Have a Fall Weekend Nashville, Tennessee!

Spend the weekend in Nashville as the weather changes and the leaves turn colors. There’s so much to do in the city, you’re bound to have a great time. From shopping to eating, there are tons of places you must visit. And while you’re at it, book a Nashville hotel and a few other activities to keep your trip fun and memorable.

Although it’s expanded its reach over the years, the live Grand Ole Opry performance continues on in the country music tradition started over 75 years ago. The show is the longest-running live radio show, and is now televised on Country Music Televison and heard worldwide on Sirius Satellite radio. Country music’s hottest stars are known to stop by and surprise the crowd at any given show, making this historic experience as exciting as it is rich in American traditions. You’ve gotta go to the Opry while you’re in Nashville!

The General Jackson Showboat offers Nashville visitors an encompassing time of sightseeing, dining and entertainment, and has long stood as one of the area’s more popular activities on a 300 foot paddlewheel river boat. The General Jackson cruises the beautiful Cumberland River, and with options including a Lunch & Show Cruise, and Evening Dinner & Show Cruise, there’s sure to be a setting to perfectly fit your time in Nashville.

No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This 37 million dollar structure will have you marveling at the two-story display of every gold and platinum record to hit the country charts, and the museum features 40,000 square feet of country music’s history on display, as well as a full-service restaurant and gift shop. The 214-seat Ford Theater is also housed here. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the history and the future of country music first-hand at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Don’t Miss the Fiddlin’ Brewin’ Bar-B-Q’N Cook-off in Nashville!

In Nashville, TN next Wednesday and Thursday (September 28 & 29) the Fiddlin’ Brewin’ Bar-B-Q’N Cook-off will be taking place at Gaylord Opryland. This is the third annual year for this delicious event where some of the best BBQ recipes in the state will go head to head for the Tennessee State Championship. And this year is all the more special because Iron Chef Bobby Flay will be in attendance! Join in with some great food, refreshing beer, and some Nashville country music legends like Cross Canadian Ragweed and Micky & the Motorcars. While you’re at it, check out our outstanding lodging options in the area as well as other activities that are sure to be a must while you’re around.

No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. This 37 million dollar structure will have you marveling at the two-story display of every gold and platinum record to hit the country charts, and the museum features 40,000 square feet of country music’s history on display, as well as a full-service restaurant and gift shop. The 214-seat Ford Theater is also housed here. Don’t miss out on your chance to see the history and the future of country music first-hand.

Welcome to the Nashville Zoo, home to hundreds of animal species, including over 75 species of reptiles, amphibians, insects and birds with keen abilities to hide from predators, leopards, lemurs, meerkats, white-cheeked gibbons and more. The Nashville Zoo, which ranks among the top 10% of American zoos, also features the Jungle Gym, a world-famous playground that can accommodate over 1,000 children. A restaurant and gift shop are also available at the zoo, making it easy and convenient to spend the entire day mixing it up with the animals!

On the six hour Jack Daniels Country Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the secrets behind Jack Daniels’ Tennessee Sipping Whiskey. Learn more about the man who bought the nation’s oldest registered distillery at age 13 and then enjoy free time to explore quaint Lynchburg, Tennessee. Stroll through the unique shops or visit the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum, then travel back to Nashville while viewing working Tennessee Walking Horse farms. Get ready for an entertaining and educational experience.

A Guide to Nashville for Those That Love History!

Some people are all about history with its important leaders, unforgiving battles, and many outdated ways of doing things. If you’re on of these people, then Nashville has some great attractions for you to experience. Just spend a few days in the city and explore the history it has to offer. We’ll get you outstanding Nashville lodging to make your trip as easy and convenient as possible. From the 19^th century to the early 20^th century, this destination is entrenched in a deep history that you can’t refuse to uncover.

The Hermitage – Home of President Andrew Jackson is an intriguing look at a presidential estate. This property was purchased by Andrew Jackson in 1804 and it was here that Jackson and his wife, Rachel, lived in a log cabin and learned how to farm. He eventually built more and more buildings which you can take a look in, and the mansion Jackson built in 1820 is here, too. This self-guided tour is perfect for Civil War buffs.

The Belle Meade Plantation Tour takes you on a journey through a historic plantation complete with a restored 1853 antebellum mansion. This plantation was famous for its racing horses, sold around the world! There are 1890s stables and a carriage house along with an antique carriage collection. Seven other historic buildings accompany a 1790s log cabin. See what a plantation was really like.

Want to go on both tours? Well, here’s the perfect option for you. The Historic Tennessee Tour  includes both the Hermitage and the Bill Meade Plantation so you’ll get to experience both historic sites. This is a must if you want to get all the history you can on your visit.

Celebrate this Fourth of July Weekend at These Explosive Nashville Attractions!

Nashville is one of the most patriotic capitals in America and such is evident by the extravagant activities that have been planned for this year’s Fourth of July Weekend. This upcoming holiday celebration is packed with art crawls, hot chicken festivals, the famous Riverfront fireworks display, and of course the hottest country music acts in the nation. Reserve a hotel for your family this weekend, and pick up tickets for the top attractions concerning Fourth of July Festivities.

