Get in Touch with Nature in Nashville

Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the Nashville area. In between catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry and exploring the city, take some time to get in touch with nature at these area attractions.

Experience a wildlife oasis in the heart of the city with a visit to the Nashville Zoo. Named one of the top zoos in the country, this zoo is the perfect destination for a day of family fun. This zoo contains traditional animal exhibits like giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers and more as well as exciting rare animals including macaws from South America, a meerkat colony from Africa, and white-cheeked and siamang gibbons. The exhibits house the animals in environments similar to their native homes, making the animals comfortable. The zoo is open year round and has special summer hours lasting until October. A gift shop and restaurant are also available on site.

If you are feeling like roughing it for a day or two, check out Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch. This attraction contains an RV park, paddle boats, a plantation home, and a theater. Visitors can tour the home, and Loretta Lynn fans will love spending time in the Coal Miner’s Daughter museum that contains artifacts, photographs, and more from Lynn’s life and career. After exploring the property, you can stop in at the Rock-a-billy Cafe or snack shop for lunch or dinner, and you can visit the gift and T-shirt shop on site to grab some souvenirs to commemorate your time here. If you time your trip right, Loretta Lynn may even be performing a concert!

If you are ready to experience some thrills in the Tennessee forest, check out the Eco Adventure Canopy Zipline Tour. This excursion provides you a guide who will take you deep into the forest. You will be securely strapped into a harness, and then you are ready to sail across the canopy for a thrilling adventure! You will have the chance to spot a variety of native wildlife, and your tour guide will describe the eco-system around you and the challenges it faces. This activity is fun for both the young and old and is sure to be a memorable part of your vacation!

History, Jazz, and Food: Nashville Summer Festivals

Whether looking for a fun activity for Father’s Day weekend or needing something to fill up your June calendar, look to Nashville for entertaining events that make the perfect excuse for a summer weekend getaway. From historical festivals to a taste of Nashville, these events may be exactly what you are looking for.

Need plans for Father’s Day weekend? June 20 is the day of Nashville’s biggest food and wine festival: the Taste of Music City. The South is known for its fantastic cuisine, and this festival is the perfect way to indulge and taste a variety of treats. Whether you are a barbecue lover or want to sample some great beers and wines, this festival is the perfect event for you. With restaurants from all over Nashville participating, you will be overwhelmed with the options. Stay in town Saturday night and then enjoy Sunday exploring the city, and maybe visiting some of the restaurants you sampled.

Music lovers and history buffs will enjoy the Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival, also taking place this weekend on June 19 and 20. Jefferson Street is a historic Nashville landmark, and it was the home of Nashville’s jazz and blues music industry from the 1940s through the 1960s. This event features a variety of local talent and jazz musicians and also has many vendors. Jefferson Street has been undergoing revitalization and offers many stores and restaurants to complete the experience. Book lodging nearby to make sure you are close to the action and great jazz music.

For those looking for the historical side of Nashville, the 19th Century Trade Days Festival on June 27 to 29 is the perfect event. This festival takes place at the Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum, which is a 19th century plantation. You will be beckoned back to the antebellum days of Tennessee at this unique festival, which features over 30 craftsmen and artisans that will be providing demonstrations on 19th century living like broom making, candle dipping, and spinning. This event is great for families who want an education experience or visitors who just want to escape the stress of the 21st century.

Take Advantage of Unique Nashville Tours

For your next vacation, explore the unique tour options in Nashville, TN. Home to a rich history, Nashville offers much more than the Grand Ole Opry. These one-of-a-kind tours offer a special view of the history and culture of Nashville. 

Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour

This walking tour will take you beyond the shiny cover of Nashville history, giving you the information that does not make it into the history books. You will get a behind-the-scenes view of the Ryman Auditorium with unpublished tales of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. You will also hear the tales of Confederate spies, former presidents, and Nashville ghost stories. This tour is sure to provide a riveting look into the salacious history of Nashville, making for a memorable Nashville visit.

Nashville Music City Duck Tours

Explore Nashville on an amphibious World War II Era vehicle that takes you down the streets of Nashville to see sights including the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies, and the Cumberland River. A knowledgeable tour guide will keep you entertained and informed as you learn about the various Nashville landmarks. This tour is great for families or any travelers looking to enhance their visit to Nashville with this city tour in a one-of-a-kind Duck.

Nashville Nights Tour

Nashville is beautiful by day, but it becomes a different city by night. Explore Nashville nightlife on this evening tour. You will see landmarks including the Ryman Auditorium, the Tennessee State Capitol, and Historic Second Avenue, but the tour also features time on Honky Tonk Row. Whether you decide to live it up dancing in the Wildhorse Saloon or venture out to find a rocking concert, you will be sure to have a good time experiencing Nashville nightlife. This tour combines the best of Nashville sightseeing as well as a unique look at Nashville nightlife, making it a special tour you will be unlikely to forget.

