Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a destination known to travelers from around the globe. Country music fans of all ages enjoy the timeless relics, photos, and exhibits dedicated to the most influential men and women in the industry.
Best and worst time to go to Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The museum is open year-round and there's no reason to ever avoid this destination. However, dedicated country music fans might want to venture here during CMA Fan Fest in June, when country stars take over the city with performances at the stadium down the street.
Must see/do at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Be sure to spend time in the ever-changing main exhibit, which has featured hit-makers from Johnny Cash to Luke Bryan. Next, venture to the Wall of Gold Records, showcasing countless albums that hit gold throughout the years. Last but definitely not least, don't miss the clothing displays where you can see the actual outfits these artists wore on stage.
Admission to Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Children under five always receive free admittance, so bring the family! Youth tickets are under $20 and tickets for ages 13 and older are in the mid $20's. The museum continually offers discounts for seniors, AAA members, and military, in addition to group rates. Or create a package and tour the museum and Historic RCA Studio B. Purchase tickets online or at the box office.
Parking and public transportation to Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the hall of fame and museum is surrounded by public parking areas, but does not provide its own. Park in a nearby lot or garage, found at ParkitDowntown.com, or take a take the free bus line to its downtown drop-off, just blocks away.
Food at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Two Twenty-Two Grill and Baja Sexto Taco are in the same building, featuring mid-range priced fare. Bongo Java Coffee has a location just steps away, featuring speciality lattes. Outside of the building, there bars, restaurants and coffeeshops abound in any direction in downtown Nashville. These options are all walkable.
Inside tip for visitors to Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The museum can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. If the line at the main entrance on Demonbreun is too long for you, sneak around the corner and use the side entrance on 5th Avenue. Almost a guaranteed shorter line.
Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.
Nashville's Most Elegant Wedding Venue
Belle Meade Plantation provides the backdrop of a historic farm setting framed in beautiful flowering gardens and an 1853 mansion, all with the convenience of our location, sitting right in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. Our venue offers a lavish indoor barn space and an intimate outdoor garden area for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, and other events. Belle Meade Plantation accommodates up to 300 guests.
Welcome to Ryman Auditorium, alternatively named, "The Mother Church of Country Music." It's bold, beautiful, and holds entertainment history inside its Late Victorian Gothic style walls. The auditorium has been home to bands, operas, public rallies, circuses, symphonies, and more since 1904. It's a tourist destination for both concerts and tours.
Parking and public transportation to Ryman Auditorium
There are many parking lots surrounding the Ryman, ranging in price from $5 to $25 depending on the day and event. Street parking is also available and free after 6 p.m., but limited. The public bus line makes multiple stops near the auditorium and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft consistently locate themselves near the venue.
Getting tickets at Ryman Auditorium
It's highly recommended to purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible. Shows sell out fast, due to the popularity of the acts and auditorium. You can secure tickets to the concerts via phone, online, or at the box office. A handling fee is charged on all ticket sales purchased over the phone and online.
Types of concerts at Ryman Auditorium
You can see almost any genre performed at Ryman Auditorium, from bluegrass to jazz to rock and roll, to pop icons like the American Idol Tour. Each one is bound to be captivating and entrancing, due in part to the room's impeccable audio.
Other places to visit near Ryman Auditorium
Because of it's downtown location, you are just a short walk away from countless honky tonk bars like the famous Tootsie's, fine dining, Country Music Hall of Fame, renowned coffee shop Crema, and the delicious and family-friendly Mike's Ice Cream.
Where to say near Ryman Auditorium
Book a night at a hotel downtown if you want to be able to walk to the auditorium. But if you're looking to save money and see other sights too, head just a few miles down Broadway to one of the many hotels on West End Avenue.
Insider tips for visitors to Ryman Auditorium
If you can't stay for a show, sign up for a tour of the historic venue. It's well worth the price of a self-guided ($20 or less) or guided (under $30) tour.
Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.
The beautiful Belmont Mansion is a house museum, showcasing Italianette villa architecture. It's one of the most elaborate homes in the south, spanning 19,000 square feet. Owned, designed, and furnished by the socialite Acklen family, the home has been on the National Registry of Historic Houses since 1971, and is full of history, including its time as a headquarters for the Union Army.
Best and worst time to go to The Belmont Mansion
The best time is when the weather outdoors is to your liking, so you can appreciate the collections inside the mansion, in addition to the tour of the grounds. Also check the mansion's website for a list of upcoming special events and attractions.
Must see/do at The Belmont Mansion
Be sure to view the engraved and mezzotint prints collection. In addition, the collection of Adelicia Acklen's personal items gives visitors a glimpse into life in the early 19th Century. And if the weather is nice, venture outdoors to take a self-guided tour of the gardens and mansion grounds.
Admission to The Belmont Mansion
Admission for adults varies between $10-$15, including special pricing for seniors, military and AAA members. Children are admitted for under $5, while kids under 6 are always free. Group rates are available as well.
Parking and public transportation to The Belmont Mansion
Parking can be difficult, especially if you're visiting during the school year when Belmont University students are also trying to park. Take a drive through and if you can't find anything, venture down neighboring streets to find parking. The entire area is safe.
Food at The Belmont Mansion
There are not food options located on the grounds, but Hillsboro Village, just a short drive or walk from the Mansion, offers an eclectic option of fine, but affordable, dining, including the famous Pancake Pantry, Jackson's, and Fido.
Insider tip for visitors to The Belmont Mansion
Pro tip -- when you're taking the self-guided tour, log on to the mansion's website and play the tour podcasts to guide you. And if you want to see even more, venture around the corner to explore the beautiful grounds and architecture of Belmont University.
Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.
