Those looking for a fun way to find unique Christmas gifts in a festive environment will love the annual Christmas Village held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Running from November 14th through November 16th, this year’s gathering will see over 260 merchants offering a wide range of unique, and often times hand-made, items including toys, jewelry, art, clothing, food, home decor and general gift ideas. And whether you’re looking to stock up on all of your holiday shopping or are merely hoping to peruse the wares of the Christmas Village, you’re sure to find a wide variety of interesting and great gift ideas amidst a thoroughly festive setting.

If you’re hoping to take in a little Nashville culture while visiting for the Christmas Village, you’ll be hard pressed to find an activity more indicative of the area than the Grand Ole Opry. Featuring a wide variety of country legends and today’s hottest country pop stars, the Opry carries on the legacy of Nashville’s first performers by bringing extremely talented, down home music to the masses. From Trace Adkins to Trisha Yearwood, and encompassing an all-star list of artists in between, the Grand Ole Opry is sure to offer a lively, talented country music performance every night.

Those looking for a fun way to find unique Christmas gifts in a festive environment will love the annual Christmas Village held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Running from November 14th through November 16th, this year’s gathering will see over 260 merchants offering a wide range of unique, and often times hand-made, items including toys, jewelry, art, clothing, food, home décor and general gift ideas. And whether you’re looking to stock up on all of your holiday shopping or are merely hoping to peruse the wares of the Christmas Village, you’re sure to find a wide variety of interesting and great gift ideas amidst a thoroughly festive setting.

If you’re hoping to take in a little Nashville culture while visiting for the Christmas Village, you’ll be hard pressed to find an activity more indicative of the area than the Grand Ole Opry. Featuring a wide variety of country legends and today’s hottest country pop stars, the Opry carries on the legacy of Nashville’s first performers by bringing extremely talented, down home music to the masses. From Trace Adkins to Trisha Yearwood, and encompassing an all-star list of artists in between, the Grand Ole Opry is sure to offer a lively, talented country music performance every night

The city of Nashville is a hot bed for culturally historic and important events and happenings that can offer both wonder and immersion for travelers that know where to look. From exploring the general history of the city to its ties to events such as the Civil War and cultural marks such as country music, there’s a story for nearly ever visitor just waiting to be told throughout the area.

Historic Tennessee Tour

The Historic Tennessee Tour offers Nashville visitors a comprehensive look into the culture of Tennessee during the 19th century. Along the tour you’ll travel by luxury motor coach to a variety of interesting and influential sites including Belle Meade Plantation and The Hermitage - Home of Andrew Jackson. These two plantation-style mansions will conjure visions of gentile southern life, and offer an extraordinary link to our nation’s past.

Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour

With the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour you’ll learn about both the city and the music scene it spawned as you actually walk the same steps taken by many of the individuals featured in the tales you’ll hear. From diving into the history of such illustrious names as Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett to walking the same path the old Opry members would use to sneak past crowds on their way to the honky tonks, you’ll discover not only the history of Nashville with this unique tour, but the city itself.

Homes of the Stars Tour

The Homes of the Stars Tour offers the ultimate look into the lives of country’s top stars. 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.

Civil War Tour

Some of both the bloodiest and most defining moments of the Civil War took place in and around Nashville, TN, and with the Civil War Tour you’ll travel through time to explore the interesting anecdotes and tragic realities that this war has left in its wake. The Battle of Franklin, Carnton Plantation, Carter House and other important sites and battles will be explored throughout the tour as you explore not only how the Civil War affected our nation, but the heart of Nashville

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

As the birthplace of 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.

Nashville’s Fiddlin’, Brewin’, Bar-B-Q’N Cook-Off, set for September 28 & 29, is quickly approaching, and the event has certainly shaped up to be a huge success. It has been announced that Chef Bobby Flay, popular from such television shows as Iron Chef, Hot Off the Grill, Boy Meets Grill and BBQ with Bobby Flay, will take part in the festivities. In addition to his many television appearances, Bobby Flay has also penned several books chronicling his distinct style of grilling.

