Nashville claims to have been a city of music from the very beginning. In 1779-1780, a settlement began in an area that would be called “Nashborough” after Revolutionary war hero General Francis Nash. Amongst the early settlers was Davy Crockett, who entertained with stories and the fiddle. In 1784, the name changed to Nashville, as the French “ville” replaced the British “borough,” probably as a gesture of thanks to France for their help in the American Revolution. In the 1920s, the Grand Ole Opry had its first show, and the nickname “Music City” was born. At the close of the 20th century, Nashville witnessed the clean-up of many historic neighborhoods and a rebirth of downtown.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere first opened in 1990, the zoo has collected an impressive variety of animals from around the world, including African elephants, meerkats, bongos and other antelopes, river otters, cheetahs, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles

Country Music Hall of Fame lets you examine the roots of country music and see how it all began. The permanent exhibit traces the history of country music from its very beginnings, with memorabilia, audio and video clips, interactive displays, and finally, the Hall of Fame Rotunda.

Grand Ole Opry; Watch history in the making as you enjoy the nations longest running radio program, “The Grand Ole Opry.”

Parthenon in Centennial Park is full-size replicas of the originals in Athens, Greece. Constructed in 1897 for the city’s Centennial Exposition, Nashville’s building also functions as the city’s art museum, complete with a permanent collection and changing exhibits.

Belle Meade Plantation an elegant antebellum mansion rests on 30 acres of land just south of Nashville, and its columns still bear bullet scars from the Civil War.

Hermitage home of President Andrew Jackson the Greek Revival-style Hermitage offers a glimpse of plantation life in the 19th century.

Belmont Mansion the 1850s home boasts a splendid Grand Salon, which many historians consider a masterpiece of antebellum architecture. The home is decorated with myriad antiques, chandeliers, mirrors, original furnishings, and sculptures.

General Jackson Showboat; the 300-foot long paddlewheel vessel ushers guests back to the heyday of Mark Twain, Cumberland parties, and riverboat gambling.

Ryman Auditorium and Museum constructed in 1892, the now-restored Ryman Auditorium was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974. Today, it hosts performers from every genre imaginable.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art features national traveling exhibitions, ranging from Early American to European decorative art.

Car rental services in Nashville include companies like Budget, Enterprise, Orbitz, Thrifty and Avis.