As sophisticated as any large metro city, Nashville also has a certain small town charm to it. One of the jewels of the South, it is an EXciting place to visit. Regardless of what state of “EX” you might be in, you will find something to do or to see.
For a quick EXit away from the city, J. Percy Priest Lake offers the perfect respite for those in EXile. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, the park not only offers a lake to relax around, but numerous hiking trails as well.
If you are looking for EXile in the city, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art (615-356-8000; www.cheekwood.org) is a great getaway for reflection. Walk the 55-acres filled with different gardens, including a water garden and a color garden. View the unique sculptures on the Carrell Woodland Sculpture Trail. When done with the outside, head inside to the art museum. Centennial Park is home to Nashville’s Parthenon (615-862-8431;www.nashville.gov/parthenon/, the city’s art museum filled with American art. The Park itself is home to free concerts, plays, and other activities.
EXamine all what Nashville has to offer by taking a tour. The city’s Historical Commission (615-862-7970) provides a free brochure/guide titled, City Walk, a perfect companion for a self-guided tour that includes the State Capital and the Tennessee State Museum. For a spook-tacular (excuse the pun) tour, Nashville Ghost Tours (615-256-4247; www.nashvilleghosttours.com), guides take you on the spirit side of Nashville. For a more lively tour, check out NashTrash (800-342-2132;www.nashtrash.com), where two one-of- a-kind ladies take you on a one-of- a –kind adventure, I mean, tour. If you like gossip, this is the tour for you.
EXperience country music at its best; after all they don’t refer to Nashville as the Music City for nothing. Even if you are not a country music fan, you can’t help but be intrigued by its musical heritage. Start your musical tour at the Country Music Hall of Fame (615-416-2001; www.countrymusichalloffame.com). From documentaries to exhibit, this large museum will educate you on everything country music wise.
At Ryman Auditorium (615-889-3060; www.ryman.com), you will learn that its history is about as interesting as the people. Commonly referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music”, Ryman was THE home to the Grand Ole Opry. Today, concerts are still held at the Ryman. Don’t miss your chance to catch a concert or show taping at the Grand Ole Opry (800-733-6770; www.opry.com) – 80 years old and still going strong.
