(cc:  photo credit: j.o.h.n. walker)

Nashville history and landmarks entails more than just country music that goes back to the late 1700s. Although, it’s an important aspect to the city’s culture, and history, one that shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting, there are plenty of other landmarks to give you the full spectrum of downtown Nashville.

Tennessee State Capital houses the governor’s office and the Tennessee State Legislature. The architecture is modeled after Greek revival architecture and took fourteen years to construct, finished in 1859. When visiting the capital building you will see monument statues of Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Alvin York as well as the tomb of James Polk. Touring admission is free during the hours of 9-4, Monday through Friday.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves the history and educates the public of country music. This is their new $37,000,000 building, opened in 2001. The exterior of the building was designed to depict musical instruments. The windows look like piano keys, round discs around the tower look like CDs and records. You’ll see memorabilia, music clips, photos, biographies and more of your old country music favorites. Newest members inducted into the hall of fame are Tom T. Hall, Emmylou Harris, The Statler Brothers and Earnest V. “Pop” Stoneman.

Tennessee Tower (William T. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower), 452 feet and 31 floors, is probably best known for the building that displayed messages through it’s building lights. After a ten year silence, the word “Peace” was lit up at the end of 2007. Formerly, the building was used by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company and then by the National Life Center. Today the Tennessee Tower is populated by 1000 plus governmental employees.

Shelby Street Bridge crosses the Cumberland River. This truss bridge, opened in 1909, but today is one of the longest pedestrian bridge in the world at 3,150 feet. The bridge was admitted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Because of it’s historical landmark status it is often seen in country music videos. The Metropolitan Government of Nashville will rent you the bridge for special occasions.

The Travelers Rest Plantation and Museum was started in 1799 by Judge John Overton. However, it wasn’t completed until 50 years later. Included in the museum are period furniture as well as letters and records of the time. The oldest house in Nashville has special tours and events such as the Magnolia Lunch and Tour, The Last Campaign and special group tours for twelve or more participants.

The Hermitage was Andrew Jackson’s home, but has been open to the public as a museum since 1889. The historical value of the estate is depicted throughout the home that was passed down to Andrew Jackson’s adopted son, Andrew Jackson Jr. and sold to the state of Tennessee when the son became embroiled in business debt. The museum is open through out the year at varying times with reduced hours during the seasonal months of January and February. Allow two hours to enjoy the full tour.

Parthenon, a full scale replica of the Athens Parthenon, was built in 1898. It was constructed as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It’s located just west of downtown Nashville and stands in the center of the Centennial Park, functioning as an art museum with work by 19^th and 20^th century artists. Many temporary exhibits and shows take place at additional gallery space. A 42 foot statue of Athena is the crowning glory of the building as it is in Athens.

Belle Meade Plantation lies just 6 miles west of Nashville. The 1853 Harding-Jackson family mansion sits on a 30 acre historic site. At it’s original size the farm spanned 5,400 acres boasting the title of one of the largest Nashville estates. Many famous race horses can trace their bloodline back to this famous horse farm. Events such as the Nashville Opera, Kentucky Derby Parties, horse races and holiday exhibitions and festivals all hale from Belle Meade Plantation.

Trail of Tears – Tennessee was the area Indians passed through during 1838 due to the Indian Removal Policy of 1825. Although 15,000 Cherokee protested and it went all the way to the Supreme Court with a victory to the Indians, the removal still took place. This is the path the Cherokee were forced to walk all the way to Okalahoma with many dieing along the way.

Grand Ole Opry had it’s humble beginnings as a barn dance in the fifth floor radio station of the American Life and Accident Insurance Company. It featured Dr. Humphrey Bate and his string quartet. As the radio show became more popular, the small studio couldn’t accommodate all the new fans and they moved many times to a larger building each time, finally ending up in it’s present location. Attending a performance at the Grand Ole Opry is a must to put on your schedule when visiting Nashville.

Nashville Public Library (main branch) is nirvana to any book lover. After you get over the wonderful parking garage, you’ll marvel at the beautiful building with marble stacks of books and the great kid’s section, including marionette shoes every Friday and Saturday. There are also great events and classes for all ages including book discussions and Baby and Me classes. Bring a deli lunch and enjoy the courtyard on the second level where you can eat and read. Residents of Nashville have been seen with the bumper sticker on their cars, “A city with a great library is a great city.”

Holly Street Fire Hall or Engine Co. 14 is a beautiful old building dated back to 1917. And, it’s still a full functioning fire stations. It’s a spot no history buff should go without seeing if you’re visiting Nashville. They recently went through an expensive refurbishing that was quite pricy, so it’s better than ever now. It’s in the Register of Historic Places.

