NASHVILLE, TN

Driving down out of the Appalachian foothills, enter the Cumberland River Valley, along which the sprawling city of Nashville was settled in the early 1800s. Civil War history, a thriving music industry and a heavy helping of southern charm define the musically-inclined capital of Tennessee. Appropriately dubbed Music City, USA, Nashville has gained significant prominence over the last few decades as a recording and broadcasting center for Country and Christian music. That said, you are in for one wild ride, whether you plant yourself in the audience of a live music production or hop aboard the General Jackson Showboat for an afternoon cruise along the Cumberland River.

COUNTRY MUSIC 101

If, like millions of visitors each year, you have come to Nashville in hopes of immersing yourself in all things Country, you’ll need to hit the following stops:

• Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum: 
  

 discover the stories behind the music as you view costumes, song manuscripts, musical instruments and a variety of personal items belonging to music legends.

www.countrymusichalloffame.org

• Grand Opry Complex:  the original site of the Grand Ole Opry House, from which "The Grand Old Opry" radio program (featuring country and western music) has been broadcast since 1925. Walk the grounds, enjoy the free museum, shop the Opry Mills Mall filled with hundreds of shops, restaurants and a large movie theater.   www.opry.com

From here, you can walk over to the:

• Gaylord Opryland Resort:   featuring incredible indoor gardens, restaurants and lounges, and Delta Riverboat tours which wind through a 4.5-acre indoor garden offering unique facts about the Delta’s plants and fish.   www.gaylordhotels.com/opryland-home.html

• Ryman Auditorium: 
  
  boasting superb acoustics, this 1881 performance hall has been graced by music legends and starlets down through the decades. Check out the website for upcoming concerts, and just because it is a really cool site!  www.ryman.com

NASHVILLE NOTES:

Vanderbilt University:   the prestigious campus sports beautiful grounds and stunning architectural beauties. 

Steamboat General Jackson:   Sharing a part in Nashville’s flourishing trade since 1818, the steamboat tradition continues. Enjoy a meal and live show while cruising the Cumberland.   www.generaljackson.com

Nashville Farmer's Market:  

 

A vital part of Nashville life since the early 1800s, travelers will love the abundance of fresh produce, local honey, herbs and handcrafted soaps. www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org
 

Riverfront  Park: 

walk along the newly developed waterfront park and enjoy the energy that is flooding Nashville’s downtown.   www.nashvilleriverfront.org

The Timothy Demonbreun House:   superbly restored 1906 mansion with exquisite European craftsman details located near downtown Nashville and providing a splendid B&B service.  www.tdhouse.com

 Rates from $175, #615-383-0426

For Food:

• Eat at the Gaylord Opryland Resort:   fun options and over-the-top ambiance will make your meal memorable! My recommendation:
• Jack Daniel’s Saloon: live music and dancing most nights.
• Nashville Farmer’s Market Food Court:  it doesn’t get fresher than this!