Belle Meade Plantation

A 5,400 acre plantation world renowned as a thoroughbred horse farm. Began in 1807 as Dunham’s Station log cabin on the Natchez Trace. During the Civil War, Confederate General James R. Chalmers held temporary headquarters here. The site includes the original Dunham Station log cabin, the restored mansion, stables, carriage houses, and several outbuildings. Costumed interpreters provide tours.

5025 Harding Road
Nashville, TN 27205
615-356-0501
http://www.nashville.com/attractions/bellemeade/
http://www.bellemeadeplantation.com/
http://www.bonps.org/tour/belle.htm
http://www.tennesseeanytime.org/homework/historicsites/bellmead.html
http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/imagegallery.php?EntryID=B029

Belmont Mansion

Once the home of Adelicia Acklen, one of the wealthiest 19th century American women, this mansion was built in 1850. Served as Union General T.J. Wood’s headquarters during the Battle of Nashville. The mansion features a variety of original furnishings of the period. Belmont was built on one of the highest hills in Nashville with exterior and interior walls of solid brick from foundation to rafters. In 1887, it became the main building for the Belmont Junior College for Girls which eventually became Belmont University. Admission fee.

1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37212
615/460-5459
http://www.belmontmansion.com/
http://www.bonps.org/tour/belmont.htm

Bledsoe’s Lick Mound (Alternate name: Castalian Spring Mound)

Located near Gallatin, TN
An artificial Mound in Sumner County, TN, of the Mississippian era. The mound consists of a circular low earthen wall enclosing about 16 acres. The site was purchased by the State of Tennessee and modern excavation is being conducted by Middle Tennessee State University. The site is not yet open to the public – but can be viewed through the pasture fence and gate. Located where Governor Hall Road meets State Highway 25 in the village of Castalian Springs or across the highway at the post office.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=14757

Carnton Plantation

A historic house museum in Franklin, the house served as a Confederate field hospital during the second Battle of Franklin (the bloodiest battle of any war) in 1864. Bloodstains are still visible in several rooms

1345 Carnton Lane
Franklin, TN
794-0903
http://www.carnton.org/
http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/imagegallery.php?EntryID=C034

Country Music Hall of Fame

Located at 222 Fifth Avenue in Downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame is the Country Music Association's musuem to honor excellence and the history of country music. For more information, visit their website at http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com.

Cumberland Caverns

Cumberland Caverns, located near McMinnville, is the 2nd longest cave in Tennessee. It offers daily, group and overnight tours. The one and one half mile daily tour offers views of rock formations, waterfalls and historic artifacts. For more information, visit their website at http://www.cumberlandcaverns.com.

Franklin (Historic Downtown)

Downtown Franklin, with its tree-lined streets and quaint shops is an enjoyable shopping or dining visit, day or night. During the day, shop at the many specialty shops including jewelry, tea, gifts and antiques. At night, eat at one of the many restaurants. There is normally plenty of free parking available. For more information, you can visit the Downtown Franklin Association http://www.downtownfranklintn.com.

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Located in Downtown Nashville on Broadway and housed inside the former main Nashville US Post Office, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is a musuem that focuses on exhibiting outside collections and traveling exhibits. For more information, visit the musum's website at http://www.fristcenter.com.

Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center

Formerly known as the Opryland Hotel, it is a 2881 room hotel with a large atrium (The Delta Atrium), ballroom and exhibit hall. Adjacent to the hotel is the Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Mills (a 1.2 million square foot mall). For more information, visit the hotel's website at http://www.gaylordopryland.com.

General Jackson Showboat

The General Jackson is a riverboat that rides on the Cumberland River. Its berth is in the Opryland area of Nashville, adjacent to Opry Mills Mall and Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. Cruises typically feature musical performances (usually country or gospel music). Evening cruises normally offer dinner. For more information, visit their website at http://www.generaljackson.com.

Grand Ole Opry House

Home of the Grand Ole Opry, the longest continuous country music radio show. It is Nashville's number one tourist attraction. The Opry is broadcasted live on WSM-radio 650AM, GAC (Great American Country) and CMT Canada. For more information, visit their website at http://www.opry.com.

