Nashville is a fun place to visit or vacation with the kids. The town is full of musical history, adventure and excitement. The Grand Ole Opry is one of the most famous places that people often visit in Nashville. Around since 1925 the Grand Ole Opry features performances by some of the most famous country singers in the world.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another major attraction in the area. The museum features displays highlighting the history of country music from its beginnings to present day. The Grand Ole Opry Museum displays memorabilia from the likes of Patsy Cline and George Jones.
The Tennessee State Museum features historical displays of Davy Crockett, Daniel Boone and other important people in Tennessee’s history while the Music Valley Wax Museum captures the images of over 50 country music stars.
The Ryman Auditorium is one of Nashville’s most famous concert halls hosting live musical events. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has featured many performers before they were well known. Since the 1960’s this bar has been popular with those hoping to be discovered. The Bluebird Café is another place where many stars have found their beginnings in the music industry.
The Parthenon, a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon, is a landmark of interest for many visitors. And the Belle Meade Plantation of Nashville is an Old South plantation home and farm visited by thousands.
The Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art features exhibits of contemporary regional artists and is surrounded by gorgeous gardens. The Belmont Mansion is an Italian villa-style mansion from the 19th century featuring a nice hiking trail.
If you’ve brought the kids along they absolutely must go to Wave Country where they can enjoy water slides and a giant wave pool. Afterwards, drop by the Adventure Science Center with exhibits that encourage education for kids through their exciting displays. For kids six to sixty the Nashville Toy Museum will thrill all with their antique trains and other toys.
If outdoor relaxation is more what you have in mind head towards Centennial Park where there are plenty of jogging trails, picnic spots and a small lake with paddle boats. Or entertain the kids at the Grand Old Golf & Games featuring a mini golf course and bumper boats.
Some famous and interesting places in the area are Carnton Plantation, Carter House, Fort Nashborough, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Stones River National Battlefield, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Van Vechten Gallery and Willie Nelson & Friends Showcase Museum and Gift Emporium.
Other interesting sites include the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum – a specialty museum featuring info and history about the Tennessee walking horse, the Cumberland Gallery – an art gallery of interest, Nashville Speedway – race car track, the Nashville War Memorial Auditorium – a concert hall and theater, or the Gaylord Entertaiment Center – a sports arena featuring the Nashville Predators.
When it comes time to dine Nashville has some fabulous restaurants. F. Scott’s features American cuisine, Restaurant Zola has delicious Mediterranean food in a romantic setting, South Street Original Crab Shack & Authentic Dive Bar has seafood at a reasonable price, and the Bluebird Café features Eclectic food at no great expense. The Park Café, Ellliston Place Soda Shop, and Hog Heaven are also great eateries.
Plan ahead before traveling to Nashville by going online to select hotels and making reservations in advance. Although some places are easy to enter without reservations, most of the main attractions will require a reservation some time in advance.
Reference:
- www.virtualtourist.com/…/Tennessee/ Nashville-873208/Things_To_Do-Nashville-TG-C-1.html www.geocities.com/juniortroop2616/nashville.htm
