Bharat SainiLast Updated on October 26, 2020 by Bharat Saini
Nashville, the capital city of the State of Tennessee, has hugely transformed over the years and become a wonderful city offering myriad attractions for people of varied tastes. Nashville has become a popular weekend getaway for people residing in the Midwest and the U.S. East Coast. The city is also a favorite destination for foodies and the romantics seeking an eternal bond. But above all these, Nashville proudly finds a place on the world music map by being a haven for country music fans. In fact, country music is at the core of Nashville and has given it the nickname of “Country Music Capital of the World” and “Music City, USA”. Take cheap flights to Nashville to visit a captivating city which has been a mecca for music lovers and where many famous musicians thrived and built their careers, including Sam Hunt, Florida Georgia Line, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntee, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Plan your vacation now with discounted tickets to Nashville and discover fun, interesting things that this magnificent city has to offer.
Take a look at some of the best things to explore, entertain and experience in Nashville.
Grand Ole Opry
It was the popular radio show Grand Ole Opry, which started its broadcast in the 1920s, thus putting Nashville on the world music map and making it famous as the “Country Music Capital of the World”. The venue of the Grand Ole Opry has though changed many times over the years, but it nevertheless still continues to host some of the top country music performers such as Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. Your trip to Nashville will remain incomplete unless you visit the GrandOle Opry House for a tour down the memory lanes. Look forward to getting a behind-the-scenes look through one of the three tours – Daytime backstage tour, Post-show tour, or VIP tour. The stories of music legends who have performed here will be shared by your guide during the daytime tour. You will also be shown photos of Opry’s history and may even bring you on to the iconic stage. Situated northeast of downtown Nashville, a guided tour of the Grand Ole Opry is a must for all those who want to know the rich musical history and legacy of Tennessee’s capital.
Broadway
Many people visit Nashville to know about the history of country music by visiting the museums in the city. At the same time, it also offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music tunes in person. If you are looking for something musical and exciting then visit one of the many bars lining the Broadway, the main thoroughfare in downtown Nashville. Lower Broadway has been nicknamed “Honky Tonk Highway” due to the many establishments hosting live acts every day. You can also bar hop whenever you want as you don’t have to pay any cover charge. Live music acts are hosted at all the bars, but a distinct atmosphere can be found at each venue thus making it exclusive from other honky-tonks along Broadway. Some of the most popular bars worth visiting at Broadway include Legend Corner, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Layla’s, The Stage on Broadway, Paradise Park Trailer Resort and Honky Tonk Central.
Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation, also called the “Queen of the Tennessee Plantations”, was built in 1853 in a stunning Greek Revival style. The iconic mansion at the centre of the plantation is a major highlight here. You will find the mansion’s columns sprayed all over with bullet holes from the American Civil War era. The tour guides donning period costumes will take you through the mansion’s opulent antebellum-style interior. Exploring the grounds of the Belle Meade Plantation, which is home to USA’s first and best thoroughbred breeding farms, and also the famous Iroquois Steeplechase, the oldest in the country, is a fascinating experience in itself. Many events like antique auctions and Easter egg hunts are held at the Belle Meade Plantation during the summer and fall. A guided tour of the Belle Meade Plantation accompanied with a wine tasting and lunch is a must for everyone visiting Nashville. The Belle Meade Plantation, situated about 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville, is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must see for all music and history lovers. The exhibits and plaques here are dedicated to finest country music legends, including Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. It’s also a great place to see popular artifacts such as Elvis Presley’s solid gold Cadillac limo and Jimmie Rodgers’ guitar. Spend time browsing the two-story wall plastered with every platinum and gold country record produced. You will also be thrilled seeing Studio B, one of the most influential recording studios in the world, where more than 35,000 songs were produced by legends like Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings and Dolly Parton. Also, consider taking a self-guided walk through the “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music” exhibit for an interactive history lesson on the roots and evolution of country music.
Nashville isn’t just for country music lovers alone. This exciting wonderland has attractions for people of all ages and tastes. A dream vacation is just waiting for you in Nashville!
