The southern city of Nashville, Tennessee started as a fort settlement in 1779. It’s made its place in U.S. history by being a city of strategic Civil War battles, the host of the World’s Fair in 1897 and the home of two U.S. presidents. A diverse city of Native Americans, growing Hispanic and Middle Eastern populations, and Southern antebellum history makes for a historically and musically rich vacation destination.
Most of the attractions in Nashville center around the city’s history as the “country music capital of the world.” Concerts, museums, studio tours and memorabilia surrounding the Music City culture are at every turn. You should plan several days around seeing music sites such as the Grand Ole Opry, which began as a single radio show in 1925, and its museum, honoring country music and radio greats like Pasty Cline, Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl. Stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame, which honors artists of every genre, and the historic RCA Studio B, where more than 1,000 hit songs were recorded.
True fans of Elvis Presley will particularly enjoy the Tribute to the King, Music City’s salute to the great rocker who recorded more than 300 songs in Nashville. This tribute show covers music from 1953 to 1977 in a family-friendly, high-energy way.
If you want to make your own music, or enjoy a concert during your stay, visit the Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark. You can take self-guided tours or backstage, guided tours and even record your own CD in their studio. Check the calendar of events for evening concerts playing while you’re in town.
There's no shortage of non-musical choices for what to see and do in Nashville. Fort Nashborough and Fort Negley represent the history of Nashville in its founding and Civil War participation. The Agricultural Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park offer education about the natural resources and development of the state of Tennessee. They are all free attractions, along with the George Dickel and Jack Daniel Whiskey Distilleries, the Hatch Show Print shop and the Military Branch of the Tennessee State Museum.
For outdoors activities, you can revisit the life of an old cowboy in Cowboy Town or hike around the Natural Landmark Cumberland Caverns. Families and individuals might enjoy a day at Nashville Shores, a water park, marina and recreation destination.
The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau offers themed packages, so you can explore the music, sports and outdoors, art and culture and family events Nashville has to offer. See Tennessee Titans football games, build your own package with a little of everything or plan your visit around special events. The Visitors Bureau can help you make the most of your time in Nashville.
