ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER
From the planetarium to the child-sized Curiosity Corner to ever-changing blockbuster exhibits, the Adventure Science Center provides unique opportunities for discovery for both children and adults. Live science demonstrations and animal shows daily. Current shows include the following: BodyQuest takes them through a day in the life of their bodies, where they see and interact with oversized organs and systems, perform some of a doctor's duties, and can see what they would look like when they are seventy years old. PlayMotion takes the children's movements and projects them into three interactive backgrounds: The Solar System; Spectral Bodies and Virtual Water. You have to see it to believe it. The Adventure Tower provides activites for the kids in each of the museum's five disciplines: earth science; creativity and invention; sound and light; air and space; health and energy. BlueMax is a thrilling jet simulator presented by MTSU's Aerospace department. (additional fee applies). Admission is $7.95 for adults and $5.95 for seniors and children ages three to twelve. The Adventure Science Center is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. and Sunday 12:30p.m. - 5:30p.m. The new Sudekum Planetarium opened June 28 2008. This is the first planetarium in the country to have a GOTO Chiron Hybrid projection system. The Chiron projects 6.5 million beautiful pinpoint stars on the dome for a spectacular and realistic recreation of the night sky. Every second Saturday of the month, the Planetarium is open after hours for shows in the the theatre. In August, the show is on August 9, and the schedule is The Powerhouse of the Universe: Stars at 6:30p.m. and Skies Over Nashville at 7:30p.m. Tickets are available for the planetarium only.See more about the museum and watch streaming video on their website, www.adventuresci.com.

BEECH BEND PARK AND SPLASH LAGOON, BOWLING GREEN, KY
This great amusement park offers more than 40 rides including the Kentucky Rumbler named among Top 5 New Rides for 2006, miniature golf course, giant swimming pool, water slides, interactive children’s play pool, games and go-carts, music shows, stock car track and drag strip voted 2006 Track Of The Year, NHRA division III. Only an hour north of Nashville and worth every minute. Open 7 days a week. Be sure to check their website, www.beechbend.com for full range of rides, activities and excitement.798 Beech Bend Road. 270-781-7634.

BELLE MEADE PLANTATION
Listed as one of America’s grandest mansions by Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel magazine, this 1853 Greek Revival mansion only minutes from downtown is the place where the bloodlines of Seabiscuit, Secretariat, War Admiral and Funny Cide started. Living History programs are featured daily. Most of the demonstrations will center around Frontier Life – 1790-1820. Demonstrations will vary and will include gardening, blacksmithing and cooking. Period costumed interpreters guide you through this beautifully preserved and stately mansion. Explore eight other outbuildings and experience “Living History” every Friday and Saturday through October. Restaurant and Museum store on property. Located at 5025 Harding Road, an easy seven miles from downtown. Call 615-356-0501 or log on to www.bellemeadeplantation.com.

BELMONT MANSION
Belmont College Campus. This 1850's Italianate villa has long been recognized as one of the most elaborate and unusual homes in the South. Hours: 10:00a.m. -4:00p.m., Tuesday through Saturday: open Monday, June-Aug. 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. (615) 460-5459.

BICENTENNIAL MALL STATE PARK
741-5280 or 888-TNPARKS (888-867-2757, toll free). James Robertson Parkway. A 19-acre outdoor Tennessee history museum north of the State Capitol. Cost: free; except special events. Hours: daylight - midnight.

CEDARS OF LEBANON RIDING STABLES
Horseback riding through the beautiful Cedars of Lebanon State Park will be a welcome addition to your travel plans. The guides show you the well-cared-for horses and personally introduce you to the horse you will be riding. They do all the work while you enjoy a peaceful trail ride through the gorgeous middle Tennessee woods. Family fun in the great outdoors where children as young as three can trail ride. Located 30 minutes from Nashville off I-40 (Exit 238, Hwy. 231) in the Cedars of Lebanon State Park. Reservations suggested. Open 7 days a week. Call (615)444-5465 for additional information or see the website at www.horserentals.com/cedarsoflebanon.html.

