The journey is as important as the destination. We loved the beautiful drive from Atlanta to Memphis. Photo: Christa Thompson
Because the family friendly Buick Enclave has plenty of luxe perks for adulting, too.
Last I checked, us parents have a few things to celebrate when summer begins. No more 6:00 am wake up calls, packing lunches, or fundraisers. Don’t we deserve to squeeze in a parents getaway…kid free?
The answer is yes! The only next logical questions are, where? And how do we get there? If you’re searching online for parents getaway ideas then let this be your last stop because this trip is one of the best weekenders I’ve had in maybe ever, and road tripping in a family car was ideal.
Further Reading: Don’t need an SUV? Check out the Buick Regal Sportback
The pretty Memphis Egg. Photo: Christa Thompson
Parents Getaway Ideas – Choosing Our Destination
I racked my brain for no less than a month for parents getaway ideas. Now, I’m a huge fan of music. And my spouse, Sean, is a talented musician. We have a studio in our home and we listen to music every day. We even fell in love to music! We both grew up on American Icons like; Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis, which made a parents getaway to Memphis a perfect destination.
We thought this would be a great opportunity to test out the 2018 Buick Enclave, a luxury SUV with a starting price of just $40,000 (the price of the model we drove is about $50,400). Just us, the Enclave, a bitchin playlist, and a mission to explore American Rock n Roll history. And we weren’t in the least bit guilty about doing it “adults only” style.
Further Reading: Great tech for the perfect road trip
Incredible rock faces on the road to Memphis. Photo: Christa Thompson
Relaxing and Enjoying the Road to Memphis
The drive to Memphis from the Atlanta is surprisingly beautiful. The landscape is full of wide open skies, unique rock face walls and rolling hills. It was the perfect backdrop for us to catch up on some much-needed conversation. As the miles faded away behind us to the sound of Hotel California, it seemed impossible to have anything but a perfect time.
It was also impossible not to notice what a comfortable drive we were having in the 2018 Buick Enclave. With its insanely spacious and luxurious cabin, smart technology, and advanced safety system, we were riding into music history first class.
Further Reading: Check out the luxury in this family friendly SUV, the Chevy Tahoe
The ride to Memphis was made easy with theBuick Enclave’s active safety features that put us at ease and provided total comfort. Photo: Christa Thompson
When I think of taking a road trip I immediately get concerned about the level of comfort I’m going to have on the ride. Will I be able to stretch my legs out? Can I get some work done on my laptop? Will the music system sound good? Will there be enough room for us and the luggage? All of these points are seriously important to me. And of course, the safety of the vehicle is at the top of these concerns. So how did the 2018 Buick Enclave measure up?
I love this angle. It shows all of its sparkles! Photo: Christa Thompson
First, Let’s Talk Exterior
I’m not a white paint kind of girl, but the white on the 2018 Buick Enclave is superclass. I really loved the body style from front to back. Just check out these curves!
Looking sharp from the side! Photo Christa Thompson
Gotta love the back end on this one too! Photo Christa Thompson
Close up! Sporty, sexy and elegant! Photo: Christa Thompson
But, I’m All About What’s Happening on the Inside
Interior view from the second row.
Since that’s where a driver/passenger spends most of their time, I think it’s the most important. The Buick Enclave is total luxury from the steering wheel to the third row.
A closer look at the dash.
The center console is sharp! Photo: Christa Thompson
I love the trim and the streamlined design of the center console space. Photo: Christa Thompson
View from the driver’s seat. Photo: Christa Thompson
Ready for the road! Photo: Christa Thompson
Legroom – And More Legroom
Loads of leg room! Winning!
I was immediately blown away at how much leg room there was. I even took a photo to show you! Now I’m 5’6″ and I couldn’t even hit the floorboard with my toes. Now you might think that win no kids in the back seat I might have benefitted from putting my seat all the way back. But no. Same went for the back seat. Since we didn’t have any other passengers, we used the floor space in the back row for things like my purse, laptop, and snack bag. There was so much room! I can’t stress enough how important a spacious cabin is to me. I get motion sickness in small spaces, but I was 100% the entire time because the Enclave has so much cabin space.
