The quiet city of Nashville loves the tranquil aura that radiates from its Centennial Park. A perfect retreat for avid nature lovers, the park offers a wide range of entertainment and relaxation options for one and all. Take a calming walk in the park, attend cultural events and local fairs, picnic with family and friends or simply lounge around the sprawling green land. Admire the beauty of Lake Watauga or simply enjoy the splendor of the rose arbor. The Parthenon replicates the structure of the ancient citadel right in the heart of the park. The park is famous for its TACA Fall Crafts Fair, which is a fantastic outdoor event that showcases and sells the work of American fine craft artists at the park. You can also buy souvenirs for your loved ones at the park as you discover unusual visual treasures.
Nashville's first movie house opened in 1925, was briefly home to the Grand Ole Opry, and evolved into a premier venue for live entertainment and film. Today Belcourt Theatre has emerged as the place for cutting-edge productions, including independent flicks, Mockingbird Theater, and the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Events happen monthly and movies are shown every day.
It is fitting that the "Athens of the South" is home to the world's only full-size replica of the ancient Parthenon. Forty-six Doric columns encircle the building. The largest bronze doors in the world, weighing 7.5 tons each, stand at the East and West entrances. Featured is Athena Parthenos, the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world. Sculptures and friezes are modeled from Elgin Marbles at the British Museum in London. There are also four art galleries. While the prices are reasonable, you can avail discounts for groups of ten or more with a reservation.
Established in 2002, the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville began with the donation of 70 vehicles from avid car enthusiast, Jeff Lane. Since its inception, the LMM has come to acquire over 300 unique and rare automobiles to the delight of visitors. Housed in the former Sunbeam Bakery, this large, 40,000 foot warehouse perfectly showcases one-of-a-kind vehicles like a 1975 Maserati Bora which can go 0-60mph within six and a half seconds and tops out at 165mph. The indoor kid's play area is a great distraction for the little ones while parents enjoy looking around.
The museum contains one of the world’s largest showcase displays featuring hundreds of personal items from Willie and his many friends. Visit and you’ll see tributes to Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Faron Young, Mel Tillis, Webb Pierce, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Jeannie Seely and many other country music legends. The space also features Nashville’s largest souvenir store where you’ll find "one stop shopping" for all of your Nashville, Willie Nelson and country music related souvenirs.
When you are looking for a little more than your average tour of the Music City, climb aboard the funniest bus in town. The Jugg Sisters are your hostesses and they will have you laughing and singing all afternoon. As you visit all the major attractions in the city, you will hear the satirical and very risqué commentary of the sisters while riding in comfort on their tacky pink bus. NashTrash Tours is not a very sophisticated ride, as alcohol is allowed to be consumed on the bus, so you might be best to leave the kids at home. If you don't mind the overall "hillbilly" theme, you're sure to have a grand time.
Make it a point to visit the Leiper's Fork Distillery, while in the city. This intervention was launched in the year 2016 with an aim to produce some fine whiskey, first pleasing the palettes of locals and slowly nationally. You can take a tour and understand the production right from the first stage of selection of the grain to finally bottling it. Besides the product, they also sell brand merchandise like t-shirts, caps and flasks. You could also enjoy a live music session at the bar housed in the distillery.
When you are looking for a little more than your average tour of the Music City, climb aboard the funniest bus in town. The Jugg Sisters are your hostesses and they will have you laughing and singing all afternoon. As you visit all the major attractions in the city, you will hear the satirical and very risqué commentary of the sisters while riding in comfort on their tacky pink bus. NashTrash Tours is not a very sophisticated ride, as alcohol is allowed to be consumed on the bus, so you might be best to leave the kids at home. If you don't mind the overall "hillbilly" theme, you're sure to have a grand time.
Govan's Gathering Place Coffee House is more than just a nice coffee shop on the Gallatin Square. It is the culmination of years of the dreams and hopes of the Govan family. This fabulous local coffee shop offers guests a wide variety of fresh, flavorful coffees and treats in an environment inspired by the artwork and passions of former University of Memphis art professor, Frank Govan, a deceased relative of the owners of this shop. In addition to coffee, Govan's serves as a small art gallery for Professor Govan's personal collection as well as a showplace for his glass and pottery collection. The relaxed environment, beautiful art and fantastic coffee brews make Govan's a perfect spot to relax while antiquing in Gallatin. -Lynn-nore Chittom
This community center for music is heaven-sent for children and adults alike. Learn how to sing or play an instrument for nominal fees (normally less than one dollar). The center also holds concerts and performances.
Smith & Lentz is a brewery where you can sample a veritable selection of beers seated at the taproom. The small brew-house sports a no-frills industrial look that allows you to focus on what they do best: craft beer. The beer list features rotating seasonal lagers and ales that are really popular among the local crowd. Try their Belgian Amber, the Mouth Pillow, the Coffee Stout or the Sock Tan pale ale. The tap room also has a good number of options to keep you entertained such as board games, ping pong tables, movie screenings and open mic comedy. If you would like a private tour of the brewery, you can contact them via email.