CARNTON PLANTATION
1345 Carnton Lane, Franklin, TN. Once a self-sustaining plantation owned by wealthy planter Randall McGavock, Carnton Plantation became a site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, in which 9,500 men were killed in just five hours. Carnton served as a field hospital for the Confederate Army, which lost 7,000 of those 9,500. The floors of the grand hall are still stained with blood to this day. Outside, the home's historic gardens are beautifully maintained and are used as the site for many special occasions such as weddings and family reunions. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. and Sunday 1:00-5:00p.m. The first tour of the day Monday through Saturday starts at 9:30a.m. and on Sunday at 1:30 p.m., and the last tour begins at 4:00 p.m. The guided house tour lasts about one hour. Admission is $12.00 for adults, $10 for seniors over 65, $5.00 for children ages 6 to 12 and free to children 5 and under. Grounds tours are $5.00.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM
You haven’t seen Nashville if you haven’t visited the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. Visit the largest popular music museum in the world, and experience the history of America’s music through exciting new exhibits, entertaining films, interactive displays, and an incredible array of costumes and instruments. Plus, take a tour of historic RCA Studio B – where Elvis and others recorded over 35,000 songs. Shop at our Museum Store and savor a made-from-scratch meal at SoBro Grill. Museum open daily 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. 222 Fifth Avenue South. Call 416-2001 for more information or log onto our Web site at www.countrymusichalloffame.com

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COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM STORE
You’ll find one of the largest inventories of vintage and current country music titles anywhere. You can also choose from an extensive selection of books related to country music, and find cool clothes, souvenirs and unique items. Hours: Daily 9:30 am-5:30 pm. Closed Tuesdays January-February, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. No admission required. Visit us online at www.countrymusichalloffame.com. 222 Fifth Avenue South (615) 416-2001; (800) 852-6437.

THE FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
The downtown attraction features many traveling exhibitions, and focuses on art education for the community, for children and adults alike. Located at 919 Broadway. Open Monday - Saturday 10:00a.m. - 5:30p.m. (Thursday until 8:00p.m.); and Sunday 1:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. See the page for current exhibition listings. For more information, call 244-3340 or log on to www.fristcenter.org.

FORT NASHBOROUGH
255-8192. This reconstruction of the original settlement of Nashville is authentic in many details, reflecting the lifestyle of frontier pioneers in the late 1700s. Located in Riverfront Park, the self-guided tour facility is convenient to shopping, restaurants, hotels and museums in downtown Nashville.

GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT
Our 300 foot paddlewheel riverboat is one of the largest showboats in the country. It boasts four massive decks with a beautiful two-story Victorian Theater located in the center of the boat where live music shows are performed. Both midday and evening cruises offer a variety of entertainment options throughout the year. You'll always find something new just around the bend. Holiday cruises begin mid November each year and Special Cruises includes a festive New Years Eve celebration. The General Jackson is an experience you'll only find in Music City! For tickets call 615-458-3900 or buy on line at www.generaljackson.com

GRAND OLE OPRY
The world's longest-running live radio show, the Grand Ole Opry features the best in country, bluegrass, comedy and more. Some Opry members include Alan Jackson, Diamond Rio, Little Jimmy Dickens, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Porter Wagoner, Alison Krauss, and many more. Shows: Friday, 8:00p.m. and Saturday, 6:30 and 9:30p.m. Tuesday shows March through December, 7:00p.m. For tickets and information, call 871-OPRY, or log on to www.opry.com.

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THE HERMITAGE
4580 Rachel's Lane, Nashville 37076. 615-889-2941; Fax 615-889-9909. Website address: www.thehermitage.com. A tour of this illustrious 1837 mansion by guides in period costume will enchant you. Experience how Jackson and his beloved wife, Rachel, raised their family and prospered from a two-story farm house to an elaborate Presidential plantation. Visitors can pay their respects at the tombs of Andrew and Rachel, located in the beautiful heirloom garden, as well as visit other historic buildings including the slave quarters of Alfred and the church that Andrew built for his family. Special garden and farm tours are given seasonally as well as tours through active archaeology sites. Enjoy delicious meals in the cafe. Unique tours include: Halloween- Myths and Mysteries Tour and holiday tours. Special exhibits featured in the museum. Shop the museum store for unique gifts. Admission is $17 for adults; $14 for seniors; $11 for students 13-18; $7 for children 6-12 and children under 6 free. A family pass for 2 adults and 2 children is $45. Slavery by Wagon Tour $10. (with paid admission) Active military - free (ID required). 615-889-2941.

HISTORIC CARNTON PLANTATION
During the 1864 Battle of Franklin, this 1826 home was used as a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers. A visit includes the house, grounds, gardens and Confederate cemetery. 615-794-0903. www.Carnton.org. Open Mon.-Sat. 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.; Sun. 1:00-5:00p.m. Admission: $10.00 adults, $9.00 seniors over 65, $3.00 children 6-12, free under 6.

