By Hannah Rice Myers
Nashville is the home of country music. There is hardly a soul alive who doesn't realize the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame are both located in Nashville. But there are some lesser known attractions Nashville has to offer which may be of interest to those traveling to this star-studded town; attractions which are over-shadowed by the city's music reputation.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Anyone who loves animals will enjoy a day at the Nashville Zoo. Whether you enjoy mammals, amphibians, birds or fish, there is surely something at the zoo that will catch your eye. The animals there have come from all over the world, and include everything from piranhas to pandas. As with most zoos, you can take a self-guided tour, or enjoy one of their educational shows for which you may be called upon to participate in. They also have a resource room for children where they can participate in activities at anytime during their visit. These activities are not only educational, but fun as well.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, Tennessee 37211-3324
Telephone: (615) 833-1534
E-mail: pr@nashvillezoo.org
nashvillezoo.org
General Jackson Showboat
Whether you're looking for a relaxing ride along the river, or a romantic evening get-a-way, a trip on the General Jackson Showboat may be just what you're looking for. It is one of the largest paddle wheel riverboats in the country, with four decks and a two-story Victorian theater. There are two and a half hour midday cruises with entertainment provided by fiddler Tim Watson, and three hour dinner cruises with a variety of entertainment provided. One of the most popular is the Country Music USA cruise; this not only pays homage to Opry icons, but includes hits from the country music stars of today. The cruises run all year, and special cruises are held throughout the year. Advanced reservations are recommended.
General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Dr.
Nashville, Tennessee 37214-1209
Telephone: (615) 458-3900
E-mail: info@gaylordhotels.com
generaljackson.com
Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium was the longest running home of the Grand Ole Opry, however, its history dates back much further than the Opry to the opening of its doors in 1892. Before becoming home to the Grand Ole Opry in 1943, the Ryman hosted multiple church revivals and guest speakers including Booker T. Washington. It was visited by the New York Symphony Orchestra in 1893, the Chicago Orchestra in 1898, and the Vienna Orchestra in 1900. Once it housed the Opry, performers included Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Loretta Lynn. In 1974, the Opry moved to its current location, and the Ryman sat empty for nearly 20 years until it was renovated and its doors reopened in 1994. It's now home to performers such as Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow and Chris Isaak. For a true taste of history, a visit to the Ryman Auditorium is a must; it contains more than a century of history and is known not only for its current performers, but also as the Mother Church of Country Music.
Ryman Auditorium
116 Fifth Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Telephone: (615) 889-3060
E-mail: rymanticketinfo@ryman.com
ryman.com
About the Author:
Based in Jamestown, Pa., Hannah Rice Myers has more than 10 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in the health industry. Many of her articles have appeared in newspapers, as well as "Curing Epilepsy: Hope Through Research." Rice Myers received her master's degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in 2001.
