So you are planning a trip to Nashville late this Spring or this Summer. And while most come for the music, there is a lot more to The Music City. Here are 11 places and events we think should be on your list:
1. Parthenon
The Parthenon in Centennial Park, in Nashville, Tennessee, is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens. It was designed by Confederate veteran William Crawford Smith and built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Located on West End and 25th Avenue North, the 132-acre features: the iconic Parthenon, a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, the Centennial Art Center, historical monuments, an arts activity center, a beautiful sunken garden, a band shell, an events shelter, sand volleyball courts, dog park, and an exercise trail
2. Lakes and Rivers
Middle Tennessee is rich in lakes, rivers, and streams creating vast opportunities for boating, water sports, fishing, camping, hunting, hiking and other kinds of recreation. They include JPercy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake just outside of Nashville. Other large lakes in the region include Center Hill Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Lake Barkley, and Kentucky Lake.
The Cumberland River flows right through downtown Nashville. River Front Park is a popular location during the summer time for concerts, the 4th of July fireworks show, as well as many other events .
3. Franklin,TN
About 25 miles from the hustle and bustle of Nashville is Franklin,Tn. Many quaint shops in the historic district downtown district and a great selection of food make this a ever growing tourist spot. Civil War history abounds for those interested in the area. Just up the road is one of Middle Tennessee’s largest malls, Cool Springs Galleria. Want to get even farther away? Head up to Leipers Fork and see the General Lee.
4. Schermerhorn
30,000 Square ft. and home to the Nashville Symphony, it is an architectural piece of beauty, and within walking distance of Downtown Nashville.
5. BBQ
Yeah, yeah we know about hot chicken, but, there are also some kickin’ BBQ joints on and around Downtown Nashville: Charcoal Cowboys, Jack’s, Martin’s, Peg Leg Porker, Judge Bean’s just to name a few.
6. The Nations
This up and coming chic area of Nashville is home to Nashville’s tallest mural. Also home to The Original Corner Pub -Nations (It’s a sports bar, it was a church) and Fat Bottom Brewing.
7. The Gulch
Another Nashville neighborhood and home to Nashville’s first Patagonia store. Also home to Tennessee Brew Works and Yazoo Brewing. Stop by Peg Leg Porker for award winning BBQ and a koolaid pickle (seriously good).
9. Baseball and Germantown
Germantown is a beautiful area of Nashville where restaurants abound and Victorian architecture and boutique shopping is king. Head across 4th avenue and you find yourself at First Tennessee Park, home of the Texas Rangers AAA Nashville Sounds. Stop at Neighbors on the way in for some pro wrestling and 80s flashbacks with your brew. Or, Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen for something completely different. Going to the game? Head to the outfield for a full bar, cornhole, ping pong and more. Stop at The Band Box out there, best dog in the whole stadium.
10. Nashville Zoo
Rhinos and Tigers and Andean Bears..oh my! Nashville Zoo is a progressive and dynamic zoological park located just 6 miles south of downtown Nashville. With just 86 of 188 acres developed, Nashville Zoo is the 9th largest zoo in the country by landmass. The Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in the state. Plans in the future for Savannah Lands and African Forest exhibits are in the works
11. Nashville Shores
Need to cool off? Just don’t wanna stay in town? 10 miles from Nashville is Nashville Shores- It’s a waterpark, zip lining,boat rental, cabin, camping and so much more !
