Already in full swing, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival will be taking throughout May in Arrington-Triune, near Nashville. From May 3-4 to May 24-26, and every weekend in between, travelers will find over 60 artisans and craftsmen displaying their skills and selling the fruits of their labor. Along with the large focus on crafts, visitors will find live music, specialty cuisine and even a few special events to help keep the time lively.

Those that will be planning on visiting the festival for an entire weekend, Vacations Made Easy can help in making your plans as easy as ever. Along with information on the festival, we offer a wide variety of hotel options throughout the Nashville area. Whether you’re in need of something close to the actual event or are looking to retreat to the nearby Murfreesboro area, you can easily sort through our lodging options, find detailed information and securely make reservations.

And if you will be staying in Nashville throughout the entire weekend, why not uncover a little of Nashville’s history as well? With the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour travelers will find an intimate look into the legends and lore of Nashville as you experience numerous historic sites with the company of a knowledgeable guide.

As a Mecca for singers & songwriters, country fashion trends and larger than life collaborations between some of country’s biggest acts, Nashville is the premier destination for country music fans to get away and experience the life of the stars. From actually being in attendance at the historic Grand Ole Opry to visiting country’s past and even the homes of the genre’s current top players, country music fans are sure to find the vacation of a lifetime waiting in Nashville, TN. Below, we’ve compiled a short-list of some of the many activities that are sure to pique the interest of even the casual fan.

Grand Ole Opry

There may not be a more popular concert series in all of American history than the Grand Ole Opry. Beginning with legends including Hank Williams Sr., Minnie Pearl, and Roy Acuff, and continuing right up to legends such as Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Reba McEntire, the Grand Ole Opry has consistently brought an all-star cast of performers to the masses for close to a century. Simply put, if you’re a country music fan visiting Nashville you’ll be hard pressed to not be in attendance during this now legendary concert.

Country Music Hall of Fame

If the Grand Ole Opry can offer a glimpse into the talents of today’s top country acts, then the Country Music Hall of Fame will definitely flesh out the long history that has paved the way for the stars of today. The 40,000-square-foot, three-story museum features a variety of music, pictures, exhibits and memorabilia covering everything from country’s humble beginnings to the booming business it has now become.

Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour

While the Country Music Hall of Fame offers a sweeping glimpse into nearly every nook and cranny of country music history, the Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour can provide an intimate look at the beginnings of the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry was held at the Ryman until 1974, and houses some of the fondest memories of the show’s past. From having your picture taken on the actual stage of the Ryman to exploring the auditorium’s many exhibits and unique memorabilia, this tour is the perfect compliment to actually seeing the Grand Ole Opry while visiting Nashville.

Home of the Stars Tour

For the ultimate look into the lives of country’s top stars, the Home of the Stars Tour offers a connection not typically found between fans and entertainers. You’ll be taken through Nashville and the surrounding area as you view the homes of dozens of the top artists living in the area. From stars of past generations such as Little Jimmy Dickens and Porter Wagoner to Alan Jackson, Kix Brooks, Ronnie Dunn and other current giants of the industry, you’ll see a wide range of opulent homes and mansions as you get a truly backstage look into the lives of your favorite entertainers.

Entering its 37th installment, the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists will be hosting the always popular TACA Spring Craft Fair this May 2 - 4 at Centennial Park in Nashville, TN. Voted as one of the ‘Top 20 Events in the Southeast’ by the Southeast Tourism Society, the TACA Spring Craft Fair routinely offers both a setting for area artists to showcase their wares, as well an exciting event for locals and area visitors to enjoy the creativity and artistry of the area. In total, the 37th TACA Spring Craft Fair is expected to feature 170 exhibitors. Aside from the wide array of crafts found throughout the event, visitors can expect to find an international food court, live entertainment and special demonstrations throughout the TACA Spring Craft Fair for a lively time that can keep the entire family entertained.

