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Learn about music city's history, visit an 1800's print shop, cruise on a riverboat, and see the Parthenon without ever leaving the South.

Nashville, Tennessee holds the distinct honor of being the "Home of American Music" to country and beyond. Budding songwriters can be heard performing rock, folk, blues, and country year-round at the acclaimed Bluebird Cafe (615/383-1461 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215), where it's not unusual to see music's finest and most famous sitting front and center.

But it's not just music and rowdy honky tonks like Tootsie's (615/726-0463, 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203) in Tennessee's thriving capital, it's also home to the historical farm of President Andrew Jackson, the world's only hall of fame for behind the scenes musicians, and Vanderbilt University. Stroll through downtown to take in some local flavor over dinner and live music at Sambuca's (615/248-2888, 601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203) in the developing urban area known as the Gulch. While the South is known for hot, humid summers, Nashville is frequently greeted with a refreshing breeze off the Cumberland River and shade from its tree-lined streets.

Many local hotels are scattered throughout the city with proximity to Vanderbilt, west end, and music row; but for convenience to downtown Nashville and within walking distance to many of the attractions listed below, consider the world's largest Holiday Inn Express (615/244-0150, 920 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203) located just across the street from the Frist Center of Visual Arts. You can take advantage of special citywide savings and discounts by purchasing Nashville's Total Access Attractions Pass for entry to 16 venues, many reviewed here. For more information on attractions, lodging, and dining in Nashville, please contact the city's Convention and Visitor's Bureau at 800/657-6910 or by visiting www.visitmusiccity.com.

Cooter's Place
2613 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
615/872-8358
Visit an authentic Dukes of Hazzard Museum and theme store operated by Ben "Cooter" Jones himself. Explore photos, props, memorabilia, the General Lee, and even meet original members from the cast. Learn about Cooter's time on the infamous show, his tenure in the United States Congress, and his life now. You can also purchase DVD's, books, shirts, hats, and posters at the General Store.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Fifth Avenue South
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
615/416-2001
See a complete history of country music's finest performers in this vast collection of memorabilia, videos, costumes, and even cars. Catch a glimpse of Elvis' infamous gold Cadillac, a history of Hank Williams and his offspring of performers, clips from Hee-Haw, and awards. The museum also houses an educational series to engage students, teachers, families, and the public. The programs explore music, art, songwriting, and stories told in the museum's exhibitions.

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
919 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203
615/244-3340
The Frist Center features a collection of exhibits and hands-on learning opportunities for children. And with free admission for kids 18-years-old and under, the Frist caters to families on a budget and was voted #1 Kids Art Center and #1 Museum by Nashville Parent Magazine. Stop by the museum's Art Quest station for over 30 interactive exhibits including collage making, painting, sketching, and building. Young guests can also learn about photography, architecture, and the essentials of art, including depth, color, light, and perspective.

Hatch Show Print
316 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37201
615/256-2805
This world famous print shop has been creating posters for the country music business and beyond since the 1800's. Conveniently located on Broadway in between lively honky tonks and around the corner from Ryman Theater, the shop lets visitors brows prints and posters for purchase and watch new designs being created on old-fashioned presses. You'll see a collection of prints from Duke Ellington to Leon Redbone hanging on their walls. Keep an eye out for the Hatch Show cats lingering near the register and soliciting affection from visitors.

The Musicians Hall of Fame
301 6th Ave S.
Nashville, TN 37203
615/244-3263
Aspiring musicians head to The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, the only museum in the world that recognizes and honors the musicians behind some of the greatest recordings in music. After a short video learning about the history of Nashville's historical musical roots, see Jimi Hendrix's guitar, photos from Garth Brooks recordings, and learn about session drummer Hal Blaine who played with Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and The Beach Boys. Photos, memorabilia, and gold records are also on display to educate visitors about the greatest songs in history. While the museum has plenty of country roots, it also showcases Nashville's involvement with Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, No Doubt, John Mayer, Gladys Knight, and Sheryl Crow among many others.

Nashville Shores
4001 Bell Road
Hermitage, TN 37076
615/889-7050
Spend a hot summer day cooling off at Nashville Shores. Attractions, rides, and slides include Music City Racers, Wacky Pond, Tennessee Twisters, Suntan Lagoon, and The Hippo. Or you can take the family out for a day on J. Percy Priest Lake for water skiing, kayaking, and boat rides.

The Parthenon
Centennial Park
West End at 25th Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
615/862-8431
Visit a life-sized replica of the historical Parthenon in the center of Nashville's Centennial Park. Built in 1897 for Nashville's Centennial Exposition; the building also serves as Nashville's Art Museum boasting Greek artifacts and paintings on display. You'll also see a permanent collection of paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists, as well as information on the Centennial Exposition. Upstairs, guests are treated to a re-creation of the 42-foot statue of Athena. At the time Athena was built, she was the largest statue sculpted by a female and serves as a monument to classical art.