Country music fans from around the world know Nashville as Music City, USA. If you only leave the house with your cowboy hat firmly in place, youll be in heaven as you experience all thats country in Nashville. This beautiful capital of Tennessee isnt just for the cowboy boot wearing crowd though. There is a lot to see and do here. The city parks, fantastic restaurants, great shows and historic sites are all worth experiencing.
The Centennial Park in Nashville is perfect for a day of fun. The trees, wildlife and Lake Watauga all create a great backdrop for a leisurely stroll or picnic. There are many interesting sites, including the Parthenon. This full-scale replica of the original in Greece is a stunning building that is used today as a fantastic art gallery. There are many great 19th and 20th century paintings but one item worth special mention is the large indoor sculpture created by Nashvilles own Alan LeQuire.
Nashvilles State Capitol is a beautiful, historic site that is one of the oldest working state capitols in the nation. If you enjoy historic buildings, make your way to the Hermitage. This plantation was once home to Andrew Jackson, the nations seventh president. There are over 650 acres of history sprawled out before you. The Belle Meade is also worth a visit. Its a collection of buildings including a log cabin that dates back to 1790 and an 1890 Carriage House and Stable.
Nashvilles Adventure Science Center is a fantastic childrens museum filled with great exhibits, the Sudekum Planetarium as well as a few cool educational rides. But if the weather is nice youll want to make your way to the Shores Outdoor Water Park. Youll have seven of the largest slides in Tennessee to help get you cooled off. Go between splashing around in a swimming pool and playing at the beach. Need to dry up a bit? Play a few rounds of miniature golf or play a game of volleyball. There are over 385 acres of fun for you to explore.
But as the saying goes, when in Rome To experience Nashville at its fullest you should really embrace its country roots. Not going to the Grand Ole Opry is like not going to the beach in Hawaii. This landmark is an absolute must, even if youre not a huge country fan. Over the past 80 years, the Opry has become the worlds longest running live radio program broadcasting over 4,000 shows. Its stage has been graced with legends like Minnie Pearl, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash to the greats of today, including Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Alison Kraus and Alan Jackson, just to name a few. See whos performing while youre in town and experience the Opry for yourself. Nearby is the Country Music hall of Fame and Museum. In fact, youll find quite a bit of history along Nashvilles music row. There are lots of recording studios, songwriting houses and even the oldest recording studio in Nashville where Elvis used to record. The Country Music Hall of Fame isnt the only legends building in Nashville though. Make your way to the Car Collectors Hall Of Fame where youll find over 40 classic and famous cars, including the Batmobile. Other must-sees in Nashville include the Ryman Auditorium, one of the most famous places in all of Tennessee. The original stomping ground for the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman is used today as a venue for concerts and shows. Although the Opry has moved to a different location, many still enjoy experiencing the history at the Ryman.
Nashville is filled with exciting history, whether its the battles of the civil war or the legends that have graced the stage at the Opry. Whether you choose to explore the museums, shoot down the slides or walk by the famous recording studios, youll love what Nashville has to offer. Who knows, maybe youll come to love its country roots and saunter out of here with your very own cowboy hat.