Those that will be planning on visiting the TACA Spring Craft Fair for the entire weekend, Vacations Made Easy can help in making your plans as easy as ever. Along with information on the event, we offer a wide variety of hotel options throughout the Nashville area.

Whether you’re in need of something close to the actual event or are looking to retreat to the nearby Murfreesboro area, you can easily sort through our lodging options, find detailed information and securely make reservations.

And if you will be staying in Nashville throughout the entire weekend, why not uncover a little of Nashville’s history as well? With the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour travelers will find an intimate look into the legends and lore of Nashville as you experience numerous historic sites with the company of a knowledgeable guide.

On April 19, the Nashville Zoo will be holding its always popular Zzzoofari Slumber, and as the name implies visitors will have the chance to camp inside the zoo. Throughout the course of the night special activities including twilight tours, hayrides, crafts, animal presentations and various games will be held to ensure that there’s something to keep the crowd busy. Special reservations are required to attend the event, so those interested are advised to look into details as soon as possible.

For those that plan on visiting the Nashville Zoo, but don’t want to take part in the sleep over, there are a wide range of lodging options offered throughout downtown Nashville as well as the Music Valley area. Whether looking to spend the night at a quaint motel or hoping to be indulged with the grandeur of the Gaylord Opryland, there’s a stay to find nearly every traveler in Nashville.

If you’ve ever longed to camp out under the stars, surrounded by family, friends and exotic animals from around the world, then your dream can come true this April in Nashville, TN

On April 19, the Nashville Zoo will be holding its always popular Zzzoofari Slumber, and as the name implies visitors will have the chance to camp inside the zoo. Throughout the course of the night special activities including twilight tours, hayrides, crafts, animal presentations and various games will be held to ensure that there’s something to keep the crowd busy. Of course, special reservations are required to attend the event, so those interested are advised to look into details as soon as possible.

For those that plan on visiting the Nashville Zoo, but don’t want to take part in the sleep over, there are a wide range of lodging options offered throughout downtown Nashville as well as the Music Valley area. Whether looking to spend the night at a quaint motel or hoping to be indulged with the grandeur of the Gaylord Opryland, there’s a stay to find nearly every traveler in Nashville

And if you can’t find time to get to Nashville on such short notice, don’t worry: Zzzoofari Slumber is scheduled to be held a number of times throughout the year, with future dates set for May 24, June 14, and September 6.

Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.

Tuesday, March 11 - Order Tickets

Riders In The Sky
Jimmy Wayne
Connie Smith
The Grascals
Bill Anderson
Joe Diffie
Jimmy Dickens
Craig Morgan

Though it is still a ways off, those planning on visiting Nashville for the 2008 CMA Music Festival would do well to start finalizing their plans before it is too late. Regarded as one of Nashville’s most popular annual events, the CMA Music Festival brings out both country music stars and fans in mass numbers. Last year’s event saw nearly 200,000 people visit over the weekend! This year’s festival is set to be held from June 5 – 8, with a variety of activities including nightly concerts, autograph sessions, BBQ championship, auctions and much more for a varied time of country music entertainment!

As of this posting, the following stars are set to be at the 2008 CMA Music Festival, with many more to follow:

• Rodney Atkins
• Faith Hill
• Alan Jackson
• Jewel
• Miranda Lambert
• Kellie Pickler
• Sugarland
• Taylor Swift
• Josh Turner
• Carrie Underwood
• Dwight Yoakam

If you are visiting Nashville for the CMA Music Festival, then there’s a good chance that you’re a fan of country music. And if so, despite the many great activities taking place throughout the festival, the greatest country music experience is one completely separate from the festivities – the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has long been a staple of quality country music, and is held as one of the most renowned concert series in history. And Nashville travelers will have the chance to experience the Grand Ole Opry three times throughout the festival, once on Friday, June 6 and twice on Saturday, June 7. Of course, with so many country music fans in town during the weekend tickets are sure to go fast!

Don’t miss out on what many consider the country music spectacle of the year. Set your plans to attend the 2008 CMA Music Festival before it is too late!

