Nashville Travel Guide

Tennessee's state capital Nashville draws millions of country fans every year, serenaded by the Nashville sound of crooning vocals, smooth strings and more pop-leaning sensibilities. Hundreds of famous musicians have made their name in Nashville since 1925 when the legendary Grand Ole Opry went on the air, broadcasting weekly shows touting the talents of up and coming stars. This all began in the downtown Ryman Auditorium where the likes of Dolly Parton and Roy Acuff first strutted their stuff.

Visitors still come today to visit Opryland, the resort that incorporates the new Grand Ole Opry, northeast of the city. Just around the corner is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum while fans flock to the area known as The District, crammed with nightclubs, bars and restaurants where country music reigns supreme.

Beyond the soundwaves, Nashville offers many historic sites such as the old Belle Meade Plantation, a centre of thoroughbred breeding and training, as well as the Tennessee State Museum, filled with exhibits detailing the entire state and area history from millions of years ago to the present day.

Known as the Athens of the South because of its early focus on education, there's also the added attraction of the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original that houses a fine collection of art. For those who want to experience a bit of Tennessee's beautiful country scenery and rich wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is around four hours away.