Owl’s Hill Nature Center is a 160 acres of “green” sanctuary. The center dedicated to species protection, research, conservation and restoration. Public access is minimal, but well worth getting signed up for one of the tours. There are spring break activities and children’s summer camp which you can register for online where you can also find a virtual visit.

Speaking of landmarks, here’s your online landmark for cheap hotels in Nashville, or anywhere in else the world for that matter.

photo credit: adactio

Jacks Bar-B-Que

You can’t go wrong with Jacks Bar-B-Que. Winner of three gold medals at the 2008 National BBQ Expo, Jacks is a longstanding favorite of the meat eating crowd in Nashville. Two convenient locations, both in historic areas, make it the perfect pit stop on after a day of tourism and entertainment and a highlight before an evening of more melodies. Speaking of pits, Jacks claims that your meal will come directly from “Pit to Plate”. Look for daily specials to include Tennessee pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket, smoked turkey, Texas sausage, St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken and all the other fixin’s that round out a good bar-b-que meal.

Ichiban Japanese Cuisine

Leave the tourist trappings behind and come to Ichiban Japanese Cuisine looking simply for the freshest fish around. This low key sushi bar, situated in the heart of the tourist area, doesn’t look to impress its guests with fancy rolls or frilly knife work, they want their guests to walk out knowing that they had some of the best sushi around and that nothing could be fresher. This is an excellent break from a hectic day for travelers as you’re still right in the middle of all that Nashville has to offer but this could be a low key sushi restaurant anywhere, the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Sole Mio

Sole Mio is one of the most raved about restaurants in this heavily populated city, and not without good cause. The reason Sole Mio is so popular is it hasn’t tried to Americanize its fantastic Italian cuisine. In 1995 the Agnolettis moved their successful restaurant from Northern Italy to Nashville and proved that success comes with good food, no matter where you live. If you love Italian food then the authentic, fresh daily pastas are an absolute must. Wait staff will be happy to help you select the perfect sauce to pair with your pasta and they’ll even throw in a wine suggestion or two. If you’re headed to Sole Mio during the daytime expect the experience to be a bit more casual while the evening dining can be a little more formal and definitely more romantic. Most of the seating is exceptional but if you’re looking to create a mood you may want to ask for fireside accommodations.

Flyte Fine Dining & Wine

New to the restaurant scene in Nashville, Flyte Fine Dining & Wine is making tourists and locals stand up and take notice. Flyte has gone the green route and prides itself on using fresh, organic and humanely raised ingredients, but its not necessarily the ingredients that make Flyte fantastic, but they way they put them together. Luckily, the way Flyte is organized you get to try a large variety of their masterpieces, and don’t forget the wine. If you’re unfamiliar with ordering by the flyte, basically you’re getting a variety of food or drinks in that category so you can sample all the flavors; it’s a great way to sample the menu. Flyte changes their menu regularly and is very aware of diners with special dietary needs (especially vegetarians) and does its best to accommodate them.

12th & Porter
Okay, so what is a trip to Nashville without trying to catch at least a glimpse of a favorite star or an up and comer in their natural habitat. If you’re scene is rock music, then 12th & Porter is an absolute must. The primary focus of this establishment is its rock and roll musicians who breeze in and out for gigs on a regular basis. It sometimes seems as though local talent flies right off the stage and into the big league, but check the calendar to see who’s going to be playing on the night you plan on visiting. In addition to being a total hotspot for wanna-be rockers, 12th & Porter actually serves some of the best food around for the price. If you’re looking to stop by but not in the mood for a show the service will be a bit faster and the atmosphere less loud, but definitely not as exciting.

Mad Platter Restaurant

Maybe the best thing to come out of the Jackson Victory Tour was the pairing of Craig and Marcia Jarvis, where the couple met while catering the tour and by 1989 they expanded their catering business into the Mad Platter Restaurant. Located just on the outskirts of historic Germantown, this locally loved dining establishment puts its food above everything else. Expect the atmosphere and the dining experience to be a little eclectic, from casual to formal and high end cuisine to home cooked comfort food, the Mad Platter covers it all at times, but their focus is clearly on quality and taste. Menus change a little bit daily to suit the chef’s and the ingredients so repeat guests can explore different takes on old favorites at each and every visit.

F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar

It’s Nashville, so it should be all about music, right? F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar does it up just right with the perfect combination of American cuisine in a quaint bistro with the sweet sounds of live jazz in the bar. This restaurant fits the bill for both locals and tourists as it’s comfortably relaxing and fueled by the excitement of jazz alone. The food is perfectly paired with the award winning wine selections and will get your head bobbing to the beat in no time at all. By the way, keep your eyes peeled as many a celebrity or notable VIP has been spotted at F. Scott’s.