HISTORIC COLLINSVILLE
Step back in time to an era when the work was hard but satisfying and the fun was found in simple things. From the 1830s visitor center to the 1870s Double-Pen Dogtrot House and in between, see what life was like when time seemed to move at a slower pace. Sixteen separate, original, perfectly restored buildings in a living history, nineteenth century 40-acre settlement. Self-guided tours, group and school tours available. Special programs and activities throughout the year. Located 12 miles south of Clarksville off Hwy 48/13. Follow signs to site in Southside, TN. Phone is 931-648-9141. E-mail: jintown@aol.com. Open Thursday through Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm May 15 through October 16. Website: www.historiccollinsville.com.

HISTORIC MANSKER’S STATION FRONTIER LIFE CENTER
Located in Moss-Wright Park on Caldwell Rd. in Goodlettsville, TN. A staffed, living history site maintained by the City of Goodlettsville, the site represents the station built by Kasper Mansker in the late 18th century. Six times a year, artisans, craftsmen and volunteers populate the station for a weekend, giving a true representation of pioneerlife. Also located in Manskers Station is the Bowen House, a plantation house of the era. A tour of the house and the Station begins inside the house with a short film which gives the history of both of the sites. Tours of the house and station are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. Group rates are also available. Call (615) 859-FORT (3678) for more information.

HISTORIC RCA STUDIO B
Known as one of the world's most important recording studios where more than 35,000 songs were brought to life, like Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and many hits by Elvis. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum or any Grey Line location today to learn how you can experience historic RCA Studio B. Call 615-416-2001 or visit the website at www.countrymusichalloffame.com.

LANE MOTOR MUSEUM
Not your typical car museum!  Lane Motor Museum features 150 unique cars and motorcycles and is home of the largest European collection in the U.S.   Over 45 marques representing North and South America, Asia, and Europe.  Open Thursday - Monday, 10:00a.m. -5:00p.m. (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (65+), $2 for youth (6-17), and free for age 5 and under. Only 3 miles from downtown Nashville at 702 Murfreesboro Pike. 615-742-7445.  www.lanemotormuseum.org.

LEGEND'S CORNER
MSN.com recently named Legends Corner one of Americas Top Ten Best Music Venues calling it a “classic Music City hotspot, it’s fun to patronize a bar so lovingly committed to the music scene”. When you walk in the door of Legends Corner you’ll see a huge collection of albums on the wall and unusual musical instruments from all over the world. But it’s the music that makes this Music City Honky Tonk special.  Even Rachel Ray, star of the Food Channel’s “$40 Dollars a Day” enjoyed the entertainment and a Legends Honky Tonk Lemonade while filming an episode here. Visit the website at www.LegendsCorner.com

LOST RIVER CAVE AND VALLEY, BOWLING GREEN KY
Kentucky’s only underground boat tour. Float through the cave in the middle of the city on the shortest, deepest river in the world. With human history dating back 10,000 years, the cave has served as shelter to Union and Confederate soldiers, Native Americans, Jesse James, as a mill, distillery and 30’s nightclub, gem mining and more. Nature trails and beautiful, peaceful habitat complete the experience. Open 7 days a week. 5 minutes west of I-65 on US 31W. 866-274-2283. www.lostrivercave.com.

MUSICIANS' HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
301 6th Ave. S. Come see what you've heard. See the very instruments played by the worlds’ greatest musicians on all your favorite original hit records like those by Johnny Cash, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and many more. School of Music accepts students for guitar, drums, wind instruments and voice. Hours are Mon.-Thur. 10:00am-6:00p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10:00a.m.-5:00p.m. and Sun. 1:00-5:00p.m. $14.95 adults, $9.95 7-12 and kids 6 and under free. 615-244-3263. www.musicianshalloffame.com.

NASHVILLE NIGHTLIFE DINNER THEATER
Nashville's premier Country Music Dinner Theater features The Best of Country Music Show. Voted Nashville's #1 Dinner Show, the show features songs made famous by legendary artists and today's superstars. Many guest stars appear, such as Opry Star Jeannie Seely and Hee Haw's Steve Hall & Shotgun Red. There is entertainment for the entire family. The Great Southern Buffet is at 5:30p.m. and show time is 6:30p.m. Admission for the dinner and show is $37.95; show only is $24.00. Don't miss this Nashville tradition. Located at 2620 Music Valley Dr., approx. 1 1/4 miles from the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Grand Ole Opry. Tour groups are welcome. Call (615) 885-4747 for reservations or visit the website at www.nashvillenightlife.com. Located at 2620 Music Valley Dr., a quarter of a mile beyond Santa Fe Cantina.

