Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Nashville is a place where the past and the future peacefully coexist and build, one on the other, to create a destination that appeals to the interests of every visitor. Many movies have been made about Nashville. Enough books about Music City have been written to fill a bookcase. And, of course, scores of songs are dedicated to the city of music. But, while music is the lifeblood of Nashville, visitors will also find here a city of culture and history, of haute cuisine, of pro sports, outstanding academics, natural beauty and pure Southern charm. This city is alive. You can feel its pulse when you walk down its sidewalks. And, fortunately, you can also hear it almost anywhere you go.
The Grand Ole Opry, the world's longest consecutively running radio program, was launched in 1925 and made Nashville a household name. The 1950s launched Nashville as a serious contender for recording studios and record labels. Music Mile, a symbolic stretch of roadway connecting the $120 million Symphony Center with the music district of Music Row, the vibrant new entertainment venues on Demonbruen Street, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Music City Walk of Fame and Museum and the Nashville Arena.
Nashville also has a vast array of attractions unique to the city. Discover the Parthenon, the world's only full-scale replica of the ancient Greek temple. Inside the temple see the 42-foot-tall gilded Athena. The venerable Ryman Auditorium has been a treasured landmark for over 100 years. Comedians, musicians and actors have all performed upon the famous stage.
Nashville's diverse shopping scene is the perfect fit for any style or price range. It's easy to while away an afternoon (or two or three) indulging in a Music City shopping spree. From Southern fare to haute cuisine with quite literally everything in between, Nashville's menu of dining options will suit any taste. Whether it's a family-friendly meal, dinner and a show or a romantic repast, the city's restaurants serve every dish with a side of Southern hospitality.
Spring is a delightful time in Middle Tennessee as the rolling hills are a lush, vibrant green. Days are warm while evenings can be chilly. Nashville is a true family destination any time of the year. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere continues to add new animal habitats and expand its property. The Adventure Science Center is a museum geared toward educating toddlers to pre-teens. Connected to the Center is the Sudekum Planetarium. At the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, a special interactive gallery called ArtQuest allows guests to create art after they experience it in the galleries.
Also known as the "Athens of the South" for its dedication to higher learning and education. In the mid 1800s, many colleges were founded here including Fisk University, one of the nation's first colleges for freed African Americans. Vanderbilt University, affectionately nicknamed the "Harvard of the South," was founded after the Civil War with the financial backing of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. Today, more than 17 colleges and universities call Middle Tennessee home.
Bring the family and extend your stay for a great vacation. Consider just a few reasons why Music City is a wonderful destination for SITE 2011!
For further Nashville, Tennessee information see: www.visitmusiccity.com
Transportation
Tourists, residents and business travelers now have a new, convenient and inexpensive way to travel to and from the Nashville International Airport and downtown Music City. For just $1.35, you can ride the Nashville MTA's route 18 Airport/Elm Hill Pike bus between the Nashville International Airport and Downtown Music City. The bus stop at the airport is on level 1 in the ground transportation area. For trips to the airport, customers should board at Shelter C, next to the Doubletree Hotel, on the downtown Transit Mall on Deaderick Street, between 4th and 5th Avenues North. Visit nashvillemta.org or call 615-862-5950 for more information.
© Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, adapted for use in this Call.
Photos this page: Nashville Skyline- ©Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau; Grand Ole Opry Stage- ©Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau/Randy Piland; The Parthenon & Gilded Athena- © Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau/Gary Laydar; Schermerhorn Symphony Center- ©Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau; Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum -©Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau/Barry M. Winiker; General Jackson Showboat - ©Heavenly Perspectives; Golfers, The Legends Club -© Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau/Robin Hood. 2010.
