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.
Relive the memories as you view tributes to the great stars of country music. Exhibits honor such music legends as Patsy Cline, Tex Ritter, Roy Acuff, Marty Robbins, Minnie Pearl, George Jones and Jim Reeves. You can also browse through a dozen exhibits on current artists like Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks. Displays feature special audio and video electronic effects and interactive devices so you can hear the music as you relive the history of country music. The museum is located in the Opry Plaza area near the Grand Ole Opry House.
When the world-famous Ryman Auditorium closed its doors to country music performances, a section of the stage was removed and installed here at the new home of the Grand Ole Opry. Country music artists, past and present, consider performing on this stage as one of the highest of honors that can ever be bestowed upon them, which is why many of the American music industry's all-time greats have graced the Opry at some point in their careers. The 45,000 square foot (4,180 square meters) building seats 4,400 people. The stage markets itself as 'The Show That Made Country Music Famous' and plays host to the prestigious Country Music Association Awards. Bluegrass, gospel, Americana and folk music concerts are also held here.
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.
The oldest print shop in America opened in 1879. For decades, Hatch Show Print was the leading poster printer for circuses, vaudeville shows and sporting events. Today, it is located in the Country Music Hall of Fame and is best known for creating images of Grand Ole Opry stars, thousands of which line the shop's walls. Modern-day artists employ the same techniques that have been used since the 15th century, including printing works on site.
The Cheek Family, who founded Maxwell Coffee, built this elegant mansion in the late 1920s. In the late 1950s, they donated the mansion and the surrounding 65 acres to the City of Nashville, which maintains the estate today. This Nashville treasure includes the botanical gardens, contemporary art galleries, a gift shop and the Pineapple Room restaurant. A variety of classes and workshops are available to all ages. There is also the Cheekwood's Museum of Art which house some great American and British paintings worth checking out. The grounds include several types of gardens and the Woodland Sculpture Trail.
Christ Church Cathedral is located in the heart of downtown Nashville and is presided over by the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee. This beautiful and historic church dates back to the early 19th Century. Visitors are welcome throughout the week and after Sunday services to tour the church as a historical site. The church's broad spectrum of educational and prayer ministries meet the needs of members and guests of all ages. Through a program called Sacred Space for the City, Christ Church Cathedral offers the use of its facilities for spiritual, educational, artistic, civic, and outreach opportunities to the local Nashville community regardless of religious affiliation. -Lynn-nore Chittom
First Lutheran Nashville is located in the heart of Music City. In addition to a full range of Christian religious educational programs designed for children, youth, adults and seniors, First Lutheran also reaches out to the needs of the community surrounding the church facilities. By partnering with local ministries which focus on specific needs such as homelessness, hunger, incarceration and illness, the members of this Nashville church are able to better assist those with the greatest needs. During the summer, First Lutheran Nashville continues its education programs with a vacation bible school. Check the church's website for specific dates and events. -Lynn-nore Chittom
First Baptist Nashville is located in the heart of downtown Nashville directly beside Bridgestone Arena. Educational ministries serve the church community through age-appropriate curriculum specific for children, youth, college students, single adults, married adults, and senior adults. Bible studies, prayer groups and small groups take place throughout the week for men and women. In addition to regularly scheduled services, First Baptist also provides the downtown community with an Arts Service Group which includes an open studio for the visual arts as well as an arts festival. The church also provides recreational opportunities through the First Baptist Church Recreation Center. Details for the recreation center and service times are available on the church website. -Lynn-nore Chittom
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is a wonderful place for art lovers. The center educates visitors on art and hopes it will bring about an interest in the community on the subject. The architecture is beautiful and the interiors and decor lend the space a very upscale elite ambiance and it frequently hosts art exhibitions. At the Frist Center, there is also a fabulous gift shop, where one can purchase memorabilia and other items and an excellent cafe where one can savor some delightful dishes and sip on coffee. Admission is free for students who are 18 and below.
This landmark Romanesque structure, once a thriving railroad station, is now a first-class hotel. Many features of the elegant old terminal remain, including domed skylight, clock tower, and decorative gold-leaf medallions. Thanks to a spirited 2007 renovation, this ancient travel hub is as grand as it ever was - marble accents are everywhere, each exquisitely appointed guest room is fully unique, and on-site dining such as Prime 108, is on par with the best Nashville has to offer.
If you want to find a big event in Nashville, this is the first place to look. Convenient location and size make Nashville Convention Center a prime venue for many of the city's major events and exhibits. This massive glass and limestone structure houses a 118,000 square feet exhibit hall, 11,000 square feet ballroom, 25 meeting rooms and offers full-service catering. It is also connected to the Renaissance Nashville (673-room luxury hotel) and across the street from the 20,000-seat Sommet Center.