Probably Nashville, Tennessee's most iconic event space, the Ryman Auditorium has been standing proudly on the edge of 5th Avenue North since its inception in the year 1881. Named after its founder, renowned local businessman Thomas Ryman, the building's stunning red sandstone walls and grandiose Gothic-Revival facades enable it to stand out above the rest in the very heart of the city's pleasant urban landscape. Drenched in history, the auditorium's vintage-style wooden stage is no stranger to superstars having hosted the likes of Johnny Cash and the legendary Charlie Chaplin back in the early periods of the 20th-century. The venue's popularity really gained momentum the day it started hosting the Grand Ole Opry radio show, earning it the title 'The Mother Church of Country Music'. Historic site by day, the auditorium transforms into a happening venue for enthralling bluegrass, jazz, classical, country and gospel performances in the evenings.
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.
This 200-acre walk-through zoological park is home to the rare and beautiful. You'll encounter cougars, black bears, Bengal tigers, zebras, cheetahs and playful river otters. Kids can even go a bit wild on the Jungle Gym playground. The Croft Center, named for the sisters who left the estate to Grassmere, houses the Unseen New World exhibit and a variety of reptiles. There is also a working farm exhibit and a petting zoo.
The home of the National Football League's Tennessee Titans boasts a 69,000-seat, natural-grass facility. The stadium offers excellent seating, most along the sidelines. There are 144 luxury suites, 7,500 on-site parking spaces and 60 concession stands. If you are driving to the game, the easiest thing is to park downtown in one of the many garages/surface lots in or near the District, and then use the pedestrian walkway on Woodland Street.
The Historic Edgefield district, known for its Victorian houses and artists' bungalows, is home to one of the city's oldest parks. Sloping terrain, tiny Lake Sevier, and old trees provide peaceful seclusion at the Shelby Park and Golf Course. Come in the daytime for a picnic or to feed the ducks. Trails are available for rollerblading and cycling in addition to softball, tennis court and playground facilities to keep you entertained. The park is also home to two sprawling golf courses and a community center for gatherings.
Travel back in time in a fully restored 1950's passenger train. The passenger cars feature large picture windows, air conditioning and reclining seats. Themes like train robbery or murder mystery are a surprising part of the excursion. The museum houses a one-of-a-kind library of books on railroads and one of the largest collections of railroad artifacts in the world.
Situated on the bay of Cumberland River, Nashville Gun Club is a haven for shotgun enthusiasts from across the city. The spacious facility offers excellent and safe gun range for the patrons to use. Different obstacle courses here test the mettle of the shooter and encourages him/her to give their 100 percent focus and attention. This is the place to be if you want to brush up on your shooting skills. Various state and national level shooting tournaments are organized at Nashville Gun Club throughout the year.
Tucked away in the Belle Meade neighborhood of the city, about 9 miles (14.48 kilometers) from Downtown, the Percy Warner Park offers an expansive area of green respite for the residents of the city. Together with the Edwin Warner Park, these two are known as the Warner Parks and cover an area of 2,664 acres (1,078 hectares). One of the most visited parks in the state, the Percy Warner Park has picnic areas, walking trails, an equestrian center, horse trails, golf courses, and more. Plus, the park has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places because of the rich heritage it preserves.
Probably Nashville, Tennessee's most iconic event space, the Ryman Auditorium has been standing proudly on the edge of 5th Avenue North since its inception in the year 1881. Named after its founder, renowned local businessman Thomas Ryman, the building's stunning red sandstone walls and grandiose Gothic-Revival facades enable it to stand out above the rest in the very heart of the city's pleasant urban landscape. Drenched in history, the auditorium's vintage-style wooden stage is no stranger to superstars having hosted the likes of Johnny Cash and the legendary Charlie Chaplin back in the early periods of the 20th-century. The venue's popularity really gained momentum the day it started hosting the Grand Ole Opry radio show, earning it the title 'The Mother Church of Country Music'. Historic site by day, the auditorium transforms into a happening venue for enthralling bluegrass, jazz, classical, country and gospel performances in the evenings.
Stones River National Battlefield is the site of one of the bloodiest clashes of the Civil War. A three-day battle, from December 31, 1862, through January 2, 1863, resulted in tens of thousands getting killed and wounded. In the end, the Confederate Army withdrew and the advancing Union Army gained control of Middle Tennessee and its rails, farms and roads. This site is located near the Stones River National Cemetery. During your visit, you can explore the historic battlefield and opt for a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the battlefield. Hazen Brigade Monument and the Slaughter Pen are two of the most famous attractions to be found on site. Established in 1865, Stones River National Battlefield is the final resting place of over a thousand Union soldiers.