Map Of Central Tennessee
Introduction
Central Tennessee is a region that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This travel guide will help you navigate through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and much more.
Top Attractions
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit attraction for music lovers. The museum showcases the history and evolution of country music with interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live performances.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon in Nashville is an iconic landmark that replicates the ancient Greek temple. The building houses an art museum that showcases American art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hidden Gems
The Loveless Cafe
The Loveless Cafe is a hidden gem that serves the best Southern-style breakfast in Nashville. The restaurant is known for its homemade biscuits, country ham, and red-eye gravy.
Cumberland Caverns
Cumberland Caverns is a hidden gem that offers a unique underground adventure. The cave has a variety of formations, underground waterfalls, and even a subterranean concert venue.
Food Scene
Hot Chicken
Hot Chicken is a Nashville specialty that consists of spicy fried chicken served with pickles and white bread. Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack are two of the best places to try it.
Barbecue
Central Tennessee is known for its barbecue, and Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville is a must-visit spot. The restaurant serves mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Attractions
Central Tennessee has plenty of free attractions, such as the Belle Meade Plantation, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and the Frist Art Museum.
Happy Hour Deals
Many restaurants and bars in Central Tennessee offer happy hour deals, where you can enjoy discounted food and drinks. The Patterson House in Nashville is a popular spot for craft cocktails.
Outdoor Adventures
Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go fishing, boating, or hiking in the surrounding hills and forests.
Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake is a peaceful nature preserve that offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. The lake is home to beavers, otters, and herons.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville is a fun and educational attraction for families. The museum has interactive exhibits that teach kids about science, technology, and space.
The Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo is another family-friendly attraction that features over 2,000 animals from around the world. The zoo has a playground, a zip line, and a carousel.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Lane Motor Museum
The Lane Motor Museum in Nashville is a unique museum that showcases rare and unusual vehicles from around the world. The museum has over 500 cars, motorcycles, and airplanes.
The Johnny Cash Museum
The Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville is a must-visit attraction for music fans. The museum has personal artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits that showcase the life and legacy of the country music legend.
Natural Wonders
The Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains is a natural wonder that spans across Tennessee and North Carolina. The national park has hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
The Cumberland Plateau
The Cumberland Plateau is a beautiful region that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views. The Savage Gulf State Natural Area is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
Vibrant Nightlife
Broadway Street
Broadway Street in Nashville is the heart of the city’s nightlife scene. The street is lined with honky-tonk bars, live music venues, and restaurants.
The East Nashville Scene
The East Nashville neighborhood is another hotspot for nightlife. The area has a variety of bars, restaurants, and music venues, such as The 5 Spot and The Basement East.
Local Markets
The Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a year-round market that offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and international cuisine. The market also has a garden center and a craft fair.
The Franklin Farmers Market
The Franklin Farmers Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors. The market has over 80 vendors that sell fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods.
Beaches and Mountains
Pickwick Lake
Pickwick Lake is a beautiful spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by hills and forests, and there are several campgrounds and cabins nearby.
The Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting. The region has several cabins and lodges that offer stunning views of the mountains.
Cultural Immersion
The Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum in Nashville is a cultural hub that showcases local and international artists. The museum has rotating exhibits, educational programs, and live performances.
The National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is a powerful and educational attraction that tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement. The museum is located at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Art and Music Scene
The Ryman Auditorium
The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville is a legendary music venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music. The building has a rich history and is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.”
The Frist Art Museum
The Frist Art Museum in Nashville is a cultural hub that showcases local and international artists. The museum has rotating exhibits, educational programs, and live performances.
Walking Tours
The Nashville Walking Tour
The Nashville Walking Tour is a fun and informative way to explore the city’s history and culture. The tour covers landmarks such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Johnny Cash Museum.
The Memphis Walking Tour
The Memphis Walking Tour is a great way to explore the city’s rich music history and cultural landmarks. The tour covers attractions such as Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.
Architectural Marvels
The Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville is a historic landmark that showcases the Greek Revival style of architecture. The plantation has a mansion, a carriage house, and a winery.
The Hermitage
The Hermitage is another historic landmark that showcases the Federal style of architecture. The mansion was the home of President Andrew Jackson, and the property has a museum, a garden, and a tomb.
Historical Sites
The Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
The Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a presidential historic site that showcases the life and legacy of the 7th President of the United States. The property has a museum, a garden, and a tomb.
The Belle Meade Plantation
The Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville is a historic landmark that tells the story of the antebellum South. The plantation has a mansion, a carriage house, and a winery.
Biking Routes
The Shelby Bottoms Greenway
The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is a popular biking and hiking trail that offers scenic views of the Cumberland River. The trail is 10.2 miles long and is located in East Nashville.
The Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic route that spans across three states, including Tennessee. The parkway has several biking trails that offer stunning views of the countryside and historical sites.
Wellness Retreats
The Art of Living Retreat Center
The Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone is a wellness retreat that offers yoga, meditation, and wellness programs. The center is located in a tranquil mountain setting and has a spa, a vegetarian restaurant, and hiking trails.
The Sanctuary at Cedar Creek