
ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER
With the child-sized Curiosity Corner and ever-changing
blockbuster exhibits, the Adventure Science Center provides
uniqmsue opportunities for discovery for both children
and adults. Exhibits include: Space Chase, where kids
go through simulated astronaut training and explore other
planets in our solar system; BodyQuest, a 9,000 square
ft. interactive exploration of the human body's systems
and Adventure Tower, a 75-ft tall, 7-story interactive
tower for climbing, sliding and exploring. Admission
is $12 for adults and teens, and $9 for seniors, military
with active ID, college students with IDs, and children
ages three to twelve. The Adventure Science Center is
open Monday through Saturday 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. and
Sunday 12:30p.m. - 5:30p.m. adventuresci.com.
ALL ABOUT NASHVILLE DAY PASS TOUR
A full day of sightseeing begins with a one hour tour of
the city on a Nashville Trolley. See the State Capitol,
the Parthenon, Music Row, Bicentennial Mall and much
more. Nashville Unpublished is a walking tour of historic
downtown, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ryman
Auditorium. Hear stories never heard before on a Nashville
sightseeing tour. Also included is a ticket to the Country
Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Musicians Hall of
Fame. The day starts with a visit to the Gray Line Trolley
Booth at 2nd Ave and Broadway where you will receive
passes to all of the tours and attractions for the day.
For more information, call 1-800-251-1864 or see GraylineNashville.com.
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. 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 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.
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, $6.00 for
children ages 6 to 12 and free to children 5 and under.
Grounds tours are $5.00. Carnton.org.
CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN
AND MUSEUM OF ART
Beautiful botanic gardens located on a 55 acre estate with
a residence listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. The residence houses American and European art
and a newer building is dedicated to presenting contemporary
art. 1200 Forrest Park Drive. Open Tuesday - Saturday
9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. and Sunday 11:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. Admission
is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors (65 and over), $5
for college students with ID; $5 for children ages 6
to 17, and free to children ages 5 and under. There is
a 50% discount for military personnel with current ID.
See the website at cheekwood.org.
CIVIL WAR TOUR
The Battle of Franklin was the bloodiest encounter of the
Civil War; this tour begins at the Carter House, ground
zero for the historic Civil War battle. Spend free time
in the quaint town of Franklin, lunching and viewing
historic sites. Directly across from the Carter Farm
is the Lotz House, an historic home with a fantastic
collection of antique Victorian furniture where you will
hear stories of the Lotz family on that fateful day.
Journey to Carnton Plantation, which, by order of a Southern
general, became a Confederate field hospital and was
then offered as an eternal memorial to the Confederate
soldiers by the mistress of the house. Hotel pickup at
most Nashville hotels. Call Gray Line Tours at 1(800)
251-1864 or see their site at graylinenashville.com.
COOTER'S PLACE
Enjoy Cooter's fabulous display of props, costumes and
memorabilia from the Dukes of Hazzard TV show. There
are regular appearances by Ben "Cooter" Jones
and other cast members. See the General Lee "01" car
from the show, and purchase treats like Daisy's Homemade
Country Honey, Uncle Jesse's Finest Batch of Apple Cider,
along with Dukes Of Hazzard hats, T-shirts, DVDs, CDs,
pictures and diecast General Lee cars. Located at Exit
12 off Briley Pkwy, 2613 - B McGavock Pk., across from
Opryland Hotel. Open daily at 9:00a.m. Call (615) 872-8358
for more information or directions, or see them on the
web at cootersplace.com.
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 the Museum
Store and savor a made-from-scratch meal at Two Twenty
Two Grill and Catering. Museum open daily 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
222 Fifth Avenue South. 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 countrymusichalloffame.com.
DISCOVER NASHVILLE TOUR
Gray Line's most popular tour is an all inclusive tour
highlighting the best that Nashville has to offer. Enjoy
Nashville landmarks including historic Downtown Nashville,
Fort Nashborough, the State Capitol of Tennessee, the
Parthenon, Music Row and Studio B (home of over 100 Top
Ten hits by Elvis Presley), Bicentennial Mall and Vanderbilt
University. Also, enjoy a self-guided tour through the
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Next, see the "Mother
Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium.
End the tour with live country music and a soft drink
at Legends Corner downtown on famous Honky Tonk Row.
Hotel pickup at most Nashville hotels. For more information,
call 1-800-251-1864 or see GraylineNashville.com.
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.
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 fristcenter.org.
GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT
Climb aboard the General Jackson Showboat for a unique
entertainment experience. This 300 ft paddlewheel riverboat
cruises the Cumberland River offering fantastic shows
and delicious meals. Sumptuous Southern fare as well
as an entertaining show are included on the evening
cruise down the Cumberland. For tickets call 615-458-3900
or buy on line at generaljackson.com
GRAND OLE OPRY
The world’s longest-running live radio show features the new stars, superstars,
and legends of country music each week. Artists scheduled to appear this month include Ronnie Milsap, Thompson Square, Suzy Bogguss, Hunter Hayes, Lonestar, Josh Turner, Charlie Daniels Band, Marty Stuart, John Anderson, Larry Gatlin, Lee Brice, and more. Shows: Friday, 7:00 p.m. and Saturday
7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday shows March through December, 7:00 p.m. For
tickets, visit opry.com or call (615) 871-OPRY.For tickets and information,
call 871-OPRY, or log on to opry.com.
GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE BACKSTAGE PASS TOURS
Guided tours of the Grand Ole Opry House offer visitors
an up-close look at the celebrated 4,400-seat venue and
country's most famous show, including themed dressing
rooms, the artists’ entrance, the Opry stage, and
more, featuring Blake Shelton as your video tour guide.
Tours are offered daily. For more information, visit opry.com or call (615) 871-OPRY.
THE HERMITAGE
4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville 37076. A tour of this
1837 mansion by guides in period costume will enchant you.
The tombs of Andrew and Rachel are located in the beautiful
heirloom garden. Other historic buildings include slave
quarters 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. Shop the museum
store for unique gifts and dine in the delightful restaurant.
Operating hours: April 1 - October 15, 8:30a.m. - 5:00p.m.;
October 16 through March 31, 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m. 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. Active military
- free (ID required). (615) 889-2941, thehermitage.com.
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. Follow signs to site in Southside, TN. Phone is 931-648-9141. E-mail: jintown@aol.com. After May 19, open Thursday through Sunday, 1:00-5:00p.m. through October 13.
Website: 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 countrymusichalloffame.com.
HISTORIC
TENNESSEE TOUR FEATURING HISTORIC MANSIONS
Belle Meade was the centerpiece of a 5,200-acre plantation,
world renowned as a thoroughbred stud farm and nursery
in the 19th century. The present 30-acre site features
10 outbuildings, which include an 1832 slave cabin
and a colossal carriage house and stables. While there, be sure to visit
the Winery at Belle Meade, Tennessee’s newest and Nashville’s
only winery to date! Next, visit the stately manor of Andrew Jackson, The
Hermitage. This was the home of our seventh President, and a favorite son
of Tennessee. View the formal gardens; the slave quarters, the original
1804 cabin of the estate and the site where our President and his wife
were laid to rest. Hotel pickup at most Nashville hotels.
For more information, call 1-800-251-1864 or see GraylineNashville.com
HOMES OF THE STARS TOUR
This tour is a must for country music fans! It also includes
a brief tour of the historic downtown district. Visit
historic 2nd Ave., Fort Nashborough, the State Capitol
and the Ryman Auditorium. Then on to the land of the
stars: see the homes of Trace Adkins, Dolly Parton, Martina
McBride, Ronnie Milsap, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks, Trisha
Yearwood, Little Jimmy Dickens and late legendary performers
such as Webb Pierce, Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette and
many other famous Nashvillians. Hotel pickup at most
Nashville hotels. For more information, call 1-800-251-1864
or see GraylineNashville.com.
HOP ON HOP OFF TROLLEY
This 1.5 hour, fully narrated hop-on, hop-off trolley tour
picks up at each point every hour, seven days a week
from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m. Buy tickets at Gray Line’s
downtown ticket office at 2nd and Broadway, where the
tour originates; $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.
The tour will tell you all about the history and present
day happenings of Music City and is a unique and enjoyable
way to see Nashville. You will get the chance to drive
by and even hop off and explore the following points
of interest: 2nd and Broadway (purchase trolley tickets
at this stop); the Ryman Auditorium; the State Capitol,
TPAC and the State Museum; Bicentennial Park; the Parthenon;
West End; Hillsboro Village; Music Row; The Gulch; The
Frist Museum and The Country Music Hall of Fame. Discounted
tickets for the Ryman, Parthenon, The Frist and Country
Music Hall of Fame are also available through Gray Line.
For more information, call 1-800-251-1864 or see GraylineNashville.com.
LANE MOTOR MUSEUM
702 Murfreesboro Pike. 742-7445. Discover unique vehicles
from A to Z at Lane Motor Museum. One of the few museums
in North America to specialize in European cars, with
over 150 cars and motorcycles on display from all over
the world! Over 45 marques representing North and South
America, Asia, and Europe – definitely not your
typical car museum! Open Thursday through Monday, 10:00a.m.
- 5:00p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors
(65+), $2 for youth (ages 6-17) and free for kids ages
5 and under. Call for more information or visit the website lanermuseum.org.
LEGEND'S CORNER
MSN.com 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 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. lostrivercave.com.
MUSIC CITY BIPLANE TOURS
See Nashville, like you have never seen it before. Enjoy the thrill of a lifetime sitting side-by-side in an open-cockpit biplane as it flies over Nashville. Powered by a 300hp Jacobs radial engine, the modern biplane is built to the same design as the Wacos of the 1930s. Re-live the romance of the golden era of aviation as you soar 1,000 feet above the Nashville skyline to spectacular sights. Flying from John Tune Airport, 10 miles west of downtown Nashville. 30-minute flights for two are $299; 60-minute flights are $449. To reserve a flight call (615) 463-7500 or see musiccitybiplanetours.com.
NASH
TRASH TOURS
For an irreverent look at the "low lights" of
Nashville, there is only one tour company to call: NashTrash.