Aside from the presence of Bobby Flay, there is set to be an actual cook-off competition with $30,000 in cash prizes, with the grand prize winner receiving $13,000 and four VIP tickets to the Grand Ole Opry. The festival will also feature performances by Cross Canadian Ragweed, and Mickey and the Motorcars. The events for the Fiddlin’, Brewin’, Bar-B-Q’N Cook-Off will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort on both September 28 and 29.

Of course, a visit to Nashville just isn’t complete without a stop at the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has long been not only a benchmark in Nashville area music, but country music around the world. In fact, many would argue that the Grand Ole Opry stands for all that country is. From long standing legends including Reba McEntire to current pop stars such as Dierks Bentley, the Opry members are a varied bunch with the common denominator being that they’re all quality country musicians. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, the Opry is an outright experience that must be taken in when you visit the Country Music Capital of the World.

Whether planning a full vacation complete with a visit to the Grand Ole Opry and other great Nashville attractions or simply passing through the Country Music Capital of the World for just one day, the Fiddlin’, Brewin’, Bar-B-Q’N Cook-Off is a great time to visit Nashville, TN.

This September 5 through 14 the Tennessee State Fair will once again be returning Tennessee State Fairgrounds with an exciting line-up of live shows, thrill rides, shopping and competitions. The fair will be open every day during its duration, and is set to open at 10 a.m. daily, except for September 7 when the fair is set to open at 3 p.m. Events of particular interest for this year’s fair include the always popular Tennessee State Fair Flea Market, Tigers of India exhibit, Jungle High Dive Show and the Toyota Trucks Off-Road On-Site Adventure. Whether looking for a quick day of entertainment or hoping to take in all the fair has to offer, the Tennessee State Fair is a great reason to visit Nashville this September.

Of course, even if you sole reason for visiting Nashville will be to attend the Tennessee State Fair, you can’t pass up the chance to experience the legendary Grand Ole Opry concert series live. Known world wide for its long standing tradition of featuring only the biggest names in Country and keeping true to the tradition of the genre, the Grand Ole Opry is considered by many to be the main draw in all of Tennessee. Trace Adkins, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Lorrie Morgan and Trisha Yearwood is just a small sample of the star power that belongs to the Grand Ole Opry, and you never know when you’ll see these top-notch acts take the stage! From the raucous Hank Williams to fan-friendly Dierks Bentley, the Grand Ole Opry has been showcasing only the best in country music for over 80 years, and continues to be the hottest ticket in Nashville!

Those looking to completely flesh out their visit to Nashville will also want to look into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As a definitive who’s who of country music, this 40,000 square foot museum is a veritable timeline of country music. Numerous exhibits cover the full range of country with a variety of memorabilia, audio and visual and interactive experiences all ready to immerse you in both the standing power of this decidedly American creation and the subtle changes the genre has taken over the years. Whether you’re an avid country fan or even think you detest the genre, you’re bound to find something of interest waiting in the hallowed halls of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Music City Jazz, Blues & Heritage Festival is once again returning to Nashville’s Riverfront Park for another Labor Day weekend celebration of diversity, cultural unification and great music! Now in its fifth year, the Music City Jazz, Blues & Heritage Festival (also referred to as Music City J.A.M.) features a wide variety of musical styles ranging from the area sounds of blues and gospel to the world sounds of reggae, progressive sounds of funk and improvisational techniques of jazz. The concert series is set to be held on Saturday, September 1 from noon to 6:30 pm, and Sunday, September 2 from 1 pm to 9 pm.

Another great concert option that will definitely show of the culture and heritage of Nashville is the Grand Ole Opry. Ever since its inception in 1925 the Grand Ole Opry has displayed authentic country talent that has now grown into a worldwide phenomenon. On any night stars such as Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson or Martina McBride may show up to wow the crowd, as well as true legends of the genre including Porter Wagoner, Jimmy Dickens and Emmylou Harris. If you’re looking to explore the complete musical spectrum of Nashville, then taking in the Grand Ole Opry along with the Music City Jazz, Blues & Heritage Festival is definitely the way to go.

