Visit the Home of Country Music
If you’re a fan of the hit television show “Nashville”, the final episode last June may have left you wanting more from Music City, so how about visiting it yourself? This Tennessee city is booming and full of exciting attractions and nightlife.
The Grand Ole Opry
Start your trip with the Grand Ole Opry, famous for its weekly live radio shows featuring classic and new country acts. Performing on the show is considered an honour for musicians due to its prestigious history of being the longest running radio broadcast in United States history that has welcomed many great country music acts since debuting in 1925 under its original name, WSM Barn Dance.
The former home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, Ryman Auditorium, is also a must-see. The auditorium seats 2,362 people and was built by Nashville businessman, Thomas Ryman in 1892. The building was originally named the Union Gospel Tabernacle and was built so the people of Nashville could attend large-scale revivals indoors.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Immerse yourself even further into Nashville’s country music scene with a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Country Music Foundation (CMF) was established in the 1960s by the State of Tennessee to gather and celebrate country music. The CMF raised enough funds to open the museum in 1967 and has been amassing recordings, sheet music, songbooks, photographs and other keepsakes of the country music genre ever since – so much so that they had to relocate to a larger location in 2014!
Music takes a backseat to History
Not everything in Nashville is about country music. Centennial Park is home to a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon from Athens, Greece. The Parthenon houses beautiful works of arts, including a statue of the Greek goddess, Athena, most commonly associated with wisdom; and a permanent gallery of 63 paintings.
Nashville has great nightlife on Broadway in the downtown area of the city. Lower Broadway is known for honky tonks and live country music, but the street is also home to unique shops, restaurants and attractions.
Country music and history lovers alike are sure to create lifelong memories in Nashville, Tennessee!
Inspired Vacations makes sure your trip includes must-see spots at a pace that fits your lifestyle. Call your favourite travel company in Lethbridge and let us plan your perfect Icelandic trip today!