Grand Ole Opry

Country music stars will be celebrating their freedom at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend with an explosion of high caliber entertainment. On July 1^st, don’t miss guest performer, Darius Rucker who was 2009’s “Top New Artist.” He will join the stage with Marty Stuart, The Isaacs, The Jane Dear Girls, Ricky Skaggs, and more.

On July 2^nd, momentum does not slow down at the Grand Ole Opry as the music hall continues to bring in Independence Day with a bang. The Saturday night concert will feature songwriter, showman, and Opry member, Steve Wariner. Other acts include Jimmy Wayne, Joe Diffie, and more.

Nashville Zoo

Join your animal friends at the Nashville Zoo for the 2011 Red, White, and Zoo Celebration. This event is included in the price of general zoo admission and will be taking place at “Freedom” Festival Field. From 11:00 am- 4:00 pm on July 3^rd, Red, White, and Zoo will consist of an inflatable obstacle course, a pie eating contest, horse shoes, an endless hotdog buffet, and so much more.

General Jackson Showboat Dinner Cruise

An elegant evening cruise afloat the Cumberland River in Nashville is a great option for your Fourth of July evening. From the comfort of the General Jackson Showboat, you’ll be able to see the Music City: Let Freedom Sing firework display. You can watch one of the grandest firework demonstrations in the country from the serene atmosphere of the river rather than pushing through the mass of 100,000 spectators on the Riverfront.

Make Father’s Day One to Remember in Nashville!

Don’t let another Father’s Day pass without a special getaway for your dad – take him on an excursion to Nashville where he can experience whatever suits his fancy, from country legend concerts to outdoor wildlife exhibits. Nashville is full of surprises, and whether this is your dad’s first or fiftieth visit to Nashville, you can always find something enjoyable for your family. This Tennessee city has attraction that number in the thousands, and your dad can find both outdoor activities like fishing and cruises as well as indoor appeal at performances and sports store shopping. Be sure you make reservations for Father’s Day at your choice of Nashville lodging.

Start Dad out on one of the most popular activities in Nashville, the General Jackson Showboat, which combines a luxury cruise, a live performance and a delicious dinner. This is an unforgettable experience that will take you out on the Cumberland River where you can view the city skyline and watch the skyscrapers as they reflect on the deep blue water below. Choose from either a lunch or dinner menu, and enjoy country classics from some of your favorite artists during the meal. Afterward, you may continue your sightseeing experience out on the deck.

For a tribute to our fallen heroes, take your dad out on the Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin, where he can discover a little bit of history about Tennessee he may not have known. The Battle of Franklin was one of the most deadly conflicts in the station, with more than 9,500 casualties within the first five hours. Your tour guide will answer any questions you or the rest of your family may have as you walk through the cemetery. As a special highlight of the tour, you’ll also see the Carnton Plantation.

Celebrate World-Class Country at Nashville’s CMA Festival!

The CMA Music Festival is an event that country music fans around the nation anticipate every year, and 2011 promises to provide an amazing lineup of country artists from June 9-12.  Catch all your favorites onstage such as Dierks Bentley, Sara Evans, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Josh Turner. The event will kick off at the Grand Ole Opry and provide a performance like no one has ever seen in Nashville. Prepare yourself as one of the most famous country events of all time makes its way to Nashville this summer. You’ll want to make reservations at a nearby hotel like the Gaylord Opryland, so be sure to reserve your Nashville lodging today.

Continue your Nashville entertainment experience with a show at the Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, combining a great meal with special performers such as Jeannie Seel or Tommy Cash. Chow down on chicken, polish sausage, homemade rolls, fresh vegetables and banana pudding. The show lasts approximately 90 minutes and features some of your favorite country songs from both the past and present. You’ll even have a chance to shake the performers’ hands after the show and get their autographs!

If you’d like to see a show at the historic Ryman Auditorium, you can reserve your tickets to the Ryman Bluegrass Nights, providing an amazing variety of smooth bluegrass and country in every song. Clap and sing along as you hear a series of exciting summer tunes from your favorite performers.  The Ryman Auditorium features nothing but the best performers in bluegrass, so you certainly won’t be disappointed! Bluegrass artists like The Grascals and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder have played here before.

Enjoy Local Nashville Artists at Musicians Corner!

Enjoy a lazy Saturday afternoon at Centennial Park in Nashville during Musicians Corner now until July 2.  This free event features live music from local artists, food vendors, kids’ activities and a whole bunch of fun for young and old. Musicians who have performed in the past include Sandra McCracken, Derek Webb, The Wooten Brothers and Go Go Saggio, and almost every musical genre is featured. At Kidsville, parents can bring their little ones to enjoy arts and crafts, games, dance lessons and inflatables. Musicians Corner takes place every Saturday from 3pm to 6pm. Visitors can book Nashville hotel reservations if they’re interested in staying for an extended period of time.

While visiting Nashville, make sure to see the Opry Country Classics show held at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. The show features current and older country legends, each performing a variety of traditional, classic country hits. Larry Gatlin, a member of the Gatlin Brothers, will be hosting the majority of the shows and is sure to provide the audience both interesting information and a good laugh.