These are hot restaurants in Nashville, click here for hot hotel deals in Nashville.

photo credit: somegeekintn

Nashville is a city for sights and sounds and it’s a great place to vacation. If you’re headed to Nashville, Tennessee for a vacation you can expect to take in a lot of glitz and glamour as well as the incredibly beauty that is this part of the country. It’s not a secret that Nashville is the center of the country music industry so why not start your sightseeing with some country music classics.

Grand Ole Opry

To some the Grand Ole Opry is just a radio program focusing on a combination of the most famous country artists around and some of the most hopeful aspiring musicians. But to those who get to visit Nashville, it’s so much more. For more than 75 years this radio program has brought live concerts to country music fans tuned in to the radio across the country. From the stage you can watch as the singer steps into the wooden circle, which came from the original stage at the Ryman Auditorium, the exact same spot where such famous country stars as Patsy Cline and Hank Williams took to the stage. Don’t forget to bring your camera for this performance, in Grand Ole Opry tradition, at the end of the performance you’re allowed to “rush the stage” to get photos of the performers. To add a little more excitement to this experience, because this is a live radio broadcast you are a part of the action and even get to see commercials performed live on stage. Book your tickets in advance to make sure you get in the door as these shows are very popular and only happen on Fridays and Saturdays and some Tuesdays.

Country Music Hall of Fame

More country fun can be had at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the official home of country music since 1967. Situated on the rolling Cumberland River, the Hall of Fame is just a few steps from the historic Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry had its start. The exhibits are more about the fiber of the country as told by those who lived off the land and loved the country rather than about the glitz, glamour, sequins and high hair that country music came to epitomize. The humble roots of country songs bring more meaning to the words, lyrics and ghostly old voices as you listen to the Sing Me Back Home exhibit or as you spend time viewing old video clips and live performances. Even if you’re not a huge lover of the music genre, you’ll have to admit that the pioneers here overcame incredible odds to create a music style that is truly about the American experience.

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

A hotel is not often on the sightseeing checklist but Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is one that deserves a visit and a few photographs. Water is the theme in this hotel which boasts 600,000 square feet of meeting space. A river runs through the hotel with its own Delta flatboat, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and nine acres of indoor gardens. It’s a truly stunning display that is brilliantly decorated for the holidays if your trip happens to coincide with that time of year. In addition, the Opryland Hotel features fine and casual dining for almost every taste as well as some unique shopping opportunities that will net you those much desired souvenirs. The hotel also sponsors some great entertainment on location, so if you’re out to see as many top-notch shows as possible, make sure you check Opryland’s schedule.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art

For a change of pace, let’s move away from country music and glamour and take a deeper look at the beauty of the Nashville region of Tennessee. The Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art always features something worth seeing. Spanning 55 acres, guests are invited to stroll the gardens and experience the botanical wonders that lie within. There are a large number of themed gardens which each offer a different experience and a different feel, but no matter which one you lean toward, there is a sense of peaceful calm and graceful elegance everywhere. If you’ve had enough of the beautiful gardens and the idyllic climate, you can head inside to the art museum, housed in a 30,000 square foot Georgian style mansion. The art museum features permanent exhibits and traveling ones and an extensive collection of silver and Worcester porcelain.

General Jackson Showboat

One of the most popular things for tourists to do in Nashville is take a tour on the General Jackson Showboat, which bills itself as the world’s grandest showboat. Maybe not the world’s grandest, at least not by any official ranking, the General Jackson is a 300 foot paddlewheel riverboat which is one of the largest in the country. There are four decks on the boat and an eye-catching two story Victorian Theater located in the center. On board you’ll obviously be treated to a show, whether you attend an afternoon or an evening cruise. In addition to the show and the sights and sounds of the Cumberland River, you can also schedule a cruise to include a meal which is bound to be one of the highlights of your vacation.

The Parthenon

To see something really unexpected in Nashville, head to The Parthenon. This replica of the Greek Parthenon features a 42-foot statue of Athena, just like the original, making it seem a bit out of time and out of place. But it’s a great addition to the city’s Centennial Park. Inside you’ll also see plaster replicas of the Parthenon marbles and some direct casts of the original sculptures. In addition, the Parthenon serves as the city’s official art museum. The permanent collection is home to 63 paintings by 19^th and 20^th century American artists all donated by James M. Cowan. This Parthenon replica was constructed in 1897 for the Centennial Explosion and through the years has served to become a historic monument of its own right. Admission prices are very reasonable, but check before going as the hours of operation are a little bit limiting.