Lane Motor Museum

A car museum displaying about 150 cars and motorcycles, mostly European; including a large display of pre cold war Czechoslovakian cars. The curator tries to keep the collection to vehicles that are technically significant or uniquely different. For more inforamtion, visit their website at http://www.lanemitormuseum.org.

Nashville Farmers' Market

Established in 1828, the Metropolitan Davidson County and Nashville Farmers' Market has a large selection of produce vendors and restuarants. It also has a flea market, featuring local artisans and craftspeople, and two year-round plant nurseries. The market is located at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd near downtown. Visit their website at http://www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org for more information.

Nashville Shores

A waterpark with slides and pools. It also offers boat rentals and jet skis on the Percy Priest Lake. For more information, visit their website at http://www.nashvilleshores.com.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Located on the grounds of the Grassmere Plantation, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a full featured zoo accedited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Featured animals include elephants, tigers, giraffes, meerkats, alligators and zebras. The park is open all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days. For more information, visit their website at http://www.nashvillezoo.org.

The zoo is located off of Nolensville Pike and can be accessed from I-65 or I-24 at the Harding Place Exit.

Oaklands Historic House Museum

The only historic house museum in Murfreesboro, Oaklands is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and reflects a time of prosperity in the Old South and the hardships suffered during the Civil War. Once the center of a 1500 acre plantation, Oaklands was the home of the Maney family. Admission fee charged.
900 N. Maney Avenue
Murfreesboro, TN
615/893-0022

Polk Home

The only remaining residence of James K. Polk, except the White House, is one of the finest examples of Federal style architecture remaining in Tennessee. The house was built by Samuel Polk, father of James K. Polk. Today it houses over 1000 objects that belonged to President and Mrs. Polk, including furniture, paintings, china and silver. Located in Columbia, Tennessee. Admission charged.
301 West 7th St
Columbia, TN
http://www.jameskpolk.com/new/polkhome.asp

Ryman Auditorium

Built by Thomas Ryman, a riverboat captain, the Ryman Auditorium originally opened as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892. It was used for the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 through 1974. Today it is used to host various concerts throughout the year and hosts the Grand Ole Opry during select times of the year. If you would like to experience the history of the venue that has hosted the talents of Patsy Cline, Elvis, Johnny Cash and REM, you can take a tour that is offered daily. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.ryman.com.

The Carter House

Served as the Federal Command Post during the Battle of Franklin. The house was built in 1830 by Fountain Branch Carter. The Carter House Farm Office is recognized as being the most battle-scarred building left standing from the War Between the States. The house was opened to the public in 193 and listed as a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1961. Today is operates as a historic museum serving as a memorial to the Carter Family and the heroes of the Battle of Franklin. Admission fee.
1140 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
615/791-1861
http://www.carterhouse1864.com/
http://www.prairieghosts.com/carter.html
http://www.carter-house.org/
http://www.tennesseehistory.com/RESOURCE/CARTER.htm

The Hermitage

This Greek revival style plantation was built in 1819 on land purchased in 1804 by Andrew Jackson has been restored and is a museum dedicated to Old Hickory. It features revolving exhibits, a film on the history of the President and costumed tour guides. The Hermitage has been meticulously furnished as it was in 1836 during President Jackson’s retirement. Admission fee charged
4580 Rachel’s Lane
Nashville, TN 27079
615-889-2941
http://www.thehermitage.com/
http://www.nashville.com/attractions/hermitage/

Travellers Rest

One of Nashville’s premier landmarks – collections and grounds represent life in Middle Tennessee from the Native American period through the Civil War. The home was built in the late 1700’s for Judge John Overton over a burial mound that was the central feature of a Mississippian village. Judge Overton nicknamed the site Golgotha (Hill of Skulls) because of the large number of skulls found during the construction of the cellar of the home.

636 Farrell Parkway
Nashville, TN
615/832-8197
http://www.travellersrestplantation.org/
http://www.travellersrestplantation.org/abouttr.html
http://www.dickshovel.com/trav.html
http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/guides/north-america/united-states/tenn...