NASHVILLE PALACE
This world famous venue has been the launching pad for some of country music’s biggest stars including Randy Travis and Ricky Van Shelton and rising stars are presented live on their giant stages weekly. Open daily 10:30am-2:30am with live music from open to close. Legendary lunches 11am-1pm and dinner too. Free parking with Tootsie’s Tours providing shuttle service to downtown on weekends. Across from Opryland Hotel in Music Valley at 2611 McGavock Pike. 615-884-3004. www.nashvillepalace.net

NASHVILLE ZOO AT GRASSMERE
3777 Nolensville Road, phone (615) 833-1534. Where can an animal lover, a history buff, and a dare-devil all have the time of their lives? At Nashville Zoo! Come experience our new Lorikeet Landing and feed Australian parrots. You can walk into their habitat and lorikeets will actually land on your arms and shoulders and feed from your fingertips. Take a spin on our Patton Family Wild Animal Carousel and ride several hand-carved animals like a giant anteater, red river hog, komodo dragon, or a clouded leopard cub. Spend a day at the park enjoying mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects and birds and learning about their habitats. Savor the sights by exploring Gibbon Islands, Bamboo Trail, Critter Encounters, three-acre beautiful African Elephant Savannah, and many other exhibits. Step back in time and take a tour of our 19th century Grassmere Historic Home and Farm. If you still have energy, run wild on our humongous Jungle Gym playground, which offers 66,000 square feet of fun. If you’re tired, take a break and enjoy one of our educational animal shows. Nashville Zoo offers a little bit of everything for every member of the family. With countless things to do, Nashville Zoo is one adventure you don’t want to miss. Visit the Zoo’s website at www.nashvillezoo.org for more information.

NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSUEM, BOWLING GREEN, KY
Make a stop on Old route 66 to see the cars that helped shape our nation’s history. This 68,000 sq. ft. showcase of America’s sports car features more than 60 Corvettes in mint condition including one-of-a-kind prototypes. Sit behind the wheel of a brand new model and register to drive one home or try your hand at the new interactive Pit Crew Challenge where you can fuel up and change tires of your racing ‘Vette. Chevy Theater, rare collectibles and memorabilia, Corvette Store. Open 7 days a week, 8am-5pm. I-65, exit 28. 800-53VETTE. www.corvettemuseum.com.

OPRY HOUSE TOURS
Learn the fascinating story of the Grand Ole Opry with a tour of the Grand Ole Opry House. Your knowledgeable guide will provide a rare glimpse of what happens behind the scenes of the world’s most famous country music show. (Note: Backstage tours are available only when the Opry House is not in use during Opry performances and other special events.) Visit the Opry Box Office to check availability and purchase tickets. For more information call (615) 871-OPRY.

THE PARTHENON
Located in Centennial Park off of West End, this building gave Nashville its nickname, “The Athens of the South” and is recognized as one of the world's most impressive scale reproductions of an ancient classic. It houses Alan LeQuire's magnificent 42 ft.statue of Athena, the largest indoor sculpture in North America. There are also art exhibits showcased there.

RYMAN AUDITORIUM
2003 Pollstar Concert Industry Awards "Theater Of The Year". Located in downtown Nashville, 116 Fifth Avenue North. A National Historic Landmark, the Ryman continues its more-than-100-year music tradition by offering the best in enter tainment. Built as a church in 1892, the Ryman famously served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974, and was completely renovated in 1994. By day, you can take a museum tour that showcases the legendary stars who have graced its stage. Then in the evening, you can return to the premier performance hall for one of many shows and concerts scheduled year-round. Travelocity has named the Ryman one of the "10 coolest venues in the world," and CitySearch.com has voted it one of the five "Best Places to Hear Live Music" in America for the third year in a row. For museum tickets, visit the Ryman Box Office, call (615)889-3060, or log onto www.ryman.com for an event schedule.

SECOND FIDDLE
Tradition lives at Second Fiddle. One step inside this Lower Broadway Honky Tonk and you know you're in Nashville.  This is what you've imagined Nashville to be, great country music and friendly people.  Antique radios and memorabilia from the old Country Music Hall of Fame line the walls of this real deal country music honky tonk. CMT filmed their show "40 Greatest Drinking Songs" staring Wynonna Judd here at The Second Fiddle.  And Second Fiddle was the location used by Tim McGraw’s Monday Night Football Halftime Show for the NFL 2006 season. Visit the website at www.thesecondfiddle.com.

