Nashville, Tennessee

Introduction to Nashville

Nashville is known either as Music City USA or Athens of the South. The city has architectural attractions like The Parthenon, a full scale replica of the Greek temple and the only one in the world. The city has a long tradition of influencing the development of country music in America and this can be seen in sites such as Music Row, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and others. The city is home to Belle Meade Plantation, which is known as the cradle of the American Thoroughbred race horse. The home of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, can be found in Nashville. Today, Nashville is still the center of country music and its growing economy attracts tourists, travelers, and business executives.

Nashville Culture

Any night of the week, the Nashville music scene is alive and happening. The clubs are vibrant with music fans and they stay open late into the night. Other types of performances are common as well. The Tennessee Performing Arts Center presents Broadway shows and special engagements, and it holds a comprehensive education program. It is home to the Nashville Symphony, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Nashville Opera Association, Nashville Ballet, and Circle Players. The Belcourt Theatre offers high-quality entertainment located in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village. The theatre presents independent, foreign, and classic films, two theatre troupes, and cultural events. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville honors the cultural significance of country music.

Nashville Sports and Leisure

Sports are big in Nashville, and it hosts three professional sports teams - the NHL Nashville Predators, the NFL Tennessee Titans, and the NWF Nashville Dream. For those who like non-professional sports, there’s AAA baseball, Busch and Indy series car racing, collegiate teams, and an annual marathon. The Nashville Superspeedway offers over 150 events annually.

Nashville Outdoors

Outdoor fun is easy to find in and around Nashville. The city is surrounded by lakes, hills, and valleys that offer a multitude of outdoor activities. Five resort golf courses and eight public golf courses should satisfy any golf lover. Waterslide and amusement parks are nearby. Cruises on the world’s largest showboat and jet ski rentals are just a few of the water activities to be enjoyed. Radnor Lake State Park offers a range of natural areas and diverse habitat such as lakes, streams, and sloughs. Scenic, biological, geological, and passive recreation abound here. There are RV parks not far from the Grand Ole Opry.

Nashville at Night

For those looking for an active nightlife spot, Nashville delivers and then some. Music such as rock, blues, country, gospel, and jazz are here in plenty. The clubs are filled with famous singers and musicians, and many times they end up on stage sitting in with the band. Songwriters are something of a Nashville legend, and any night they can be found singing their hearts out in one of hundreds of dive bars across the city. They are the reason Nashville is known by the nickname Music City USA.