Nashville: More Than Just Country Music

Tennessee is fast becoming a top destination spot in the United States. And Nashville is the place to visit on any trip to the state. Whether you’re a fan of country music or just want to soak in the natural surroundings, there’s plenty for everyone in Nashville. Here are our picks for some of the top things to do in Nashville:

Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry has been a live radio staple since 1925, and has seen its share of country stars. This is one stop that you don’t want to miss. Take a tour to learn more about the history of the Grand Ole Opry and country music in general, and make sure that you get tickets for one of the daily live stage performances.

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Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. If you are a nature or art lover, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens will capture your heart. Meander through the 55-acre botanical gardens and its greenhouses, sculpture trail and chromatic flower displays. Then, visit the Cheek mansion for its impressive collection of 19th – and 20th-century American art and other artifacts from around the world.

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The Hermitage. The home of President Andrew Jackson, the Hermitage is a National Historic Landmark that gives us a glimpse into this president’s home life. Built in the Greek Revival style, the mansion sits on a 1,000-acre estate. Guided tours will take you through various parts of the home, a log cabin on the grounds, Jackson’s tomb and the Old Hermitage Church. You’ll also learn the history of the 150 slaves that lived on the grounds from 1804 to 1865.

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The Parthenon. Although we normally associate Nashville with country music, it also bears the nickname of the “Athens of the South”, due to the number of universities and places of higher education in the area. In fact, this was brought to life at the Centennial Exhibition of 1897 when a full-size replica of the Parthenon was built. Although it was meant to be temporary, the Parthenon in Nashville has endured – including down to replicas of the statues found in the original structure in Greece. Today, you can visit the Parthenon and Centennial Park for a walk along the trails, or indulge in an outdoor concert, movie or theater performance.

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Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. Tennessee is known for its whiskey and bourbon, so take an opportunity to learn a bit of history from a distillery that has its roots in the 1800s. Charles Nelson began producing whiskey in the late 1800s in Greenbrier, Tennessee. In fact, his whiskey was so popular that he sold over 2 million bottles in 1885 alone! After he died, his wife carried on the tradition until Prohibition shut them down in 1909. In 2009, his great-great-great grandsons, Andy and Charlie Nelson, revived the business and brought it to Nashville. Today, you can take a tour of the distillery and tasting room and learn more about its history.

Historic RCA Studio B.  Take a step back in time at the Historic RCA Studio B that launched the careers of many country music stars, including Elvis, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. This is the studio that put country music on the map, and you can relive some of that nostalgia through its tours and educational programs. It continues to pay it forward by teaching students the technology of music and the science of sound.

Arrington Vineyards. If whiskey isn’t your favorite drink, then head out to Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, Tennessee. Founded by country music star Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, this beautiful vineyard is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the wine tasting experience. This is a great afternoon jaunt for if you’re on a Nashville Bachelorette party trip!

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Belle Meade Plantation. Known as the “Queen of the Tennessee Plantations”, the Belle Meade Plantation was built in 1853 in the Greek Revival style. Here, you’ll get a taste of its history as guides dress in period costume and take you through this antebellum mansion (complete with bullet holes in the columns from the Civil War). It’s home to the country’s first thoroughbred breeding farms, and the Iroquois Steeplechase – the oldest in the US. Take a tour of the mansion, learn the history of the plantation’s slaves, or even take a Segway ride through the arboretum and grounds.

Broadway. The best place to get a taste of live country music in Nashville is the nightlife on Broadway, Nashville’s main thoroughfare. Whether it’s the iconic Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, or Robert’s Western World, there’s a honky-tonk for everyone to chill out and enjoy the Nashville music scene.

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Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. No trip to Nashville would be complete without a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Relive some of the great moments of country music walking through the exhibits and seeing the artifacts of the most well-known celebrities in the business.

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Nashville is a great choice for your next vacation, and Luxury Destinations Concierge is ready to help you plan your trip. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437.