Road trips

“I took a trip to Nashville with some classmates and it was a great time!” 

Jessica C., M1

“St. Louis is known nationally as the “Gateway to the West,” and it certainly does not disappoint in this regard. Centrally located as the hub of several highways, it is within five-hour drives of Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, and Kansas City. One of my favorite parts of being a medical student here are the road trips I have made with other students to Chicago. It is a wonderful mini-vacation after a round of exams, and they are so much fun. Often, the drive itself is one of the best parts, full of interesting conversations and classmate bonding!” 

Jeffrey T., M1

A super fun, massive resort owned by Bass Pro Shops. Various types of fairly upscale accommodations, from hotel rooms to romantic cabins. Here you’ll find golf courses, a driving range, a shooting range, hiking, museums, caverns, a spa, and a massive lake with boat rentals and other fun lake activities.

Home to ample kitchy live performances and the incredible Silver Dollar City amusement park. Its 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theaters which are homes to various diverse resident acts, including country music performers. Visit the Marvel Cave and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner attraction.

[caption id="attachment_12152" align="alignleft" width="350"] Overlooking Lake Michigan[/caption]

The Windy City! Chicago is a world-class city and home to exciting nightlife, top restaurants, amazing cultural attractions, and fun sports. Visit Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium, and shop along Michigan Avenue. If you want to make the most of the dazzling Lake Michigan, go during warmer weather and run or bike at the edge of the lake, rent a boat, or take a dip in the water.

Home to the famous Kansas City barbecue! Known for its vibrant nightlife in the Power & Light District, be sure to visit! In celebration of its jazz music roots, Kansas City is home to the National Jazz Museum. It also has the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a fantastic art museum, a brand new luxury Loews Hotel, and the Worlds of Fun amusement park. Reachable by Amtrak!

Whiskey fans can explore America’s Bourbon Trail, and the gambling inclined can have a day at the races at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack. Maybe even go for the Kentucky Derby! Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Mohammed Ali Museum, before partying all night on Fourth Street. Don’t forget to try the hot banana pudding, derby pie, Kentucky hot browns, bacon-on-a-stick, and fried chicken (try it at Indi; Louisville is the birthplace of Colonel Sanders!).

The home of Rock & Roll and the Memphis Blues, go to Memphis for great nightlife and great music. Memphis is home to one of the four distinct barbecue styles in the U.S., so make sure to arrive hungry! Once there, tour Graceland Mansion (Elvis’ home) and visit the Memphis Civil Rights Museum and the Lorraine Motel (where Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968) to reflect on the history of American civil rights.

Stay out all night hearing live bands on Music Row, eat hot chicken, and shop the boutiques the next morning (if you're still feeling up to it after your night out). In addition to its music scene, Nashville has a bustling foodie scene to explore. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the replica Parthenon.