Cool Stuff to do!
Whether you're just visiting or getting ready to settle in to your new home, you'll quickly
find that Nashville is an exciting place to be! Nashville is one of the nation's oldest cities,
with live music, great museums, fun family activities and plenty of new stuff to keep you
busy.
Get started by exploring some of Nashville's top attractions, listed below:
The Belcourt
For over 75 years, the non-profit Belcourt Theatre has provided a space for film, music,
events and all the best in the performing arts. It's located in the heart of Nashville's
Hillsboro Village.
Cheekwood's Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
There's so much to experience at this historical site and art center. The Botanical
Garden features pools, fountains, breathtaking views and a wide variety of traditional
and novelty gardens. Its 55 acres are enjoyed by over 140,000 visitors each year. You
won't want to miss it, especially if you're planning to visit in the spring.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Home to America's country music since 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame is
operated by the non-profit Country Music Foundation, which strives to preserve the
history and tradition of country music. Both a local history museum and an international
arts organization, there's lots to do here. In 2001, the site added a new $37 million dollar
building, which has quickly become one of Nashville's landmarks. The Country Music
Hall of Fame is also conveniently located nearby Ryman Auditorium and the
Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts opened in April of 2001. It's now an important part of
Nashville's art scene and a popular destination for art lovers in the Southeast. New
exhibitions are featured every six to eight weeks. From the impressive Art Deco building
to the colorful Martin Artquest Gallery, there's plenty to take in. It's family-friendly, too.
Grand Ole Opry
Visit the tradition that first put Nashville on the map as Music City USA, and is still going
strong today. The Opry Entertainment Complex features four unique entertainment
venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, the Acuff Theatre, the Opry Museum and the Opry
Plaza. Here, you can attend live music shows, concerts and parties.
Nashville Main Public Library
The 300,000 square-foot Main Library is another notable attraction in downtown
Nashville. Its features include art galleries, the historic Nashville room, a cafe' and a
fountain-filled courtyard, all open to the public.
Nashville Symphony/Schermerhorn Symphony Center
The Schermerhorn Symphony Center recently opened to the public in September of
2006. It's now home to the acclaimed Nashville Symphony!
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
At the Nashville Zoo, you can learn more about many animal species from all over the
world. Enjoy lots of fun and family-friendly exhibits, including the Grassmere Historic
Farm, the community-built playground and jungle gym and the wild animal carousel.
The Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is the central highlight of Centennial Park, Nashville's premier urban
park. It features a 43-foot recreated statue of Athena. Originally built for Tennessee's
1897 Centennial Exposition, today it remains a beautiful monument to classic
architecture.
Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium is Nashville's premier performance hall. It once housed the Grand
Ole Opry, featuring country music stars and bluegrass greats. Now, you'll find a
beautiful renovated space with wooden church pews and unforgettable music.
Tennessee State Capitol
Located in downtown Nashville, near the Bicentennial Mall and the Farmer's Market, the
capitol is an impressive historic building, constructed in 1859. Not only does it house the
state government, it's also home to beautiful and historic art and the tomb of President
James K. Polk. It's open to the public at no charge -- call 615.741.2692 for more details.
Tennessee State Museum
With three floors, 120,000 square feet and over 60,000 square feet of exhibits, the
Tennessee State Museum impressively showcases Tennessee's rich culture and
history.
And more...
Nashville Parks and Recreation
If the weather's nice (as it usually is in temperate and sunny Nashville!), you can enjoy
the outdoors in one of our many metro parks.