By Denise Schoonhoven
What Are Some Attractions in Downtown Nashville?
is a country music fan's heaven. History buffs, art lovers and families will find activities that keep their interest as well. Numerous museums, performance halls and parks welcome residents and tourists alike. Get ready for Tennessee hospitality when you slip on your walking shoes and explore these attractions in Nashville.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit
Celebrate American country music legends at the Hall of Fame on 5th Avenue in the heart of Nashville. Start with an audio tour, then check out exhibits featuring records, guitars and rhinestone jackets. Get an inside look at the country music industry's early days with a tour of Historic RCA Studio B.
General Jackson Paddlewheeler
The General Jackson
Cruise the Cumberland River on this restored paddlewheeler. Enjoy a midday luncheon and entertainment as the boat floats by historic Nashville sites. Evening dinner cruises offer a live musical show, dancing and panoramic views of the night skyline. Departure times and ticket information are available at www.generaljackson.com.
Grand Ole Opry
On stage at the Grand Old Opry
Country stars take the stage every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night. The modern Opry building by the river replaced the old Ryman Auditorium in 1974, but the quality and intimacy of each performance remains. (Note: Visit during the winter to see Grand Ole Opry performances inside the Ryman). Bring a camera to capture pictures of contemporary artists, old-timers and river views from the outside terrace.
Parthenon---Art Gallery and Park
Nashville Parthenon
The Parthenon is a replica of the ancient temple in Athens, Greece. It houses the city art museum and hosts special exhibits throughout the year (see schedule at www.nashville.gov/Parthenon). Located in Centennial Park, the expansive grounds offer wide open spaces for play and picnics.
Adventure Science Center
Sudekom Planetarium,Adventure Science Center
Kids can pretend to be astronauts, climb through a massive scale human body and pilot an airship in a high-speed simulator. A Nashville institution since the 1940s, the science center features a modern planetarium, a laser show and an Adventure Tower for jumping, climbing and exploration. The center is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas (see hours at www.adventuresci.com).
Resources
About the Author:
A seasoned business traveler, Denise Schoonhoven specializes in food, travel, landscaping, design and personal development topics. She has lived and worked in London, San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest. Schoonhoven hails from the corporate writing world where she authored marketing material, catalogs, presentations and training documents.
Photo Credits:
Brent Moore, Lisa Heindel, R. Jones, Nathan Reed, Will Powell, Steven Yeargin
