Nashville is slowly becoming a blend of the old and the new, where the past still dominates the unique character of "Music City" yet new infrastructure has kept a steady beat with the modern world. The city definitely dances to its own tune where you couldn't swing a cat without hitting a lyricist or ten! Country music lives and breathes in Nashville Tennessee and the capital has cultivated generations of successful singers and songwriters who play music from R&B to bluegrass, rock and alternative country. Even classical and jazz have slipped comfortably into the scene and seem to be a nice fit. Nashville will always bask in the glory of its country roots as the past is what truly characterized the city yet new music is evidently finding its own place amid the classic country heartbeat in Nashville Tennessee.
Nashville attractions are very much like those in Memphis surrounding a very musical theme.
The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most visited Nashville attractions and an American icon like no other is. Experience the phenomenon of the world-famous Opry and visit for a show or a tour. Check the calender of events for show dates. Pair a visit to the Opry with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry Museum where visitors can view tributes to great country stars of the past. The Museum is open Sunday to Thursday 10am to 5pm, Friday 10am to 8 and Saturday 10am to 10pm. There are also dozens of exhibits in tribute to today's favorite country stars and admission is free.
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is south of downtown on two acres of land and is another of the great Nashville attractions. You'll need 2 to 3 hours to explore the zoo and the fantastic exhibits and displays such as Gibbon Island, Alligator Cove and African Elephant Savannah. Parking at the zoo is free and rates run from $13.00 and less but check before purchasing tickets. April 1 to October 15 from 9am until 6pm and October 16 to March 31 from 9am until 4pm are the operating hours. There are some really interesting and unique historical houses in the area for an excellent architectural tour and add. These beautiful house have served as Nashville attractions for quite some time. Carter house was built in 1830 and served as the Union army command post during the Battle of Franklin. Belmont Mansion was constructed in 1850's in Italianate villa style and belonged to one of the wealthiest women in the country at the time. Other houses of interest are Carter House, The Hermitage and Lotz House, which can all be toured during the day time.
There are lots of annual Nashville events, especially from may to October including Beachhaven Jazz on the Lawn, Sumner Crest Winery Summer Festival, CMA Music festival in June, and Dukesfest in June for all the Dukes of Hazzard fans! July welcomes the Nashville events of Independence Day, Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree and the Celebration of Cultures. September is chock full of Nashville events and is the busiest month of the year for them with an event happening almost every day! Nashville Tennessee Riverfest, Nashville Tennessee State Fair, the Old Timers Day Bluegrass Festival and the Nashville Folk festival are just a few! Nashville events are full of food, music and good 'ole Nashville spirit!
There are so many attractions in Nashville it's hard to know where to start! The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is worth a visit and is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Centennial Park is of particular interest when exploring attractions in Nashville as it contains a full-size replica of the Athens's Parthenon! When visiting in the hot summer months take a trip to Wave Country and let the kids cool off amongst the huge waves in the wave pool or rush down waterslides for the afternoon. Belle Meade Plantation was built in 1853 and had become famous for breeding the best race horses in the south. When visiting attractions in Nashville this one has lots of history behind its Greek Revival walls. It's a great place to visit and then take a load off amongst 30 acres of beautifully landscape lawns and shade trees. Nashville attractions are boundless and offer up a buffet of excitement and intrigue coupled with rich history and a tune to go with everyone's beat.