With a lively downtown area, blossoming sports franchise and ever-busy music industry Nashville is very much alive and well in the present, but for those visiting the area there is also a number of ways to relive Nashville’s interesting past as well. From presidential homes and immaculate plantations to “The Mother Church of Country Music,” there are a number of ways to explore the history of Nashville during your next Tennessee vacation.

Ryman Auditorium

Ever tied to the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium has a special place amongst the hearts of country music fans and Nashville locals alike. And with a tour of the historic building you’ll be able to relive the glory days of country as you stroll past various artifacts belonging to the likes of Hank Williams and Minnie Pearl, and even get a chance to take to the actual Ryman stage!

Belle Meade Plantation

The Belle Meade Plantation offers a taste of gentile plantation life during the mid 19th century. Along your tour of the Belle Meade you’ll experience a wide array of plantation life including the actual antebellum mansion, outbuildings and log cabins. And for those that are horse racing enthusiasts, you’ll also view stables that are linked to the lineage of Secretariat, Seabiscuit, Smarty Jones and other renowned horses.

The Hermitage

The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, offers not only a pristine look at early 19th century architecture, but also at Andrew Jackson himself. From Andrew Jackson the plantation owner to Andrew Jackson the soldier to Andrew Jackson the president, a visit to The Hermitage can offer insight into every facet of the historic man’s life.

Starting this March 28 and running through December 31, 2009, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will be hosting the special exhibit Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy. The special exhibit is set to span 5,000 square feet, and will focus on the lives and music of both Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr. The exhibit will be included with the price of admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and should turn out to be a strong addition to the normal collection of artifacts housed throughout the museum.

Fans of the Williams family will get an inside look into not only the music Hank and his son created, but will also find an interesting look into the oft troubled personal lives of Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr., learning the inspiration behind much of their hit songs.

Even if you’re not a huge fan of country music, Hank Williams has risen above his genre to the status of a national icon, and his story is sure to offer an intriguing time of historical exploration for all Nashville visitors!

And while Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy will be running through December of 2009, it is still a limited exhibit, so be sure to start planning your visit to Nashville before it is too late. Click here to learn more about the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and purchase admission online.

Featuring 40,000 square feet of country music memorabilia, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must visit attraction for all country music fans passing through Nashville, TN. From the amazing architecture of the building itself, which includes numerous symbolic odes to country music’s past, to the unbelievable video clips, recordings and artifacts housed in the museum, every step offers a captivating experience.

However, there is rarely a time when the regular attractions of the Country Music Hall of Fame are the only reasons to stop by. In fact, it’s a regular occurrence to find live performances, special activities and more taking place, offering an electric atmosphere at the official shrine of country music. Below, we’ve highlighted the various special events taking place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum through February to help you decide on your last minute travel plans. And best of all, each event featured is included with admission to museum!

Special Events at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Through February, 2008

Saturday, February 16

• Song Writer Session with Thom Schuyler – 12 p.m.
• Nashville Cats: A Celebration of Music City Session Players with Jerry Kennedy – 2 p.m.
• Autograph Signing with Jerry Kennedy – 3:15 p.m. 

Sunday, February 17

• Banjo Demonstration with Charlie Cushman – 1 p.m.

Saturday, February 23

• Songwriter Session with Rich Fagan – 12 p.m.
• In-Store Performance and Autograph Signing with Nash Street – 12:30 p.m.
• Family Program: Musical Petting Zoo – 1 p.m.
• In-Store Performance and Autograph Signing with Charlie Louvin – 2 p.m.
• In-Store Performance and Autograph Signing with Jim Lauderdale – 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 24

• Steel Guitar Demonstration with Pete Finney and Jon Byrd – 1 p.m.
• Film Screening of Marty Robbins: Super Legend (1986) – 2 p.m.

Thursday, February 28

• Q&A and Book Signing for Random Memories: Don and Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers – 12 p.m.