No matter where you go in this town, you will hear the honky tonk strains of country music floating out of bar windows. If you're a fan of country, this is the place to be. If not, either go elsewhere or strap on a ten gallon hat and grit your teeth. This is Nashville, after all.
Opryland Resort
Because of all that music, or perhaps in spite of it, Nashville has the air of a genteel and pleasure-loving small town, despite its size. There is an old-world southern charm to be found here, and most of the attractions are geared around Nashville's history. The oddly named Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is one of the most popular tourist attractions in town. Plenty of people opt to stay here to make use of the plentiful resort facilities: Pools, bars, shopping center and restaurants, as well as a nightly fountain and light show – although most visitors don't realize at first that these things are open to the general public and are not limited to guests.
Hermitage
The Hermitage is a heritage home that was once the home of President Andrew Jackson. This stately and beautifully kept piece of Tennessee's architectural history is open to the public and the admission price (a little steep at $15) includes an audiotour. The Hermitage also has hotel facilities, and the rooms are a decadent reproduction of turn-of-the-century décor. Off-season specials are priced at around $200 per night per couple and include breakfast.
Parthenon
The Parthenon is the world's only full-size reproduction of the Greek Parthenon and its right here in Nashville, although no-one really knows why. Still, it's worth a look if you're not going to be heading to Europe any time soon.
Off the Beaten Path
To really get off the beaten path, as well as to scare yourself and the kids, drive an hour north of Nashville to the home of the Bell Witch. This is not the home of a legend but an actual documented haunting – the only one in the country to result in the death of the hauntee. The Bell family were plagued by the violent supernatural phenomenon in the early nineteenth century, and after the death of one of their family members fled the area. Strange goings-on have been reported here every since and the atmosphere of the place is decidedly unwelcoming. The Pioneer Log Cabin is the only remaining building of the Bell family plantation and is open to the public most weekends.
Food
For an iconic Nashville breakfast, the Pancake Pantry is in Hillsboro Village, although this is a tourist hot-spot and lines are long.
To get your meals somewhere a little more off the beaten path, the Bluebird Cafe is a small live-music venue on Hillsboro Rd. Serving up strong drinks and – of course – plenty of country music, there is a $25 per person minimum (opt to spend most of it on drinks as the food is edible but not notable). Other good food options can be found in the neighborhood of Franklin, an area that can really only be described as 'darling.' Franklin has a charming village feel to it, and the quaintness of the facades coupled with the very good restaurants make it well worth a visit.
Hotels
Hotel prices in Nashville hang around the $130 per night mark, although the Gaylord Opry Resort and Hermitage are more pricey – in the neighborhood of $180 - $200 a night.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Nashville.
(Photo:Fotolia/Dave Newton)
