{"id":4862,"date":"2013-06-06T23:42:17","date_gmt":"2013-06-06T23:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.california-tour.com\/blog\/?p=4862"},"modified":"2026-02-22T00:52:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T00:52:19","slug":"nashville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.california-tour.com\/blog\/nashville\/","title":{"rendered":"Nashville"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nashville is a great mid-South city rich in history, bursting with Southern hospitality and food and humming with a vibrant musical heritage.<\/p>\n

The town began with the settlement of Fort Nashborough, named for Revolutionary War hero Gen. Francis Nash. The city later became Nashville, home to President Andrew Jackson. And after it rebounded from the Civil War, Nashville developed itself as a hub of collegiate education, giving it the nickname as \u201cAthens of the South.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Nashville<\/a>
Nashville Parthenon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But most people know Nashville as the heart of the nation\u2019s country music industry, which is why it\u2019s nicknamed \u201cMusic City.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re traveling to Nashville to tour the historic sites, enjoy the family friendly activities or learn more about country music, the city has it all.<\/p>\n

Start with accommodations. The Hermitage Hotel, built in 1908 as Nashville\u2019s first million-dollar hotel and named for Andrew Jackson\u2019s Hermitage estate, is a grand downtown landmark, from its breathtaking lobby to the outstanding customer service. The hotel is centrally located and offers dining options as well.<\/p>\n

\"Inside<\/a>
Inside view of the Ryman Auditorium<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Visitors to Nashville should start with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to receive an excellent overview of the city\u2019s music industry. The museum includes rhinestone costumes, original instruments, Elvis\u2019 car and much more. Here visitors can pick up a tour to the Historic RCA Studio B, where numerous stars recorded 35,000 songs, including Elvis\u2019 \u201cAre You Lonesome Tonight?\u201d Once you hear some of the recordings made at Studio B you\u2019ll see why it\u2019s nicknamed \u201cthe Home of a Thousand Hits.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Opryland<\/a>
Opryland Garden Conservatory Atrium – credit Gaylord Opryland Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Grand Ole Opry began in Nashville in 1925 by an insurance company looking to advertise its policies with a \u201cWSM Barn Dance\u201d (WSM being the company\u2019s motto, \u201cWe Shield Millions). The show became immensely popular and was renamed the Grand Ole Opry in 1927, quickly becoming one of radio\u2019s longest shows, later moving into television. The Opry performed within the Ryman Auditorium for nearly 31 years before relocating to a larger space at Opryland Resort and Convention Center.<\/p>\n

Since the move, the Ryman has been lovingly restored, is open for daytime tours and is used as a performing space, with the Opry returning on special occasions. The Grand Ole Opry can still be heard regularly at Opryland at its sparkling new Grand Ole Opry House. The resort offers almost 3,000 rooms and nine acres (yes, that\u2019s acres!) of indoor gardens and waterfalls and is a great place to stay, especially for families.<\/p>\n

\"Nashville<\/a>
Nashville Symphony
Photo credit: Nashville Symphony<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other places to visit include:<\/p>\n