A look at some of the more popular travel destinations in Nashville.
With its pleasant climate and welcoming southern charm, Nashville Tennessee draws millions of vacationers every year. Take a step back in time with a visit to one of Nashville's famous plantations or discover the town's rich musical history and find out why Nashville is called "Music City".
The Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville's most widely recognized landmarks. The Opry, founded in the 1920s, was the stepping-stone for many of country music's top performers. Tourists visiting the Grand Ole Opry today, will discover the Opry's history through the modern museum highlighting some it's most influential stars and Opry regulars who helped make the Grand Ole Opry an icon in the American music industry.
One of Nashville's most famous residents was Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. The Hermitage, built by Jackson in the early 1800s offers visitors a glimpse of southern life on a grand scale.
The interior of the main house is furnished almost exactly as it was during Jackson's lifetime, many of the items belonged to Jackson himself. The surrounding property is just as intriguing as the main house and the tombs of Jackson and his wife Rachel can both be found in the Hermitage Gardens. Jackson was known to be a slave owner and many of the original slave cabins remain standing today. Ongoing excavations for the last several decades have provided and interesting look at a slave life on the plantation.
Another famous home in Nashville is the Belle Mead Plantation. This historic plantation was owned by the influential Harding family in the early 1800s and was one of the most prolific horse-breeding farms in the years following the civil war. The mansion is a remarkable example of Victorian architecture and Tennessee life during the civil war. With its sprawling landscape and meticulously restored outbuildings, it is no wonder this plantation is called the "Queen of Tennessee Plantations". Guides in period costumes offer guided tours of the mansion and ground throughout the year.
The Parthenon is one of the most recognized and widely photographed attractions in Nashville. In the center of Centennial Park is a 42-foot statue depicting Athena. Copied from the original in Athens Greece, the building is a testament to Greek architecture. Inside the Parthenon, visitors will find the Nashville Art Museum. The museum boasts a large array of mostly American paintings and art, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum brings to life the people that have shaped country music over the years. A staggering array of artifacts is on display, recalling some of the most influential people in the industry. Permanent exhibits highlight the history of country music from its modest roots to the worldwide popularity it has today. Whether you're a country music fan or not, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers an interesting look at how western music has developed over the last century.
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville is a fully interactive exploration into science on a grand scale. If you are planning a visit to Nashville with children, a visit to the science center is in order. The new Blue Max exhibit lets visitors pilot their own simulated planes, while the Adventure Tower offers hands-on scientific fun all way up to the towers 75-foot peak. A newer addition to the science center is the Sudekum Planetarium, offering live interactive tours for children and adults alike.
Nashville is steeped in local history and down-home charm. Whether it's a trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame or a tour of the city's modern science station, visitors will discover why Nashville is considered one of the nation's friendliest places to visit.
