A Guide To Tourist Attractions, Nashville TN

Tourism attractions in Nashville Tennessee are more abundant than one might think, and more diverse than the country music that made Nashville famous. Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is located in the north-central part of the state, close to the Kentucky border. A center of commerce and industry, Nashville is also represented by two professional sports teams, the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Here are some of the more interesting Nashville Tennessee tourism attractions:

General Jackson Showboat - One of the most prized tourism attractions in Nashville is the General Jackson, a 274 foot long, 55 foot high old fashioned steamboat. With a passenger capacity of 1,200 and a crew of 157, the General Jackson steamboat travels the Cumberland River touring several routes that pass a number of historical points of interest. Powered by a 36 foot long paddle wheel, evening, midday, and special tours are available. More information is available at www.generaljackson.com

Nashville Zoo At Grassmere - With over 100 acres of exhibit space and a Jungle Gym Playground, the Zoo at Grassmere is one of the best tourism attractions in Nashville Tennessee. Animals include Mammals, Amphibians, Birds, Anthropods, Fish and Reptiles, displayed in an attractive setting. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is open March 15 to October 15 from 9AM to 6PM and October 16 to March 14 9AM to 4PM, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The Zoo website is located at www.nashvillezoo.org

Country Music Hall of Fame - Probably the best known tourism attraction in Nashville is the Country Music Hall of Fame. Collections include an instrument collection, an oral history collection with over 600 interviews, a photograph collection and much more. The Country Music Hall of Fame is open 9AM to 5PM daily, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and on Tuesdays in January and February. Their website is www.countrymusichalloffame.com Tennessee State Museum - One of the better cultural tourism attractions in Nashville, Tennessee, is the Tennessee State Museum. Exhibits are offered on the Civil War and Reconstruction, the first Tennesseans, the age of Jackson, and the New South. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10AM to 5PM, Sunday 1PM to 5PM, the Museum is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter. The Tennessee State Museum Website is www.tnmuseum.org

Belle Meade Plantation - A tourism attraction with an authentic historical twist, the Belle Meade Plantation was one of the largest plantations in Pre-Civil War Tennessee. Historical buildings such as the Belle Meade Mansion, a dairy, smokehouse, carriage house and stables and more dot the landscape. Also, a museum store offers Belle Meade Brand food items. Open Monday through Saturday 9AM to 5PM and Sunday 11AM to 5PM, Belle Meade is closed on Major Holidays.