There's More to Nashville Than Music
by Rita Cook



If you haven't been to Nashville, Tennessee lately, then you haven't been at all. So much has changed about Nashville in the past 10 years that visitors often have to take a second look.

Of course the Nashville music scene is still popular, but you could spend an entire weekend in the city without even visiting the Grand Old Opry. Nashville, often referred to as "Athens of the South" and "Third Coast," offers wonderful restaurants, lots of history and even a few museums.

The Grand Old Opry is, of course, the first thing many people think about when Nashville comes to mind. The 2 1/2-hour country music extravaganza is broadcast weekly on the radio too, and it's the longest running radio program in the United States.

But it is the little piece of history that many people admire about this quaint little city, and there are a few old homes that offer daily tours, making Nashville more attractive than ever to visitors.

The Hermitage was once the home of President Andrew Jackson. A grand, old plantation home, the Hermitage has now been turned into a museum that houses tons of Jackson memorabilia. Tulip Grove, another Greek revival house built in 1836, also sits on the grounds of the Hermitage. Artifacts, short films and tours are available daily. (4580 Rachel's Lane\615-889-2941)

Travellers' Rest was the home of one of Nashville's first settlers. It has been restored and filled with furniture and letters depicting life during that time. (Closed Monday/636 Farrell Parkway/615-832-8197)

For the traveler who's interested in the Civil War, the Civil War Battlefields is a must see. There were actually more Civil War battles fought in Tennessee than in any other state except Virginia. One of the war's bloodiest battles occurred in the front yard of the Carter House in Franklin, Tennessee, just miles outside of Nashville. The Carter House has exhibits that detail the battle, and the house itself is a museum featuring Civil War relics. (1140 Columbia Avenue/ Franklin, TN/615-791-1861)

And that's not all. The Belle Meade Mansion, nestled amid century-old walls, is part of a 24-acre estate that was once the pride of the 5,300-acre plantation surrounding it. The house is merely a hint of what it once was, but a guest to the house can see the impressive splendor that at one time sat amidst the pillars and plaster moldings outside. (5025 Harding Road/615-356-0501)

Fort Nashbo is the partially reconstructed fort where Nashville actually got its beginnings back in 1779. The fort overlooks the North Cumberland River that runs through the city. (170 First Avenue North/615-225-8192)

No matter when the traveler visits Nashville the weather won't be too hot or too cold. The city enjoys a fairly good climate with an average annual temperature of about 59 degrees. In January the temperatures fluctuate between 28 to 46 degrees and in July it can be anywhere from 69 to 90 degrees.

Getting around in the Friendliest City in the Country - as Fresno State University dubbed it - isn't too difficult either. Traffic jams usually don't last longer than 10 minutes and those southern people are awfully helpful. There are three interstates in Nashville; I-40, I-24 and I-65. One thing to remember is that many streets in Nashville change names so the traveler should make sure he knows where he's going before he gets in the car.

Of course other travel options are available in the city. There's the river taxi, the trolley and a bus service. The airport is located eight miles from downtown and there are 14 additional airports in the Nashville region, giving the traveler no excuse not to stop by for a weekend of music and history.