Join the Excitement at the CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair

If you are a country music fan, you will not want to be left out of country music’s biggest fan event: the CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair, taking place in Nashville June 11-14. Start planning now to join thousands of fans convening at Nashville’s LP field for a weekend full of music, excitement, and fun.

With nightly concerts at LP Field headlined by some of country music’s biggest names and daily concerts at the Riverfront Park stages, this event is packed with great country music. When you are not at a concert, get autographs, tour exhibits, and participate in games and activities at the Nashville Convention Center.

Artists scheduled to perform include a variety of well-known names:

Reba McEntire
Trace Adkins
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift

If you desire the complete Fan Fair experience, look into the Fan Fair CMA Music Festival Vacation Package. With four nights lodging, tickets to all of the concerts and autographs sessions, transportation to and from events, and coupon discounts for area activities and dining options, you will not have to worry about missing any of the exciting events of the weekend. For your stay, you can choose from a variety of area hotels, including the Gaylord Opryland.

Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers February 13 & 14, 2009

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.

Friday 2/13 Grand Ole Opry House

Michael W Smith

Terri Clark

Bob Nelson

Jason Crabb

Riders In The Sky

Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press

Saturday 2/14 Ryman Auditorium

Darryl Worley

Kathy Mattea

Ray Stevens

Restless Heart

Connie Smith

The Whites

George Hamilton IV

Museums, Zoos and Historical Attractions to Enjoy In Nashville

Nashville is famous for its country music attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry House and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, but the city also has many other star attractions including a quality zoo and The Hermitage, once President Andrew Jackson’s personal estate. So the next time you come to visit Nashville, in addition to the Grand Ole Opry, come visit the zoo, a museum or historical site as well by paying a visit to one or more of these great vacation ideas!

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
 
A trip to Nashville would not be complete without a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where you can pay tribute to the performers that built Nashville. The building stretches across an entire block and includes a wall of honor that features every gold and platinum record to make it on the country music charts. During 2009, you can see a special tribute to Hank Williams and Hank Williams Jr. at the Family Traditions: The Williams Family Legacy exhibit. In addition, enjoy rare memorabilia and a unique gift shop where you can buy a variety of country music paraphernalia.

The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson

Tour the home of former President Andrew Jackson at The Hermitage. This remarkable estate includes a mansion, a log farmhouse and numerous other buildings. View the garden Andrew Jackson designed for his wife, the stables where he housed horses, and the Tulip Grove Mansion he made home.

Nashville Zoo
 
For family fun, do not overlook the Nashville Zoo. Let your children explore the expansive Jungle Gym playground, which can accommodate 1000 children. Then check out feature exhibits like ‘The Meerkat Exhibit,’ which houses a family of meerkats, and ‘The Unseen World,’ which features 75 species of birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians that have special camouflage abilities. Each exhibit tries to display the animals in the most natural surroundings possible, making the Nashville Zoo an exceptional zoological experience.

Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers For February 6 & 7, 2009

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.

Friday February 6 - Order Tickets

Lorrie Morgan
Jim Ed Brown
Jeannie Seely
The Whites
Pam Tillis
Jimmy C. Newman
Jack Greene
Riders In The Sky
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
Oak Ridge Boys
John Conlee
Jean Shepard
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Montgomery Gentry

Saturday February 7 - Order Tickets

Mike Snider
Connie Smith
The Lost Trailers
Riders In The Sky
Jim Ed Brown
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Aaron Tippin
Pam Tillis
Jean Shepard
Mark Wills
Opry Square Dancers
Bill Anderson
Jan Howard
The Whites
Heidi Newfield

Last Minute Holiday Vacation Ideas in Nashville, TN

The holidays may be quickly approaching, but there’s still time to plan a last-minute Christmas or New Year’s vacation in Nashville complete with the popular activity options that permeate the Country Music Capital each winter season. From the world-famous Rockettes to an intimate dinner experience with Louise Mandrell, you’ll find a variety of special events, though you’ll definitely want to act now as these performances are only offered through the next couple weeks, and are filling up fast!

Louise Mandrell’s “Joy to the World” Christmas Dinner & Show – Running Through December 24

Take part in an authentic family celebration of the holidays as Louise Mandrell hosts a Christmas dinner coupled with a performance from the country music legend herself. The event will bed hosted by Louise’s nephew, Mathew Dundey, as the night presents fine dining, Christmas classics performed live, and the general charm and stage presence of Louise Mandrell. Whether a fan of Louise’s countless hits or simply looking for an activity focused on the season, Louise Mandrell’s “Joy to the World” Christmas Dinner & Show is not to be missed while in Nashville, TN.

Radio City Rockettes – Running Through December 27

Synonymous with Christmas, the Radio City Rockettes are making a special appearance in Nashville, TN to bring a piece of Americana to the heartland. Held at the Grand Ole Opry House, the Radio City Rockettes offer a high-energy show complete with intricate dance routines, stunning costumes and the general cheer of the season! From “12 Days of Christmas” to a living nativity scene, experience a wide breadth of holiday motifs for an experience that is sure to highlight your holiday vacation to Nashville, TN.

