Nashville Tennessee

Vast, green farmlands and rolling hills greet the six million people that visit Nashville, Tennessee each year. The state capital since 1843, Nashville is glorifies the word “country,” with its many attractions and true country music. Visitors strap on their rattlesnake belts and gallon hats and immerse themselves in the lively city. However, beneath the wide belt buckles and tall hats lies a city dedicated to its history and education. Nashville is home to sixteen higher education schools. It is also the financial center of its region, and is known for its quickly increasing manufacturing base. History and culture mix with popular country culture in this city.

Arguably one of the most popular attractions in Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Die-hard country fans travel across the country to explore rare pieces of country music history. Learn about the history behind songs and artists as you browse over 3,000 items within the museum. View original song manuscripts of your favorite songs, or stage costumes worn by your favorite artists. Explore your heaven as you walk past Elvis’ solid gold Cadillac and other personal items of country music legends. The museum is open daily. Admission is $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for children ages 6 to 11 and free for children under six. Tickets include the Music Row walking tour and a visit to RCA Studio B.

If you’re still in the country music mood, visit Ryman Auditorium, a beautiful structure built in 1881. Musical legends such as Charlie Chaplin and Enrico Caruso made use of the famously stunning acoustics at the auditorium. Often called “the mother church of country music,” it is also home to the Grand Ole Opry radio show, and has been for 31 years. Tickets are $6 for adults and $2.50 for daytime tours. Evening performances vary.

Often called the “Athens of the South,” Nashville is home to the only full size replica of the historical Parthenon. If you’re looking to take in the beauty of the city, visit this popular tourist destination. Surrounding the building are forty-six Doric columns. Inviting you into the massive structure are bronze doors, standing at the east and west entrances. The largest bronze doors in the world, they weigh 7.5 tons each. Four art galleries as well as sculptures inhabit the building. Tickets are $3.50 for adults, $2 for seniors and children ages 4-17, and free for children under 4 years of age. Visit the structure and allow yourself to be awed by its massive beauty.

Sightseeing makes everyone hungry, and what better place to refuel while you take in some of the popular culture of the city than the Wildhorse Saloon. Boasting the largest dance floor in Nashville, music plays and bodies dance nonstop until 3 in the morning. The saloon offers full lunch and dinner menus, topped of with a full line of beverages, safe for the kids or from the bar.

After a full day of sight-seeing and a night of dancing to great country music, a place to lay your head is all you want. Hilton Nashville Downtown has rooms beginning at $140 a night, and is located in the heart of the city, next to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and many other attractions. With beautiful décor and comfortable beds, the hotel also offers a health club and an indoor pool, along with many other services and amenities, sure to make your stay the best it can be.

Nashville is home to country music, beautiful structures, historical landmarks, and good, old-fashioned country fun. So strap on your belt buckles and put on your gallon hat, and get ready to live it up in the country capital of the country.