Nashville Long Weekend

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, located in the north-central part of the state. Nashville is sometimes called the "Country Music Capital of the World" or more often "Music City" due to its booming record industry (spanning many genres) and importance in the history of country music. However, in recent years, Nashville has somewhat escaped its country image and become a regional center of culture and commerce.

Nonetheless, many popular tourist sites involve country music, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium (which was for many years the site of the Grand Ole Opry) and Belcourt Theater. Each year, the CMA Music Festival (formerly known as Fan Fair) brings thousands of country fans to the city.

Lower Broadway is home to many honky-tonk bars and clubs. Probably the most famous of these is Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, which has hosted many big names from the country music scene while remaining a small, intimate and relatively unchanged venue since its founding in the 1960s.

Civil War history is also important to the city's tourism industry. Sites pertaining to the Battle of Nashville and the nearby Battle of Franklin and Battle of Stones River can be seen, along with several well-preserved antebellum plantation houses such as Belle Meade Plantation and Belmont Mansion.

Downtown, luxurious, boutique hotel featuring beautifully appointed, oversized guest rooms and elegant public spaces. Some guest rooms and all suites offer spectacular views of the State Capitol Building and surrounding cityscape and rolling hills. Full-service property that prides itself on offering exceptional, personal service and attention to all guests.Following an exquisite 15 million renovation and restoration project during 2002, The Hermitage Hotel is sure to delight business and leisure guests alike. Upon re-opening in February, 2003, The Hermitage Hotel will prove to be Nashville's most luxurious, historic hotel, featuring oversized guest rooms and meticulously restored, elegant public spaces. The property is centrally located downtown within walking distance of all major businesses and entertainment venues. Named the "Best Romantic Hotel" in Nashville by citysearch.com, The Hermitage Hotel has hosted weddings and social affairs for nearly a century. The Grand Ballroom [2,484 sq ft] with paneled walls of Circassian walnut imported from Russia features an ornately hand-crafted ceiling. The historic Veranda [1,386 sq ft] overlooks Sixth Avenue and the State Capitol and has played host to many elegant events over the past century.For the meeting-minded, over 5,500 square feet of function space is available to accommodate groups of 10 to 300. The Grand Ballroom continues to be a premier site for meetings and social events. In addition, the famed Veranda Room is ideal for gatherings up to 125. The Lobby and Mezzanine Board Rooms are intimate, high-tech meeting venues. The Hermitage Hotel welcomes groups of all sizes from motor coach to international travel groups. Business and leisure groups find the Hotel's amenities and location ideal for the gathering of friends, family, and business colleagues.The newly restored Hermitage Hotel will offer a state-of-the-art fitness facility with private treatment rooms, a gift shop, and business services.

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 while reservation. Children under the age of four get free entry.

Discover the stories behind the music as you view over 3,000 stage costumes, original song manuscripts and musical instruments. Many of the personal items of music legends are on display including Elvis' solid gold Cadillac. Admission includes a visit to the historical RCA Studio B and the Music Row walking tour. Allow at least two hours for exhibits and the tour.

Built in 1881, this structure is famous for superb acoustics. Stars like Enrico Caruso and Charlie Chaplin graced its stage in the early 20th century. Home to the "Grand Ole Opry" radio show for 31 years, it became known as 'the mother church of country music'. By day, you can view displays that depict its rich history. In the evening, enjoy live bluegrass, jazz, classical, country, and gospel performances. Prices for performances vary.

Revitalized and renovated, the historic district of downtown Nashville teems with life. Concept dining and gift shops line Second Avenue and Broadway. Those looking for nightlife can find it at the Wildhorse Saloon, Club Milano, and several honky-tonks, or at theme restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood. Gourmet restaurants, coffee shops and bars occupy the vintage buildings, now refurbished and quite trendy. Gift shops, boutiques, souvenir shops, and, of course, country and western apparel stores offer a unique shopping experience for tourists.

For more than 75 years, the best of country music has been broadcast live on the Opry stage of every Friday and Saturday night. Come see and hear true legends. Stars like Vince Gill, Alison Kraus, Garth Brooks, and Porter Waggoner grace the stage each week. All tickets are for reserved seats and can be purchased in advance. Availability is excellent during the winter months.

It isn't uncommon to find yourself dining with top country music stars and local media types at the Sunset Grill. This is a high-energy place, perfect for a business dinner or casual lunch. The menu is eclectic and offers interesting food combinations such as smoked salmon and pastas or tunas. Fresh fish and vegetarian plates are part of the daily specials, and the Caesar Salad, topped with sundried tomatoes, is a hit. The wine list is lengthy and offers something for everyone.

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 place of a very upscale elite ambience 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.

The brick and glass exterior is a departure from the historic downtown design, and the art deco lighting highlights the wrought iron and copper fixtures inside. Patrons will enjoy the counter seats surrounding the open kitchen.The menu here is the same classic that has made Merchant's famous in the Nashville area: crab cakes, Five-Pepper Chicken and robust beef entrees. The express lunch is still available and an expanded children's menu has been added.

Glimpse back to antebellum America and the life of the seventh president, Andrew Jackson, by visiting the home he built in 1835. This classic Greek Revival mansion retains original architecture and furnishings. You will view a biographical film and museum exhibits then tour the mansion and grounds, including original 1804 slave cabins, Jackson's tomb, Tulip Grove mansion, Old Hermitage Church, and confederate cemetery. Restaurant and gift shop are also on site. Admission: USD15 adults, USD13 seniors, USD11 ages 13-18, USD7 ages 12-6, free under age 6. Group rates available. Limited handicapped accessibility.