And for a complete understanding of not only Nashville’s cultural and musical heritage, but the city structure as well, there is the Discover Nashville Tour. Along this encompassing journey you’ll be taken through the city by a knowledgeable guide as you explore historical sights including the Tennessee State Capitol, The Parthenon, Music Row, Bicentennial Mall, Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. With the Discover Nashville Tour you won’t just see the sights of Nashville, but gain a better understanding of Nashville itself

Billed as the ‘Country Music Capital of the World’, Nashville has an illustrious history with the music of the heartland dating back to the glory days of Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff and the Grand Ole Opry. And while the Opry and country music certainly aren’t dead, there’s still something to be said for visiting the past and the many grand memories it contains of a forgotten era in country music. From walking the same streets that the past legends have to standing on the exact same stage where they found their fame, Nashville is a haven offering a wide variety of memorable experiences to country music fans looking to explore the genres history.

Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour

With the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour you’ll learn about both the city and the music scene it spawned as you actually walk the same steps taken by many of the individuals featured in the tales you’ll hear. From diving into the history of such illustrious names as Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett to walking the same path the old Opry members would use to sneak past crowds on their way to the honky tonks, you’ll discover not only the history of Nashville with this unique tour, but the city itself.

Ryman Auditorium Self-Guided Tour

The Ryman is where the Grand Ole Opry originally made its home, and where you’ll find what should be the thrill of a lifetime for any country music fan. Not only will you walk through the hallowed halls of the theater and experience a wealth of memorabilia, though the highlight of the tour will undoubtedly be the chance to be photographed posing on the Ryman stage itself.

Homes of the Stars Tour

Along the Homes of the Stars Tour you’ll pass by the past and present homes of over 20 of country’s top past and present performers for a glimpse into the actual lives of your favorite stars. Alan Jackson, Vince Gill and Martina McBride help to round out the current acts, while legends such as Little Jimmy Dickens, Porter Wagoner, Hank Williams and George Jones turn this tour into a truly nostalgic experience.

Though it passes every year without much recognition, July is American Beer Month; and in Nashville that means celebrating with the Annual Music City Brewers Festival. July 26, 35 American breweries will converge in Nashville to showcase yet again that America is just as apt at producing quality lagers, ales and wheat beers as any other country. From national corporations such as Coors to smaller operations including the likes of Olde Towne Brewing Company and Thomas Creek Brewery, you’re sure to find a wide selection of offerings all in top condition. Aside from the focal point of beer, visitors will also find live musical performances, dining options and more.

Travelers visiting Nashville for the Annual Music City Brewers Festival may also be interested in taking a short day trip to Lynchburg, TN with the Jack Daniels Country Tour. Along this informative journey you’ll visit the renowned Jack Daniels distillery, and learn about the history of this truly American tradition. And what history there is! For over two centuries the distillery has been producing quality mash whiskey. Along the tour you’ll explore the actual process of how whiskey is made, as well as visit what was once Jack’s actual office.

Of course, a visit to Nashville just isn’t complete without a stop at the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry has long been not only a benchmark in Nashville area music, but country music around the world. In fact, many would argue that the Grand Ole Opry stands for all that country is. From long standing legends including  to current pop stars such as Dierks Bentley, the Opry members are a varied bunch with the common denominator being that they’re all quality country musicians. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, the Opry is an outright experience that must be taken in when you visit the Country Music Capital of the World.

Don’t limit your 4th of July celebration to a few snakes and sparklers this year! Instead, celebrate with live music, southern cuisine and one of the more impressive fireworks displays in the nation with the Music City Independence Day Concert. Each year, Nashville goes all out in celebrating our nation’s independence, and it certainly shows as crowds reaching upwards of 100,000 routinely show up for the festivities. This year’s event will be held at Riverfront Park and is set to include music from The WannaBeatles, Barry Scott, Phil Vassar, and many more. Of course, the highlight of the evening is undoubtedly to be the always impressive fireworks display that is set to be accompanied by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

If you’ll be turning your visit into a full-blown vacation, you may also want to look into possibly visiting the Grand Ole Opry. Since its humble beginnings in 1927, the Opry has been the singular showcase for country music talent in the United States. From its golden years with Minnie Pearl, Hank Williams and the rest to its continued success with artists such as Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley, the Grand Ole Opry is, simply put, country music. Whether you’re a country music fanatic or can’t even place the name Garth Brooks, the Grand Ole Opry is an immersive experience that not only represents country music, but Nashville as a whole.