Christmas Lights Tour of Nashville – Running Through December 30

With the Christmas Lights Tour of Nashville you’ll find a spirited look at the holiday cheer that permeates Nashville throughout the holiday season as you are led the many neighborhoods and past the estates routinely known for brightening the Nashville area during the holidays. From George Jones’ always over-the-top display at Nestledown Farms to the houses of the lesser known residents of Nashville, you’ll gain an up close look at a truly country Christmas with the Christmas Lights Tour of Nashville.

Ice! at Gaylord’s Opryland Nashville – Running Through January 4

Even if you can’t find time to travel until after the New Year, you can still take in the Christmas celebrations of Nashville with Ice! at Gaylord’s Opryland. This unique ice sculpture experience will take you through the magical world of Dr. Seuss as you journey through a wonderland of ice sculptures, some reaching more than 25 feet in length. And with a run date through January 4, you can hold on to the cheer of the holidays for that much longer.

Must-Experience Attractions in Nashville, TN

From the illustrious history and larger than life talent showcased at the Grand Ole Opry to the charming, natural beauty that permeates the Tennessee countryside, the city of Nashville can offer an upbeat vacation experience with great entertainment in a big city setting anchored by its outlying countryside. And those looking to escape on vacation will find not only an inviting setting, but a variety of activities ranging from cruising the Cumberland River to experiencing some of the biggest names in country music live on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry! Whether looking to quickly take off on a relaxing weekend vacation or trying to find just the right location for your extended spring getaway, Nashville is always alive with entertainment and is waiting for you!

Grand Ole Opry

This winter is shaping up to be an exciting time for the Grand Ole Opry, with a healthy mixture of country legends and contemporary chart toppers gracing the famed stage, as well as new faces appearing in the Opry mix. This season has already seen everyone from the likes of legends such as Patty Loveless and the Charlie Daniels’ Band, as well as a special guest appearance by Darius Rucker from Hootie and the Blowfish. Of course, every night at the Opry is memorable with a healthy mix of classic country crooners, including Jimmy Dickens and Mel Tillis, and contemporary stars such as Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Martina McBride making routine appearances.

General Jackson Showboat

Another extremely popular activity in Nashville is the General Jackson. An authentic paddlewheel riverboat, the General Jackson offers a number of cruise options along the Cumberland River for a unique time of entertainment and sightseeing. Simple sightseeing cruises can offer breathtaking views of the sights of the city, including Riverfront Park, LP Field (formerly The Coliseum) and the Shelby Street Bridge, as well as country settings, including the abandoned Coffer Dam.

And for those looking for more than sightseeing, the General Jackson offers both lunch and dinner cruises complete with live entertainment! Along the lunch and dinner cruises you’ll still have the chance to take in sightseeing from the four decks of the General Jackson, while also being treated to a delectable multi-course meal while enjoying shows ranging from the Broadway-inspired Sing! to the thrilling Peking Acrobats.

Relive the Classics in Nashville, TN

From the star-studded stage of the Opry to streets of Honky Tonk Row, Nashville, TN has long been a hot bed for seeing up and coming musical acts as well as the “next big name” in country music. However, amidst the constant change of artists and sounds visitors can still experience the sounds of many of the legends that helped to make Nashville what it is today. From live shows to sightseeing tours, read on to unearth a few different activity ideas that will help bring Nashville’s past to the forefront of your vacation.

Opry Country Classics

Opry Country Classics will be brand new to the Grand Ole Opry House in 2009, reliving the sounds of some of the Opry’s most beloved members. Throughout the performance, a variety of bonafide country legends, as well as some of today’s hottest stars, will take to the stage to share their renditions of some of their favorite country classics. Not only is this a must see performance for true fans of country music, but with some of country’s biggest songs being performed on a nightly basis Opry Country Classics also appeals to the casual country listener. Start planning your 2009 visit to Nashville, TN with tickets to Opry Country Classics at the Grand Ole Opry House!

Always Patsy Cline! at the Ryman Auditorium

Those that would like to focus their trip down memory lane upon one performer in particular will absolutely love this touching tribute to one of the all-time leading ladies of country music. Throughout Always Patsy Cline!, you’ll experience a total of twenty-seven of Patsy’s most beloved songs performed through immaculate impersonation. From “Crazy” to “Sweet Dreams,” the sounds of Patsy are waiting with Always Patsy Cline!

Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tours

As the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the Ryman Auditorium is steeped with the history of country music. Along the self-guided tour of the Ryman you’ll have the chance to explore memorabilia from legends such as Minnie Pearl and Hank Williams, wander through the performance hall, and even visit the balcony and browse the many photos and other artifacts housed within the Ryman. And for those that would like the complete experience can take the Backstage Guided Tour and visit many of the dressing rooms of the Ryman.

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