Nashville, Tennessee
Country music's home is based in the heart of Nashville. But even if you are not a country lover, there's still plenty to do. Museums, sporting events, history, it's all here. So come and pack up your things and take a ride to Music City USA.
First stop, Ryman Auditorium. The history of Nashville starts at the Ryman which began as a church and then later became the music hall for entertainers such as Roy Acuff, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams. Now, the Grand Ole Opry at Opryland has taken over where Ryman left off. The Opry is home to the "world's longest-running live radio program", which got its roots at Ryman. And just around the corner is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Nashville's "Music Row" is home to dozens of recording studios, music company offices and songwriting houses.
Other Nashville attractions include a replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon, inside which are paintings of from the 19th and 20th century and numerous mansions on display. Visitors enjoy Andrew Jackson's "The Hermitage", Belle Meade and Belmont Mansion, to name just a few.
Vanderbilt University's campus is located in the heart of Nashville, and numerous other schools and colleges can be found in the greater Nashville-Davidson County metro area.
If you need a little fresh air, Cheekwood is just outside Nashville. Its 55 acres of land and numerous gardens are a garden lover's dream come true.
Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League; the Titans' renovated Adelphia Field claims to be the "loudest open stadium in the NFL" during the football season.
Whether touring the country music sites or enjoying the laid-back charm of the delightful state capital, visitors to Nashville are in for a "down-home good ole time".
Belle Meade
5025 Harding Road
Nashville, TN 37205-2801
615-356-0501
A wonderful example of the first 100 years of the south, Belle Meade is a showcase of history and architecture. The collection of buildings, ranging from a 1790 Log Cabin to an 1890 Carriage House and Stable, is available for year round tours.
Bellmont Mansion
1900 Belmont Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37212
615-460-5453
The history of Adelicia Hayes lives on in this Italian villa mansion. From 1839 until her death in 1887, she kept this mansion open to the public. Attractions included a zoo, an aquarium, a bowling alley and an art gallery. After her death, the mansion was operated as a junior college for women and is currently part of Belmont University.
Car Collectors Hall Of Fame
1534 Demonbreun Street
Nashville TN 37203
Here's where to see over 40 classic and famous cars. Surprise the kids and let them discover that the Batmobile is here.
Cars of the Stars
2611 Mcgavock Pike
Nashville TN 37214
615 - 885-7400
Another great place for car lovers with world famous cars of music, film and TV starts.
Cheekwood- Nashville's Home of Art and Garden
1200 Forrest Park Drive
Nashville TN 37205
615 - 356-8000
The Cheek family donated the 55 acres of Cheekwood to Nashville in 1957. By 1960, the center had opened its doors to the public. Today, visitors can stroll around the gardens, walk around the Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail, and enjoy the artwork on display in the mansion. More info . . .
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum
4 Music Square East
Nashville TN 37203
800-852-6437
This is Mecca for country music fans! Take a tour of the Hall of Fame and look for your favorite country musician. See the RCA Studio where Elvis use to make his recordings -- it's the oldest recording studio in Nashville. More info . . .
Cumberland Museum And Science Center
800 Ridley Blvd.
Nashville TN 37203
615 - 259-6099
Back in 1944, thanks to the foresight of Sgt. John Ripley Forbes, a Children's Museum was established in Nashville. Sgt. Forbes' was to have a place where a child's imagination could run free. Today, the Cumberland Museum and Science Center is THE fun destination for kids from across the mid-South! http://www.csmisfun.com/
Grand Ole Opry House
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville TN 37214
615 - 889-3060
This is a definite "must see" in Nashville! See the legendary home of country music's longest-running live radio show. The current list of cast members includes Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Dolly Parton, among hundreds more. Call before you visit to see who will be playing when you're in town.
The Hermitage
4580 Rachel's Lane
Hermitage, TN 37076
615-889-2941
The plantation home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President, now covers approximately 650 acres of land. See Jackson's original furniture, log cabins, garden, kitchen and much more. With so much to look at, your family will appreciate the history lessons that come with the sites. www.thehermitage.com
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Road
615-833-1534
The Nashville Zoo is an exceptional zoo that takes the time to educate its visitors about the animals and their environments. Of special interest is the "Unseen World" exhibit, which is home to over 250 insects, reptiles, mammals and birds. Find out how the name came about - it may surprise you! http://www.nashvillezoo.org/
Music Valley Wax Museum
2611 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
615-883-3612
Take a walk down Music Valley Drive, one of the newest attractions in Nashville. Stop by the Wax Museum to see the famous country stars come alive. Rumor has it that Elvis was spotted here.
The Parthenon - Place Of Interest
Centennial Park
25th at West End Ave
Nashville TN 37201
615-862-8431
In 1897, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Tennessee, Nashville built a replica of the original Parthenon in Greece. Today, the Parthenon is Nashville's premiere art museum and is home to 63 paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. www.parthenon.org
Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37219
615-889-3060
The Ryman is one of the most famous venues for musicians in Nashville. Built as a church in 1892, later the birthplace of the Grand Ole Opry, today the Ryman is home to concerts, musical productions and even tours. Visitors to shows today can feel the history come alive! http://www.ryman.com