There is just so much to see and do in Nashville that we’ve only brushed the surface, if you’re stopping for vacation, try to get out and do as much as possible as those memories will leave an indelible mark that will last a lifetime.  When looking for a place to stay, consider staying at a downtown Nashville hotel, which is convenient to the Nashville International Airport, Music Row and Vanderbuilt University.  Hotels Cheap is a great source for all your hotel deals in Nashville.

Jacks Bar-B-Que

You can’t go wrong with Jacks Bar-B-Que. Winner of three gold medals at the 2008 National BBQ Expo, Jacks is a longstanding favorite of the meat eating crowd in Nashville. Two convenient locations, both in historic areas, make it the perfect pit stop on after a day of tourism and entertainment and a highlight before an evening of more melodies. Speaking of pits, Jacks claims that your meal will come directly from “Pit to Plate”. Look for daily specials to include Tennessee pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket, smoked turkey, Texas sausage, St. Louis ribs, smoked chicken and all the other fixin’s that round out a good bar-b-que meal.

Ichiban Japanese Cuisine

Leave the tourist trappings behind and come to Ichiban Japanese Cuisine looking simply for the freshest fish around. This low key sushi bar, situated in the heart of the tourist area, doesn’t look to impress its guests with fancy rolls or frilly knife work, they want their guests to walk out knowing that they had some of the best sushi around and that nothing could be fresher. This is an excellent break from a hectic day for travelers as you’re still right in the middle of all that Nashville has to offer but this could be a low key sushi restaurant anywhere, the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Sole Mio

Sole Mio is one of the most raved about restaurants in this heavily populated city, and not without good cause. The reason Sole Mio is so popular is it hasn’t tried to Americanize its fantastic Italian cuisine. In 1995 the Agnolettis moved their successful restaurant from Northern Italy to Nashville and proved that success comes with good food, no matter where you live. If you love Italian food then the authentic, fresh daily pastas are an absolute must. Wait staff will be happy to help you select the perfect sauce to pair with your pasta and they’ll even throw in a wine suggestion or two. If you’re headed to Sole Mio during the daytime expect the experience to be a bit more casual while the evening dining can be a little more formal and definitely more romantic. Most of the seating is exceptional but if you’re looking to create a mood you may want to ask for fireside accommodations.

Flyte Fine Dining & Wine

New to the restaurant scene in Nashville, Flyte Fine Dining & Wine is making tourists and locals stand up and take notice. Flyte has gone the green route and prides itself on using fresh, organic and humanely raised ingredients, but its not necessarily the ingredients that make Flyte fantastic, but they way they put them together. Luckily, the way Flyte is organized you get to try a large variety of their masterpieces, and don’t forget the wine. If you’re unfamiliar with ordering by the flyte, basically you’re getting a variety of food or drinks in that category so you can sample all the flavors; it’s a great way to sample the menu. Flyte changes their menu regularly and is very aware of diners with special dietary needs (especially vegetarians) and does its best to accommodate them.

12^th & Porter

Okay, so what is a trip to Nashville without trying to catch at least a glimpse of a favorite star or an up and comer in their natural habitat. If you’re scene is rock music, then 12^th & Porter is an absolute must. The primary focus of this establishment is its rock and roll musicians who breeze in and out for gigs on a regular basis. It sometimes seems as though local talent flies right off the stage and into the big league, but check the calendar to see who’s going to be playing on the night you plan on visiting. In addition to being a total hotspot for wanna-be rockers, 12^th & Porter actually serves some of the best food around for the price. If you’re looking to stop by but not in the mood for a show the service will be a bit faster and the atmosphere less loud, but definitely not as exciting.

Mad Platter Restaurant

Maybe the best thing to come out of the Jackson Victory Tour was the pairing of Craig and Marcia Jarvis, where the couple met while catering the tour and by 1989 they expanded their catering business into the Mad Platter Restaurant. Located just on the outskirts of historic Germantown, this locally loved dining establishment puts its food above everything else. Expect the atmosphere and the dining experience to be a little eclectic, from casual to formal and high end cuisine to home cooked comfort food, the Mad Platter covers it all at times, but their focus is clearly on quality and taste. Menus change a little bit daily to suit the chef’s and the ingredients so repeat guests can explore different takes on old favorites at each and every visit.

F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar

It’s Nashville, so it should be all about music, right? F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar does it up just right with the perfect combination of American cuisine in a quaint bistro with the sweet sounds of live jazz in the bar. This restaurant fits the bill for both locals and tourists as it’s comfortably relaxing and fueled by the excitement of jazz alone. The food is perfectly paired with the award winning wine selections and will get your head bobbing to the beat in no time at all. By the way, keep your eyes peeled as many a celebrity or notable VIP has been spotted at F. Scott’s.

