fort Worth to enjoy a fun evening tonight at Billy Bob’s Texas in the historic Stockyards District. Immerse yourself in great food, live music and even a bull ride if you feel adventurous. Billy Bob’s is the nation’s largest Honky Tonk.
Day 11, Fort Worth, Texas
At Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, discover Texas heritage, then visit the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, a gallery honouring the sport of rodeo. Enjoy lunch at one of the Stockyards’ many restaurants, such as the casual, fun atmosphere of Hunter Brothers’ H3 Ranch.
Plan your visit for Friday or Saturday night to see the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at Cowtown Coliseum, the world’s only year-round rodeo.
For barbecue with a twist, visit Lonesome Dove Western Bistro to try the rabbit and rattlesnake sausage and wild boar ribs. After dinner, go to Second Rodeo Brewing for beers and music.
Day 12, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas to Austin, Texas
Stop in Waco for lunch at Tony DeMaria’s BBQ, a community institution serving up crowd-pleasing brisket since 1946. In Austin, the state capital of Texas, visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and go to Allens Boots, which is easy to spot because of the giant red boot on its roof.
For a classic barbecue, try Micklethwaite Craft Meats, where brisket and sausage with a side of lemon poppy slaw make for a hearty meal.
Day 13, Austin, Texas
Franklin BBQ has been voted one of the best barbecue joints in the USA, and is a local hot spot that attracts the crowds.
The colourful, walkable South Congress neighbourhood, known as SoCo, is home to some of Austin’s most celebrated street art, including the Mr. Rogers Portrait and I Love You So Much mural. Head to Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats who live under the bridge take to the skies, creating a surreal black cloud.
Head to The Broken Spoke to dance the night away at one of Austin’s signature honky-tonks.
Agents’ views
Linda Mahoney, travel agent at Charter Travel
“Austin is a clean city and not too built up. There’s a real Mexican influence in the restaurants, and music is the deal here. We had a blast at The White Horse Honky Tonk, including Texas Two-Step lessons with Beth, which proved useful in our round of Honky Tonk clubs that evening.
Dallas is a great city and good to walk around. Check out the garden of the Joule, with the 30-ft-tall optic sculpture, Eye, in downtown Dallas. We also visited the sixth floor museum at Dealey Plaza, the location where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F Kennedy, which was informative and thought-provoking. We spent an evening in a private box watching the Dallas Mavericks.
Hands up who thought Dallas Forth Worth was just the name of an airport? Well, Fort Worth is a totally different place to Austin or Dallas, and it’s worth a night or two here to embrace your inner cowboy.
The cattle driving shows are popular at Fort Worth Stockyards, as is the John Wayne Museum. There’s a diverse mix of eateries with the emphasis defiantly on chilli. End the night at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk, for country music, classic rock and bull riding.”
Theresa Kelly Personal Travel Consultant at Not Just Travel Wanderlust
“In Nashville, I’d recommend a trip to the Bluebird Café, a very small live music venue. Booking is essential – it took us three visits to get a table.
While in St Louis, you must visit the Gateway Arch. You get to the top in a tram car and it is an extremely tight squeeze. St Louis Zoo has free entry so if you’re travelling as a family, it is a good day out without breaking the bank. Union Station is now a hotel and shopping mall with an aquarium, which is also worth a visit. Then go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. My favourite is the knickerbocker glory.
Independence Mo is the hometown of Harry S Truman, the only US President to come from Missouri. There are many places and sites related to his life here. If you like the wild west, then plan a visit to Liberty and St Joseph to see the home of Jesse James, and the house where his life ended.
Don’t forgot to listen to Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman when driving down Old Town Wichita.
There is plenty to do in Tulsa, but if you are short on time, the Blue Dome District is a trendy area for eating, shopping and nightlife
In Oklahoma, we visited the National Memorial, which honours the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, Bricktown, a lively entertainment district, and the Sonic Drive-In – the banana milkshakes are to die for.
Tex Mex in Texas is some of the best you will ever eat, washed down with a salt-rimmed Margarita. In Dallas, the JFK memorial Main Street Dallas is worth a visit for a few minutes’ reflection. Meanwhile, over in Fort Worth, there are cattle drives, rodeos and historic shops. Pop to the National Cowgirl Museum to see the contribution that women have made to this way of life.
And finally, no visit to Dallas is complete without going to the Southfork Ranch for a tour of the TV home of J R Ewing and an iconic photo of you coming down the stairs.”
There are plenty more road trip suggestions on the USA Itineraries section of the Brand USA website.
Also check out the newly refreshed Brand USA training platform, USA Discovery Program.
And click here for a video on Fort Worth, Texas.
Gold Medal offers 13 nights in various two- and three-star hotels along the route, including direct flights from London Heathrow to Nashville on 20 April and return flights from Austin-Heathrow on 3 May 2025, hotel parking, personalised digital destination and route guide, plus car drop-off at Austin Airport, from £1,679 per person. Quote ref 42593347.
To book this or any USA RoadTrip itinerary, call 0800 014 7777 or visit goldmedal.co.uk
Your chance to win a £5,000 Gold Medal voucher
Answer the question based on these itineraries correctly to be entered into the grand prize draw to win a £5,000 Gold Medal voucher that can be redeemed against any 2025 Gold Medal package holiday. There’s also a £50 One4All voucher up for grabs each month.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name the state capital of Texas:
Name *
First
Last
Job Title *
Company Name *
Work Email *
Do you currently use any of these Brand USA tools? (tick all that apply)
- RoadTrip USA Itineraries
- USA Discovery Program
- MediaValet
- GoUSA TV
The closing date to enter this month’s draw is 10 November 2024. View the competition Terms & Conditions.
The post Agents on the Open Road: RoadTrips USA Edition – Wild West: Cowboys, Country Music and Barbecue appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