Further Reading: The Enclave’s smaller sibling, the Encore, only skimps on size
Working from the Road Mom-Boss Style
I love the household plug feature. It’s so nice to be able to work on the road. Photo: Christa Thompson
Just look at this cabin space. So roomy! Photo: Christa Thompson
And the view from the front looking back is wide open spaces. Photo: Christa Thompson
When I’m in the passenger seat I’m all about taking in the scenery, listening to epic tunes, and making a dent in my email. There are no distractions in this space. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to get things done. I love that the Buick Enclave has a three-pronged outlet in the second row center console. I was able to plug in and feel super accomplished before we arrived in Memphis. It took a huge load off and I felt like I could really unwind.
This is a Luxury: Only Packing for Two
No need to fold the third row down when you’re packing for two. Photo: Christa Thompson
Though loads of cargo space will come in handy in case you want to haul an Elvis statue back! Photo: Christa Thompson
We seriously could’ve packed for four and still have had the room to build a fort in the third row. That’s how much space there is in this SUV. It has all the minivan space without the minivan feels. We didn’t even need to put the third row down. I kid you not I could do a cross-country road trip in the Buick Enclave.
Other Features that Rocked Our Road Trip
I love that the navigation shows up in the dash. Photo: Christa Thompson
And the weather forecast for your trip is awesome! Photo: Christa Thompson
Your speed and the speed limit side by side. Photo: Christa Thompson
And: A front camera! Photo: Christa Thompson
And rear camera, too. Photo: Christa Thompson
On Star and on board Wi-Fi are fantastic services for both emergencies, routing information and staying connected. Love this! Photo: Christa Thompson
Butt warmers and coolers for the win.
We had a stellar onboard navigation system which I especially loved because it gave directions in the steering panel dash. I also loved the touchscreen LCD where I was able to have a hands free phone experience and even get the weather, for hourly updates! And the Bose sound system was EVERYTHING for our epic road trip playlist.
What We Listened to on the Road to Memphis
The Buick’s spacious cabin was the perfect place to both rock out and relax with our favorite tunes. A little back story: Sean is an incredibly talented musician and vocalist. His biggest influences are Maynard James Keenan, lead and mastermind of Tool, A Perfect Circle and Pucifer, Korn, Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd and Muse. One of our must-listens is Mister Asylum, and one of three albums that Sean and I dated and fell in love to. So it was nice to bring back the feels. Plus it’s a killer album. And, our playlist had to have Mumford and Sons, another of the artists that Sean and I listened to when we dated and fell in love. It’s funny how music can be a score to your life.
Check Out My First Impression of the 2018 Buick Enclave in My Facebook Live Post!
First impression of the 2018 fully loaded Buick Enclave! I'm going bananas! 😍😍😍🍌
Posted by A Girls Guide to Cars on Thursday, July 12, 2018
Our Memphis Road Trip Parents Weekend Getaway: A Rock n Roll Adventure
All photos by Christa Thompson.
When we arrived in Memphis we were pumped. Both Sean and I are huge fans of Johnny Cash and Elvis. Memphis is where their careers were born so, we knew we were about to have a very memorable weekend. Thanks to the good folks at Memphis Tourism we had a killer itinerary lined up for us. It would take us in the footsteps of the greatest legends Rock n Roll has ever seen, starting with the historic Peabody Hotel where Elvis himself not only had his prom but signed his major record label with RCA.
The Historic Peabody Hotel Memphis
There’s no better place to travel through music history than the Peabody Hotel. Walking into this hotel was like stepping back in time. Its lavish art deco lobby made us feel like rock n roll royalty while its newly renovated rooms exuded elegance and comfort.
Everything about Memphis brings you back to the raw talent, grit, and glamour at the dawn of Rock n Roll.
There’s an energy there that surrounds you whether you’re walking down historic Beale Street where some of the greatest talents of Blues, Soul and Rock n Roll started their careers or touring Graceland, home to the King of Rock n Roll, Elvis Presley.
Visiting Graceland. Because, Memphis!
Graceland, Elvis’ home, is untouched since he died in 1977. There is a massive archive dedicated to his history and much of Elvis’s life is on display.
Living the Rock -n-Roll Dream in Memphis
And when you get the chance to sing into the mic that Elvis and Johnny Cash sang into, you go big. We did, creating some of our most memorable experiences at Sun Studios, where Elvis and Johnny Cash both recorded their first hits. 
At the Gibson Guitar Factory Sean, was intrigued by the guitar making process and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s greatest guitar brands.
And, he got to shred a bit on his dream Gibson.
Haunted Tours are a Must, Too
This old Civil War Hospital on the Historic Haunts Tour was among the creepiest places I’ve ever seen. However, we fell in love with the Mallory-Neely House, a haunted Victorian Mansion, also on the tour.