Continue your musical tour of Nashville by attending Tribute to the King. Portraying Elvis Presley is award-winning artist John Beardsley who has received critical acclaim for his voice, mannerisms and overall performance. The show features more than 30 of Elvis’ hit songs, including “Suspicious Minds,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “In the Ghetto.” This is one Nashville’s most popular shows,  so make your reservations now!

Experience Merry Old England in Nashville this May!

Travel back to 16th Century England during the Tennessee Renaissance Festival held Saturdays and Sundays  May 7-30 right outside Nashville in Arrington, Tennessee. A jolly good time is to be had as costumed villagers, artisans and musicians entertain festival goers and share their love of all things medieval. More than 60 skilled artisans will be on hand to display everything from silks to swords, and toys to jewelery. There will also be plenty of games and activities for kids to enjoy such as camel rides and The Pirate’s Maze.  Also available with festival admission is a free tour of Castle Gwynn, a replica of a typical 12th century castle, and the centerpiece of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.  If you are planning on visiting this event, be sure to reserve your Nashville lodging.

While in Nashville, make sure to participate in the Belle Meade Plantation Tour, which takes a deep look into the Harding family, the original owners of the mansion. The house was built in 1853 and a tour guide will lead you through the artfully furnished home to the beautifully adorned stables where the ancestors of famous horses such as Seabiscuit and Secretariat were raised. April through October is a special time at the plantation when visitors get to participate in “Living History” demonstrations out at the property’s 1790s log cabin, such as dancing, storytelling and blacksmithing.

For another historical view of Nashville, visit The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. The property, which was purchased by Jackson in 1804, includes the mansion, several outbuildings and the log farmhouse that Jackson and his family lived in during the first two decades of their land ownership. Explore the beautiful garden that Jackson designed for his wife, Rachel, which includes the same flower species she originally planted and also serves as the couples final resting place. Make sure to stop by the gift shop and restaurant which are located in the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center.

Celebrate All Things Tennessee at A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival!

While visiting Nashville, make sure to set aside some time to visit A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival May 14, touted as one of the area’s most anticipated events. Experience a different side of Music City USA by tasting specialty wines made at local vineyards, many of which have garnered regional and international awards. Vendors will also be on hand selling gourmet foods from area restaurants and handcrafted items from local artisans. The event takes place at Nashville Shores and provides festival goers with a great day of live entertainment, free lake cruises and food and wine seminars. Visitors can also book lodging accommodations if they are interested in staying in the area for an extended period of time.

During your vacation in Nashville, take a day to visit the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch via a limousine. You will be picked up at your Nashville hotel and driven in luxury to nearby Hurricane Mills. Take a tour through the Lynn Plantation Home or visit Lynn’s recreated Butcher Holler Home. See all things Loretta Lynn at the impressive Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum and then take a walk down to the Old Grist Mill for a look at Lynn’s doll collection. There is also plenty of opportunities for swimming, canoeing or paddle boating on the property. Don’t miss you chance to visit the Dude Ranch and maybe catch a glimpse of a country music legend!

Spend an evening with another one of country music’s legends at the Always… Patsy Cline show. This amazing show pays tribute to the legendary voice of Patsy Cline, who died in 1963 at the height of her her music career. Featuring a stellar performance by tribute artist Mandy Barnett you will hear many of Cline’s number one hits such as “Your Cheatin Heart,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Walkin After Midnight,” and ”Crazy.” This spectacular show will take you back to the golden age of country music, so make sure and book your tickets now!

Vacation Outdoors with the Bellevue Community Picnic Near Nashville!

Take part in the great 34th Annual Bellevue Community Picnic, starting in Bellevue outside of Nashville on May 21. The event is perfect for adults and children alike as a host of gourmet cuisine, exciting rides and attractions and entertainment will be yours to take part in. The incredible event will feature many vendors for visitors to interact with, offering all kinds of arts and crafts to purchase and take home. About 15,000 people are expected to attend, and to mark the finale of the event, an enormous fireworks display will take place after the sun goes down, lighting up the Tennessee sky! To prepare for this great event and remain close by to other attractions, you can reserve your Nashville lodging.

Experience the open air of Tennessee with other attractions as well, including the Nashville Trolley Tour, which will take you to many of the top landmarks of historic Nashville. View famous architecture like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and the Tennessee State Capitol. In addition, your old fashioned trolley will travel by Historic Second Avenue, Bicentennial Mall and the Parthenon. Look for famous country music stars as well – you may see your favorites walking along Music Row!

If you’d like to walk a little bit yourself, you can do so with the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour, providing you with a realistic, unbiased look at Nashville’s history. Listen to stories that have never been publicized about famous Nashville legends such as Patsy Cline, Elvis, and Johnny Cash. Also, you can find out about your favorite historical war heroes like Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson and Daniel Boone. One of the most glamorous stories your guide will share with you provides the background of a Confederate spy named Fannie Battle, who started the city’s first daycare after returning from the war. To mark the highlight of your trip, you’ll be able to participate in a “Behind the Scenes” look at the Ryman Auditorium!

Next Page »