Nashville, located in Davidson County on the Cumberland River, is the capital of the state of Tennessee. People travel from all over the world to visit Nashville, Tennessee better known as Music City. The opening of the Grand Ole Opry in 1925 and a thriving publishing business led to this title.

Nashville is now a major music production and recording center. There are abundant record label companies who have offices in Nashville. Musicians and songwriters flock to this town hopeful of becoming a country & western music star. Live music can be heard around the clock in Nashville because of the increase in interest of live music events and festivals which are held April-September. Country music is not the only kind of music to be heard in Nashville. Gospel and bluegrass are also a big part of Music City.

Nashville's biggest public event is The Music City Independence Day Concert Spectacular which is held each year on July 4th at the downtown Riverfront Park. Everyone can enjoy free entertainment and a fireworks display. With so many well-known country singers appearing at the event, it has grown every year and has been aired on the A & E TV Network.

There are so many attractions in Nashville for all age groups it would be impossible to name them all here. Some of the "must see" attractions include: Grand Ole Opry, Nashville Zoo, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Adventure Science Center, General Jackson Showboat, Nashville Shores Outdoor Water Park just to name a few.

You and your friends have the option of strolling the streets of Nashville at your own pace or taking one of the many tours offered. Listed below are a few of the current tours available:

1. Carriage Tours

2. Trolley Tours

3. Self-Guided Driving Tours

4. Self-Guided Walking Tours

5. River Cruises

Check out the Visitor Information Center once you arrive in Nashville, and they can give you all the information you need concerning these tours.

If your budget is running a little short, you will glad to know there are many free attractions in Nashville. Here are a few: Ernest Tubb Record Shop, Civil Rights Room, Carl Van Vechten Gallery, Jack Daniel's Distillery, not to mention all the parks and museums which are free of charge.

Have you ever dreamed of making your own record? Well, your dream can come true in Nashville. You can cut your own demo by using a song you wrote or you can choose a song from the many they offer. This would make the perfect souvenir to take home. Your friends would not believe you actually recorded a song in Nashville, Tennesee!

Music City offers a wide variety of restaurants for the dining experience of your choice. While dining at many of the restaurants, you can enjoy listening to a saxophonist, guitarist, or pianist while enjoying your favorite cusine.

Now that you have enjoyed your meal, you are ready to check out the nightlife in Nashville. The nightlife offers many options of entertainment which you and your friends will truly enjoy. Most nightclubs are open late and have live music. So you can party all night long.

Nashville is the place to visit no matter if you are a music lover or a student of history. Even if you are not a music lover, you will be once you leave Nashville. Enjoy your visit and, who knows, maybe one day you will be a country musci star!

Jean Pardue is a freelance travel writer and can be contacted at speed-writer@hotmail.com She travels with her husband, Bob Pardue, who is a stock travel photographer. http://www.parduephotos.com

Source: www.isnare.com