The Jugg sisters' big pink bus takes visitors past country
music landmarks of the city, such as the Ryman, Country
Music Hall of Fame, the Wildhorse Saloon and Printer's
Alley while they give an hysterical account of country
music legends and their not-so-proud moments. This 90-minute
tour is performance as much as information, is best for
adults, and BYOB coolers of wine or beer are permitted.
Public tours usually run just once a day Tuesday through
Friday and twice a day on Saturday. Tours do not run on
Sundays, Mondays or major holidays. Call 615-226-7300 or
800-342-2132 for reservations, and call well ahead of time
as the tour fills well in advance. For more information,
see the website at nashtrash.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, "The Fiddle Man" Tim Watson,
Diana Murrell and others. 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 $39.95, show only is $26. Don't miss
this Nashville tradition. Located at 2416 Music Valley Dr., in Music Valley Village, across the street from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Grand Ole Opry. Call (615) 885-4747 for reservations
or visit the website at 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. 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 the 19th century
Grassmere Historic Home and Farm. If you still have energy,
run wild on the humongous Jungle Gym playground, which
offers 66,000 square feet of fun. If you’re tired,
take a break and enjoy one of the educational animal
shows. Visit the Zoo’s website at nashvillezoo.org for
more information.
NATIONAL
CORVETTE MUSEUM, BOWLING GREEN, KY
National Corvette Museum, 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling
Green, KY. Make a stop on Old Route 66 to see the
cars that helped shape our nation’s history. This 115,000
sq. ft. showcase of America’s sports car features
more than 80 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 the tires of your racing ‘Vette.
Chevy Theater, rare collectibles and memorabilia, Corvette
Store, Corvette Café. Open 7 days a week, 8am-5pm.
I-65, exit 28. 800-53VETTE (83883). corvettemuseum.org.
OPRY HOUSE TOURS
Guided tours of the Grand Ole Opry House offer visitors
an up-close look at the celebrated 4,400-seat venue and
country's most famous show, including themed dressing
rooms, the artists’ entrance, the Opry stage, and
more. Tours are offered daily. For more information,
visit opry.com or call (615) 871-OPRY.
THE PARTHENON
Located in Centennial Park off of West End, this building
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.
RADNOR LAKE STATE PARK
1160 Otter Creek Road. This park is a great place for an
energetic hike up steep ridge trails, or a leisurely
walk along paved roads. It has some of the highest hills
in the Nashville Basin and wildlife and plants are abundant.
It is not unusual at all to come across deer, heron and
turtles during a walk around Radnor Lake. Take I 65 to
Harding Place, Exit 78. Travel west on Harding Place
(or Battery Lane) to Granny White Pike. Turn left and
travel south to Otter Creek Road and turn left (across
from Granny White Market).
RYMAN AUDITORIUM
2003 and 2010 Pollstar Concert Industry Awards "Theater Of
The Year" and 2009 Academy of Country Music's "Venue
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. Take
the Self-Guided Tour where you'll discover the divine inspiration
behind the building's construction as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in the 1880s
in the welcome video. Self-guided tours are $13 for adults; $6.50 for children
ages 4-11. Backstage tours are $17 and $10. To buy tour tickets, go to ryman.com or
call (615) 889-3060. In the evening, 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 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 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 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.
TASTE OF FRANKLIN TOUR
Enjoy a day of unique shopping, great food and award winning
wines on this wonderful tour of historic Franklin, est.
1799. This lovely town, is considered one of the top
ten small towns in the US. You will spend two hours roaming
the tree-lined streets of downtown, soaking in the history.
Next is an an hour at Henpeck Market. Written up several
times by Southern Living Magazine, this unique boutique,
gas station, foodie heaven, country market is a one of
a kind! The day ends with a visit to Arrington Vineyards,
home to Tennessee’s award winning wines and co-owned
by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunne. Tour the winery and
do a tasting in one of the loveliest settings in Tennessee.
Call Gray Line Tours at 1(800)-251-1864 or go to GraylineNashville.com.
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.
TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL
Charlotte Ave, between 6th and 7th Ave. 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, Greek Revival appearance. Free
guided tours are provided by Tennessee State Museum.
Tours leave from the Information Desk on the first
floor of the Capitol every hour, on the hour; with
the first tour at 9:00a.m., and the final tour at 3:00p.m.
Self-guided tours are also available at the Information
Desk.
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. 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: 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; 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: upperroom.org.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER
There are two Visitor Information Centers in Nashville.
One is at 5th and Broadway downtown in the glass tower
of the Bridgestone Arena, (615) 259-4747. Open 8a.m.
- 5:30p.m Monday-Saturday; 10a.m. - 5:00p.m. on Sundays
providing museum displays, maps, information and discounted
tickets to all attractions and Nashville souvenirs.
The second Visitor Information Center is at 1 Nashville
Place, 150 4th Ave. N. in the lobby of the Nashville
Convention and Visitors Bureau, phone (615) 259-4700.
Open 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Monday-Friday, this visitor
center offers upscale souvenirs that are exclusively
music-related, along with maps, attractions information
and discounted tickets.
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 wildhorsesaloon.com.