Nashville: Music City U.S.A.
See trip details for Nashville, Tennessee, one of 30 suggested family trips from National Geographic.
You can’t go to Nashville without touring two of the city’s biggest attractions—the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In the former, learn interesting trivia about some of country’s greatest stars and stand on the same stage they have (and still do) when performing at the Opry. The Country Music Hall of Fame, housed in an impressive contemporary building with a 5,300-square-foot (492-square-meter) rotunda, pays homage to the great singers and songwriters of country music. Listening booths, an interactive computer exhibit that allows you to ask your favorite artist questions, and a display of country music’s most venerated instruments will keep you entertained for hours. To round out your experience of traditional Nashville, book a room at the Union Station Hotel, a beautiful Romanesque building that once served as a railroad station.
While musical attractions may be Nashville’s main draw, there are plenty of other places to check out. Visit the Sudekum Planetarium for a summer laser show or go to an open-house telescope night at Vanderbilt University’s Dyer Observatory. At the Adventure Science Center, learn the science behind music by standing in a giant guitar or walking on a giant piano’s keys. At the Nashville Zoo, take on the giant Jungle Gym playground after paying a visit to the furry inhabitants.
After a long day, cool off with a sweet treat at Las Paletas popsicles. Their popsicles are made from natural ingredients, and they offer a variety of flavors (which change frequently), including rose petal and hibiscus. Later in the evening, visit the planetarium for a telescope viewing or take in a summer laser show at Vanderbilt University’s Dyer Observatory.
Lodging at the Union Station Hotel.
Tickets for telescope viewing, $5 per person; $10 per family. Visit www.dyer.vanderbilt.edu for a schedule and to make a reservation.
Editor's Note: In early May 2010, Nashville's worst flood in over a hundred years destroyed the Grand Ole Opry complex but refurbishment plans began almost immediately. Scheduled concerts are being held in other Nashville venues. Check the website for updates.
Based on articles from National Geographic Traveler and compiled by Stephanie Robichaux
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
Environment
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
History & Culture
- Meet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'iMeet the ruthless king who unified the Kingdom of Hawai'i
- Hawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowersHawaii's Lei Day is about so much more than flowers
- When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?When treasure hunters find artifacts, who gets to keep them?
Science
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?Should you be concerned about bird flu in your milk?
Travel
- On this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futuresOn this Croatian peninsula, traditions are securing locals' futures
- Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?Are Italy's 'problem bears' a danger to travellers?
- How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene
- Paid Content
How to navigate Nantes’ arts and culture scene