THE STAGE ON BROADWAY
The Stage On Broadway is Lower Broadway’s hottest, edgiest place to party hard with all your rowdy friends.  See and be seen at The Stage where there’s live country music daily and never a cover charge. Check out the huge mural of great country music legends. And be sure to look at the original oil painting of The Highwaymen that hangs over the front door.  Hank Williams, Jr., Pam Tillis, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry and many more of Country Music’s greatest have used The Stage for filming videos and TV specials. You never know who'll show up tonight at The Stage On Broadway. Visit the web site at www.TheStageOnBroadway.com.

STINGRAY REEF - OPRY MILLS
A gigantic interactive touch tank located directly opposite Aquarium Restaurant in Opry Mills. Visitors can touch and feed live stingrays that are up to four feet in width. This 5000 square foot facility also houses a children’s carousel ride, piranhas, lionfish, snakes and tarantulas from all over the world along with many fun and exciting midway style games. The cost is $4.95 for all-day admission including a ride on the carousel and allows the flexibility to leave and return the same day. Food for the stingrays costs $2.00. Stingray Reef is a good place to pass the time when there is a wait at the Aquarium Restaurant. For information call 615-514-3474.

TENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Located at 505 Deaderick St. downtown, TPAC is home to the Nashville Symphony, the Nashville Opera, the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Circle Players, the Nashville Ballet and the Tennessee State Museum. There are three stages in the building for the performing arts. For tickets or schedule, call Ticketmaster at 255-ARTS (2787); for administration call 782-4000. Website is www.tpac.org.

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TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL
741-2692 or 741-1621. The historic Tennessee State Capitol stands today much as it did when completed in 1859. Several areas, including the first floor hallway, library and Supreme Court chamber, have been restored to their 19th century appearance.

TENNESSEE STATE MUSEUM
Out-of-towners are especially invited to visit the museum to learn more about the rich and fascinating history of Tennessee. Currently, Civil War and Antebellum exhibits are open to the public. The museum’s Civil War holdings of uniforms, battle flags and weapons are among the finest in the nation. Of special interest are Sam Davis’ boot (cut open to search for hidden papers when he was charged with spying for the Confederate Army); a cap worn by Gen. Patrick Cleburne, who was killed at the Battle of Franklin; a teapot believed to have been confiscated by Union troops after the fall of Fort Donelson and later used by Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and an 1864 presidential campaign poster for Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. In addition to the exhibits, the museum has planned several public events for the summer. A birthday party, complete with cake and ice cream, has been planned for the 207th anniversary of Tennessee’s admission to the union on June 1. The museum will also present free summer “Living History” programs on June 13, July 11 and August 2. The museum is open Tuesday - Saturday, 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. Admission is free. It is located at Fifth and Deaderick in downtown Nashville. Parking is at paid lots on weekdays. Visitors may park free-of-charge on weekends at the State Employee parking lots located to the west of the State Capitol, off of Charlotte Ave. For more information, call (615) 741-2692, toll free at 1-800-407-4324 or at the website: www.tnmuseum.org.

TOOTSIE'S ORCHID LOUNGE
No visit to Music City is complete without a stop at the worlds most famous honkytonk. Legendary stars like Roger Miller, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Waylon Jennings , Faron Young, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Cochran and Mel Tillis sang and wrote songs there and the tradition continues to this day. Continuous live music with the big stars performing at Midnight Madness every Tuesday night starting at 10pm. Hosted by John Stone. Downtown at 422 Broadway. 615-726-0463; www.tootsies.net.

THE UPPER ROOM
An active chapel and museum, The Upper Room features a nearly-lifesize wood carving of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. During the Christmas season there is an exhibit of approximately 100 nativity scenes; during Lent and Easter there is a Ukrainian painted egg display. There are permanent exhibits on display year-round, as well as a peaceful garden. 1908 Grand Ave., 340-7207. Visit the website: www.upperroom.org.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
259-4747. Located in the glass towner of the Gaylord Entertainment Center at the corner of Fifth and Broadway. The center is open seven days a week from 8:30a.m. to 5:30p.m. and features museum displays, maps, information on the city's attractions, discounted tickets and a large selection of Nashville souvenirs.

WARNER PARKS
Located off Highway 100, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks offer some of the city's best do-it-yourself recreational opportunities, with bike and hiking trails, as well as plenty of open space. The prestigious Iroquois Steeplechase is run at Edwin Warner park the Saturday before Mother's Day every May.

WILDHORSE SALOON
Located on 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville, the Wildhorse offers three floors of action packed fun, five bars and live entertainment seven nights a week! The Wildhorse Saloon is the place to hear the hottest bands, learn the latest dance steps with complimentary dance lessons nightly. Make sure to try award winning barbecue and world famous fried pickles. For current concert information call 615-902-8200. Tickets are $10. Available at www.wildhorsesaloon.com.

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