Top 10 Things to Do or See in Nashville
Whether you’re a Music City native, visiting town as part of Sweet Magnolia’s Nashville Vacation Package, or you’re planning a special Christmas vacation to our fine city, there’s plenty to see and do in Nashville, TN! From musical highlights to fine art, Nashville is It City.
#1: Ryman Auditorium
It’s for a very good reason that the Ryman is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” The warm, clear acoustics in the venerable auditorium are nothing short of holy. From its tent-revival roots to the Grand Ole Opry, to today’s roster of A-list musicians, the Ryman is a must-see stop on your Nashville tour. Self-guided and guided backstage tours are available. Take a moment to enjoy the spotlight on center stage.
#2: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
We’re going to front-load this list with the best of Country Music because we are talking about Nashville here, y’all! Chartered in 1964, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s world-class collection of country artifacts is unparalleled. Current exhibits include the stunning Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats display and the timely Loretta Lynn: Blue Kentucky Girl collection.
#3: Grand Ole Opry
From 1943 to 1974, the Grand Ole Opry called the Ryman home. Since then, however, the Opry has made a grand 4,000-seat Opry House its stage. To this day, country music artists consider induction into the Opry a crowning achievement. Past members include Ernest Tubbs, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and hundreds of other legends. Today, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban are all proud members.
Sweet Magnolia Tours offers a spectacular Christmas Vacation Package that includes three nights in the luxurious Opryland Hotel, full hotel breakfast, tickets to ICE! Featuring a Charlie Brown Christmas, tickets a Delta Flatboat ride, the General Jackson Holiday Lunch Cruise, a Country Christmas Dinner Show, and reserved seats in the Opry House for a Live Holiday Musical Production.
#4: The Johnny Cash Museum
This sweet little museum is full of artifacts, memorabilia, correspondence, and clips chronicling the life and achievements of The Man in Black. Officially sanctioned by members of the Carter family, The Johnny Cash Museum has an amazing collection of personal item. Follow Cash’s journey through the ages and be sure to pack a tissue and the powerful final display packs an emotional wallop. While you’re in the building take a trip upstairs and pay a visit to the newly-opened Patsy Cline Museum on the second floor.
#5: The Hermitage
Almost every aspect of Andrew Jackson’s life happened at The Hermitage, serving as his office, gathering hall, and place for entertainment. This historical building holds information about his childhood, family, and the lifestyle before and after he became president. While visiting you can tour the home, gardens, and his tomb with a guided tour!
#6: Historic RCA Studio B
Its doors opened in 1957, at the height of fins and poodle skirts, but it became the heart of the Nashville Sound in the swingin’ 60s. Elvis logged hundreds of hours and recorded dozens of chart-topping hits in the small studio. The likes of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jenning, and Dolly Parton have also graced the Historic RCA Studio B. Be sure to take a seat and tickle the same ivories that Elvis made such sweet sounds on.
#7: Madam Tussauds
This is THE destination point for all music lovers! At Madam Tussauds in Nashville, you will find top charting music stars such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift. Step back in time to when country music legends were made by making an appearance on the Opry Stage. You can also visit the recording studio, visit backstage, and pop into the iconic Bluebird Cafe
#8: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art
If botanical gardens are more your song than the twang of steel guitars, be sure to make time to head out to the beautifully maintained 55-acre Cheekwood Estate. Built in 1929, the country estate has world-class gardens and stunning year-round exhibits and special events.
#9: The Patsy Cline Museum
Nashville has hosted some of the most legendary country music stars, and Patsy Cline made an incredible mark on the industry! Visiting the museum you will get to see personal belongings, artifacts, and see never before videos of the songstress!
#10: Belle Meade Plantation
Located near the Natchez Trace, the Belle Meade Plantation and its grounds have witnessed hundreds of years of human history. Established in 1806 after John Harding purchased two hundred acres of land, the Belle Meade Plantation became a symbolic and aristocratic destination with guests that included: President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland, Robert Todd Lincoln, General U.S. Grant, General William T. Sherman, General Winfield Scott Hancock, and Adlai E. Stevenson.
Ready to book that trip to Nashville? We’re ready to help! Contact Sweet Magnolia Tours.
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