Wildhorse Saloon is located in historic downtown Nashville.  They offer a great lineup of entertainers such as the Bellamy Brothers, Gladys Night, Heart, Kenny Loggins and many others.  But, buy your tickets ahead of time.  They go fast, especially for the well known names.  They have room enough to have a private party, but encourage you to schedule it as soon as possible.

Their menu offers smokehouse and southern cuisine as well as chili, salads, sandwiches and burgers.  There is a special menu for concert nights that is diminished from the regular menu.  However, they still offer their famous Wildfire Notchos and BBQ Sammy.

Tootsies (Tootsies Orchard Lounge)  has a long time rumor that Roger Miller wrote “Dang me” there.  Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis, Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline were just a few of the famous customers to grace Tootsies in the early days.  In fact, Willie Nelson got discovered for his first songwriting job after singing at this night spot.  Check out their schedule of great entertainment on the website.

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is located in downtown Nashville.  They are known for the best live blues every night.  They even won the award “Keeping the Blues Alive” for the best blues club.  They offer a full menu featuring traditional Cajun cuisine including Looziana Hurricane Ribs, Gumbo and  Jambalaya.

http://www.cadillacranchnashville.com/

Cadillac Ranch has the best mechanical bull in Nashville.  They offer a huge menu featuring southwestern steaks.  For those warmer nights make your way out to their outdoor patio which overlooks the district center in the marketplace.  If you stay inside, on game night your bound to find your team on one of the 20 flat-screen TVs.

Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar is known as the Nashville “Cheers” bar.  They have featured some of the greatest country music venues in the city.  It’s a good old beer bar where domestic brews are served.  It just feels “down home” to those that call it “my bar” and also to those that come by for a visit.  There’s no cover charge and a nice sunken dance floor.

B. B. King Blues Club does not only offer the best in blues entertainment, but also Motown  and classic rock.  The menu features Cajun “comfort foods.”   They have plenty of space for your private party or event.  Just schedule ahead.  The B. B. King All Stars play regularly bringing back that old time blues sound.  When you stop in have some of B.B.’s fried green tomatoes and the Carolina BBQ salmon.

Mercy Lounge says they are one of the best music venues around.  The are located in the historic Cannery Row off of Eighth Avenue.  The bohemian vibe bar offers retro pinball machines and pool tables for fun.  Downstairs they have the Canary Ballroom for private parties or some of the larger music concerts they put on.  There is a $20 cover charge.  They are open Monday through Saturday and on Sunday for concert events.

http://viragosushi.com/

Virago is known for it’s trendy bar happenings as well as it’s great menu of seafood and sushi.  Their S-shaped bar offers the trendiest martinis in all of Nashville.  But if you’re thinking of just dropping in.  Think again and make reservations.  This is an extremely busy nightlife choice.  Try the Fire Crunch Shrimp, you won’t be sorry.  This is not a romantic location, but a “have the time of your life” fun kind of place.

http://www.thebigbangbarstore.com/

The Big Bang Bar is the one-of-a-kind Nashville dueling piano bar.  In fact, it’s a sing-along dueling piano bar.  You’ve never had so much fun singing and dancing with people you know or total strangers.  You may wonder how you ended up on stage.  If you’re feeling like doing something different tonight, try The Big Bang Bar.

The Muse has a small stage, but everyone has played there at sometime or other.  You’ll find mostly Hard Rock, Punk or Metal at this bar.  If that’s your music venue, then The Muse is the place to be.  Go to their website to check their calendar schedule.  They have some awesome bands coming up.

Elliston Place (Exit/In) offers every kind of music from Punk to Rock to Country.  This is no “new” “fly-by-night” kind of nightclub, they’ve been in Nashville for fifty years and counting.  The locals that call this their bar are just as comfortable as the new couple checking out a place they’ve never been before.  You’ll find performers like The Whole Wheat Bread and Krum Bums and Judge Jared and the Hung Jury.

Best Nightlife in Nashville

Every nightclub and bar in Nashville follows the Grand Ol Oprey.  This is the town for music and you will find it “live” in almost all the bars and nightclubs.  Yes, there is a lot of Country-Western music, but you’ll find every other kind of music here as well.  The night life in Nashville transcends age and station in life.  You’ll find professors next to construction workers, stopping in for a drink after work.  You’ll find aspiring music artists sitting next to actors.  This city is rich with diversity.

Check Hotels Cheap for cheap hotels in Nashville.

(cc: photo credit: Shawn S. Ide)