LISTEN

Morning
Begin your day with a trip downtown to tour the remarkable Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Built in 2006, the $123 million acoustically brilliant facility will surely get you in the mood to spend the day exploring all of the music created in Music City. Next, walk a short distance down the Music Mile and take time to explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for an extensive overview of the city's musical heritage.

Afternoon
Before leaving, grab a bite to eat at Two Twenty Two Grille, located in the lobby of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. When you're done, hop on the Museum's bus and take a short ride to the Historic RCA Studio B, a place where artists such as Elvis and the Everly Brothers recorded some of their most famous and recognizable hits. Afterward, head back toward Broadway and tour the Ryman Auditorium and Hatch Show Print. Be sure to take in some of the great music at any of the honky tonks.

Evening
After dining at one of Nashville's many wonderful restaurants, make plans to attend a taping of the world's longest running radio show, the Grand Ole Opry, or attend an "in the round" songwriters performance at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. Once the shows are over, head downtown to take in some of the great music at any of the honky tonks, which play live music all day and night and never charge a cover. Rock, blues, classical, country, jazz, bluegrass, Americana... whatever your musical taste may be - you'll find it playing in Music City!

LEARN

Morning
Start your day by enjoying a country breakfast at the Loveless Cafe followed by a tour of Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and their fine art collection. From there, travel five minutes down the road to Belle Meade Plantation for a taste of life in the antebellum South at this thoroughbred horse farm.

Afternoon
Grab lunch at one of the many eclectic restaurants on Belmont Boulevard, then it's off to Belmont Mansion, an estate owned by Adelicia Acklen, a woman known for her spunk and elaborately adorned home. Then travel east of town to visit The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson.

Evening
Dine at the Capitol Grille, located in the beautiful 5-star, 5-diamond Hermitage Hotel and then set off to see a performance by the Nashville Symphony in its new home, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. If live theatre is your scene, then take in a show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

EXPLORE

Morning
Hillsboro Village, conveniently located near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, is a collection of shops, boutiques and restaurants perfect for a morning stroll. Enjoy breakfast as the locals do at the Pancake Pantry or Fido. This quaint Nashville neighborhood has rejuvenated the community and attracted young professionals for living and playing - the area may seem small, but unique boutiques and specialty stores abound. Peruse Fire Finch or Pangaea for unique jewelry and gifts. BookMan/BookWoman Used Books offers more than 150,000 used volumes and a search service to help you find what you need.

Afternoon
Head to one of Nashville’s newest neighborhoods, the 12South district, an up-and-coming pedestrian-friendly area with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Start a unique shopping adventure at Katy K’s Ranch Dressing, a one-of-a-kind boutique offering western wear and vintage dresses. Stop by Imogene+Willie, a custom blue jeans shop loved by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow. Grab lunch at one of the area’s many restaurants and grab a delicious gourmet popsicle made with inventive ingredients at Las Paletas.

Evening
Hop in the car and travel to East Nashville, home to several historic neighborhoods that are finding themselves in the midst of a renaissance. Its low-key vibe and neighborly personality make this community a great place to escape without leaving town. An artist's haven, this area is home to several galleries including the Art & Invention Gallery and adjoining studio, Garage Mahal. Margot Cafe and Bar, housed in an antique gas station turned brick-and-timber gourmet restaurant, has quickly become one of Nashville's most outstanding restaurants and is a great dinner destination. After dinner, head to Family Wash or The 5-Spot for great local music in casual and unpretentious settings.

PLAY

Morning
Start your day with a trip to one of downtown's most impressive attractions, the Parthenon. The world's only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple, Nashville's Parthenon stands in Centennial Park and features both the city's art museum and Athena Parthenos. At almost 42 feet in height, Athena Parthenos is the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world. Next, take a short drive into downtown to visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The family-friendly Frist Center is a world-class art center dedicated to presenting an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions from local, regional, national and international sources. The Center also features the interactive ArtQuest gallery, educational programs, gift shop and cafe, all surrounded by gorgeous architecture. Explore, learn, and enjoy great art.

Afternoon
Before leaving, have lunch at the Frist Center Café and then set off to Lane Motor Museum where you can view over 150 unique cars and motorcycles. The Museum also features a collection of vehicles typically not seen in the U.S, including microcars, amphibious vehicles, competition cars, alternative fuel vehicles, military vehicles, motorcycles, prototypes and one-of-a-kind automobiles. Next stop: the Adventure Science Center. This family-friendly attraction engages all the senses. It's an amazing, original, scientific adventure! Learn what it would feel like to walk on the moon in the Space Chase exhibit or make your way Down the Hatch to The Heart of It All, Body Battles, BrainStorm Theater and other interactive exhibits in BodyQuest, as you learn how your body works. Plus, experience the Adventure Tower, Sudekum Planetarium, BlueMax and more!

Evening
For dinner, head to Noshville Delicatessen, where you can enjoy a great meal and family atmosphere. Then, attend one of the many sporting events that happen in Music City: from a Titans NFL football game to a Predators NHL hockey game to a Vanderbilt sporting event to a Nashville Sounds baseball game, there is always live action going on in Nashville.

MULTICULTURAL OUTINGS

Diversity is a key part of this city's past, present and future. While slavery was part of plantation life in Middle Tennessee, this area was also one of the first to embrace economic and educational freedom for former slaves as the Civil War ended. In the 20th century, Nashville was the site of many non-violent demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Today, the city has become a model of the American melting pot with an active Native American population, thriving Hispanic community and growing Middle Eastern and Asian presence. Different cultures, religions, ideas and customs have come together harmoniously in modern day Music City.

IN A DAY

Morning
Begin with a tour of Fisk University including the prestigious Van Vechten Art Gallery and Jubilee Hall, home to the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Include the chapel and Aaron Douglas Gallery on the campus tour.

Mid-Morning
Stop and shop on nearby Jefferson Street. With its fun and funky shops, visitors are sure to find treasures to take home.

Lunch
Stop by the Nashville Farmers' Market where you can grab a lunch of Mexican, Greek, Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean, Jamaican or Southern fare.

Afternoon
Tour the Civil Rights Collection exhibit at the downtown library or take the African-American Historic Sites driving tour.

Evening
Enjoy international menu offerings at Sambuca or Wasabi's Sushi Bar. After dinner, get into the blues at B.B. King's.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Plans are underway for the city to soon welcome the new National Museum of African American Music celebrating the contributions of African Americans on a local, regional, national and international level.