Visit Nashville, Tennessee and the Grand Ole Opry
by Paul H. Green
Nashville, Tennessee is a place where country music fans can see where many of their favorite stars got their start. It's a place where sightseers can stop by while viewing the scenic Tennessee mountains. Whether just passing through or planning an extended vacation in Nashville, there's never a boring moment for families and individuals.
Nashville is the capital of Tennessee and is located in Davidson County. It is the county seat. Nashville sits among rolling hills and farmland on the Cumberland River. With the population estimated at 575,261 as of 2005, Nashville is the largest city in the state of Tennessee. Nashville's claim to fame comes from its prominent and most popular site - the Grand Ole Opry. The city is called the "Country Music Capital of the World" and for good reason.
Looking back in history, Nashville was founded in 1779. The area was originally called Fort Nashborough to honor General Francis Nash, a hero during the Revolutionary War. The name was changed to Nashville in 1784. The city was temporarily the capital of Tennessee from 1812 to 1815. It became the permanent capital of Tennessee in 1843.
Since April 1963, Nashville has been governed under a Metropolitan Charter in which both Nashville and Davidson County have a single government.
Nashville facts
Nashville has a long history of interesting happenings as well as "claims to fame." Coffee drinkers will find it interesting that Maxwell House coffee got its start in Nashville. The Maxwell House slogan "good to the last drop" was originally a statement made by President Theodore Roosevelt after trying a cup of the coffee.
At the RCA Historic Studio B in Nashville on Music Row, more than 200 songs by Elvis were recorded. There are still red, blue and green lights in the studio that were installed specifically for Elvis during a recording session to help him get in the mood for Christmas. Ironically, the city of Nashville was founded on Christmas Eve in 1779.
For those who love listening to music on "FM" radio, the very first broadcast took place in Nashville. Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must while in Nashville, but many do not realize that the structure itself had one side of the building as a radio tower and the other side has windows that resemble piano keys.
Touring downtown Nashville
In downtown Nashville, tourists and residents alike will find plenty to do. There's live music, shopping, entertainment, and much more. Those dining out in Nashville will find a variety of cuisines and many restaurants to choose from, including Amerigo, Darfons, Capitol Grille, Merchants, Valentino's Ristorante, Sole Mio, Old Spaghetti Factory, Caffe Nonna, Goten, Sonobana Japanese Restaurant, Bar-B-Cutie, Baja Burrito, and many others.
Nightlife music in Nashville includes country music, jazz, blues, and more. There are always concerts to attend. For classical music fans, there's the Nashville Symphony. Sports fans can catch a football game while in town. Nashville is home to the American Football team, the Tennessee Titans, formerly the Tennessee Oilers.
Probably the most popular attraction in Nashville is the Grand Ole Opry www.opry.com/ . The Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio show in the country and has been in operation since 1925. Tourists can visit the Grand Ole Opry Museum as well as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see stars from the present and from yesteryear, and also learn about how they got started on the road to fame.
For history buffs, the State Capitol building offers a history lesson about Tennessee through many fascinating statues. This is also where President Polk and his wife were buried. The Capitol building has a neo-classical design.
Golf in Nashville
Nashville offers a number of scenic golf courses for those who want to take a golf break during their stay. The courses are beautiful and challenging. To name a few, Nashville has the Bell Meade Country Club, the Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club (private), the Five Oaks Golf and Country Club (private), Harpeth Hills, Hermitage Golf Course General's Retreat, and the Legacy Golf Course.
Parks and outdoor attractions
For the outdoorsman, Nashville has many beautiful parks and outdoor attractions such as the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the Long Hunter State Park, the Radnor State Park, Shelby Park, and Two Rivers Park. These offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature while picnicking, hiking, swimming, backpacking, fishing, boating, taking photos, and observing wildlife.
There's also the Loretta Lynn Ranch www.lorettalynn.com, where there's a museum, an old mill, a Western Store and Gift Shop, swimming, camping, canoeing, paddle boats and more. There's even a simulated coal mine. Special events and concerts are held at the ranch throughout the year. Come see why so many people love the “Coal Miner's Daughter.”
Family fun in Nashville
Those vacationing with children in Nashville will enjoy a number of activities such as the Nashville Children's Theatre, which offers fun plays the kids are sure to love. Also, the Adventure Science Center gives kids an opportunity to interact as they take part in more than 75 activities. Fort Nashborough is a replica of the original settlement of Nashville and gives families a chance to learn about history and see some amazing structures as well.
Also, children (both big and small) can have a great time at Grand Golf & Go-Karts www.grandoldgolf.net . There are three miniature golf courses, each representing a different aspect of Tennessee's character. Other activities include a go-cart track, an arcade, pool tables, and more.
At the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere www.nashvillezoo.org , families can see interesting animals, interact at the petting zoo and see a unique historic home and farm. There are a variety of animals such as cougars, elephants, zebras, meerkats, leopards, tigers, salamanders, storks, eagles, fish, etc. The zoo also features various exhibits throughout the year and educational programs along with field trips.
From music landmarks to activities for family fun, Nashville is a great place to vacation or to just stop by for a day or two. Nashville is rich in history as well. Experience Nashville the next time you're in Tennessee.