Memphis Stays With You, Even After the Trip is Over
Memphis moved us. It lifted us off to another planet where our fandoms and minds buzzed. It was very special to getaway with my life partner and best friend and share this experience. And I couldn’t think of a better road trip vehicle than the Buick Enclave. From behind the wheel to the Graceland snow globe now adorning my son’s shelf, our Memphis road trip will keep us rockin on through the rest of the year.
Disclosure: Buick provided the Enclave for this story; travel considerations were also made by some of the travel partners mentioned here. All opinions are my own.
Latest posts by Christa Thompson (see all)
- Why After Four Months of Driving a Kia SUV, I Bought the 2019 Sportage EX - September 24, 2018
- A Memphis Road Trip in a Buick Enclave Luxury SUV Is Just What We Needed - August 8, 2018
Wow Memphis looks like a super fun place to visit and the vehicle is so pretty
Definitely a pretty ride!
You guys had the best trip to Memphis. I really want to go there, so jealous! That car is gorgeous!
Oh you should totally go!
What an amazing looking trip! I love Buicks. I think that is one of the reasons we survived our accidents is because we were in a big buick and it took a big brunt of the massive amout of our damage. ( Was hit by a drunk driver )
Oh my that’s awful! I’m glad you’re okay! Yes we felt very safe. And the trip was amazing!
What an exhilarating trip. ANd the ride, full of all the bells and whistles.
Yes it was very much a memorable trip. We barely even knew it took 7 hours to get there.
Wow, that Buick SUV is packed with features perfect for a family. I do prefer SUVs and trucks over sedans. I like the roomy interior and that awesome leg room!
Yeah you know I really felt like we should have had a night of camping with this SUV. It just had so much room!
This is insanely awesome SUV. The review of this article is very clear and stunning. Loved the exterior and definitely the interior it’s so gorgeous.
Thank you so much for the positive feedback! I’m so glad you liked it! ????
Memphis – so much fun!
That SUV! I’m considering something like this when it’s time to replace my economy car. I feel like I’ve earned some luxury!
Looks like a nice vehicle. A road trip to Memphis looks like fun.
Yes and yes!
Memphis is on my list of places to go! Love the interior of the car!
It’s stunning, isn’t it!
I am sure if I had a ride like that I would travel the world, and I love how you have shown the hidden treasures of that city.
This car looks cool. Memphis is one of travel list to go:) wish I go there some day
I’m in the market for a luxury SUV! I love this one’s interior, and it’s super cute on the outside too. Also looks like it could easily handle my family of four and our adventures.
There is no doubt in my mind that it could!
This vehicle looks absolutely so comfortable to drive on a trip! Memphis looks like so much fun! I’d love to go there someday!
Yeah I don’t know how I’ll ever road trip again without it!
When taking a roadtrip, car choice is very important to me, as I get car sick. By the way isn’t Memphis such a cool city?
Chewing ginger gum is everything! And yes, AMAZING!
That is a really gorgeous looking car indeed. I love how stylish it is. I’d love to drive one. It also looks like you had a really lovely break!
All accurate! 🙂
oh my! right now I feel so jealous! That gateaway sounds exactly what my husband and I have been needing for a while. The SUV looks like the perfect vehicle! So many comfort details inside!
The 2018 Buick Enclave looks like an amazing luxury vehicle. I’ve always loved and trusted the Buick brand.
It looks like you all did a roadtrip in comfort! Man! That car looks perfect! I love that you can check the weather in it! While I’m from the US, I’ve never done a real, true visit to Memphis. I really need to get on that!
Sounds like a fantastic trip!! Parent getaways are SO important!! We snuck out of town for a few days while my three boys were at Grandma Camp in July. It was amazing!!
The car is beautiful outside and inside. I love the gold trim. What a nice road trip. I would love to visit Memphis. The music scene there must be amazing.
This looks like a perfect car for a roadtrip. I have never been to Memphis but will to try roadtrip into there.
Seems like you had a blast. I love that SUV too. It looks so nice and comfortable for long trips.
Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com/
I love that SUV the inside looks so classy I also love road trips went on one a few days ago.
Looks like you had a wonderful time there. The car is also looking lovely!
Thank you!
Wow, this is a gorgeous car. My bf and I are gonna learn how to drive soon, so we are definitely going to start looking at cars. Haha… Thanks for sharing this!