Things to do in Nashville

Nashville is a great city. There are a lot of things to do in and around Nashville. If you're in Nashville for the 2010 Rattler/Firebird Reunion, here are a few other things you might want to consider while you're in town. If you click the name of the attraction or the image below it, you will go to that attraction's web site. If you click the address, you'll get a map with directions from the Sheraton Music City Hotel to that attraction.

Note: As you have probably heard by now, the city of Nashville was hit by record-breaking rains and flooding. Our hotel was not affected by the flooding but some of the Nashville attractions were. We have added notes to the below listing indicating the latest information currently available on the status of the various attractions. To be certain you get the latest, visit the web site of the attraction you are interested in. If you click the name of an attraction, it will take you to that attraction's web site.

Grand Ole Opry (2802 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN)
Grand Ole Opry will be performing at alternate venues due to flooding.
Grand Ole Opry If you're a country music fan, you have just found heaven. Watch history in the making as you enjoy the nation's longest running radio program, "The Grand Ole Opry." See some of country music's up-and-coming stars perform nightly. You might get a surprise as well, as some of country music's greats pop in and out without being scheduled ahead of time. If you have the chance, visit the museum located in the Opry Plaza. Here, you'll find several interactive exhibits that detail the Opry's 70-plus year history, from the incomparable Minnie Pearl to mega-superstar Garth Brooks. In addition to regular Fri-Sat night shows, the Opry offers Tuesday night shows from Apr-Dec.
Ryman Auditorium and Museum (116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN)
Ryman Auditorium and Museum was not affected by flooding.
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. Indeed, the list of past performers reads like a history of American popular culture: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Isadora Duncan, Harry Connick Jr., Booker T. Washington, Neil Diamond, Nelly Furtado, New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Harpo Marx, Patsy Cline, the Indigo Girls, Erykah Badu, and Dolly Parton have all graced the stage. The Opry still offers shows on occasion, too. A self-guided tour is a must for any music lover!
First Center for the Visual Arts (919 Broadway, Nashville, TN)
First Center for the Visual Arts was not affected by flooding.
First Center for the Visual ArtsUnlike any traditional museum you’ve ever visited, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has become a magnet for Nashville’s rapidly expanding visual arts scene. With an exhibitions schedule that has new art flowing through the magnificent Art Deco building every 6 to 8 weeks, no matter how often you visit, there is always something new and exciting to see in the spacious galleries.
Belle Meade Plantation (5025 Harding Rd, Nashville, TN)
While Belle Meade Plantation received some damage from the flooding, they are open for business.
Belle Meade PlantaionThis elegant antebellum mansion rests on 30 acres of land just south of Nashville, and its columns still bear bullet scars from the Civil War. In earlier days, Belle Meade was one of North America's largest thoroughbred breeding farms. The plantation includes eight listed buildings, including the original dwelling, Dunham Station's cabin, which dates from 1790. The Victorian-style manor home, completed in 1853, is now a museum dedicated to preserving the Harding family's rich legacy. Every year, Belle Meade hosts the Iroquois Steeplechase.
Country Music Hall of Fame (222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN)
The Country Music Hall of Fame received some damage, but expects to be open.
Country Music Hall of FameCome here to examine the roots of country music and see how it all began. Find out who the real pioneers of country music were. If you're a country music trivia buff, you'll get your fill here. Stroll the walkpath and see where greats like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley got their starts – the famed RCA Studio B. 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. Special exhibits focus on different people, styles, or periods of history. Gift shop and restaurant onsite.
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art (1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN)
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art was not affected by flooding.
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of ArtVisit the Georgian-style museum which features national traveling exhibitions, ranging from Early American to European decorative art. Highlights include collections of Worcester Porcelain and original paintings from the innovative "Ashcan School." After touring the museum, stroll the grounds and take in the estate's beautifully landscaped gardens. Enjoy outdoor activites during the summer months, such as listening to live music or just taking in the beauty of the gardens. Cheekwood's dining area and gift shop accept credit cards.
The Hermitage (4580 Rachel's Ln, Hermitage, TN)
The Hermitage received some damage and was closed, but was expected to reopen Thursday, May 6th.
The HermitageHome of Old Hickory (President Andrew Jackson), the Greek Revival-style Hermitage offers a glimpse of plantation life in the 19th century. A visit will include a film, museum displays, a tour of the mansion and even a trip to Jackson's tomb. The main tour is complemented by changing special exhibits. There is a restaurant and store as well.
General Jackson Showboat (2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN)
The General Jackson Showboat has cancelled all cruises through May 16th.
General Jackson ShowboatThis 300-foot long paddlewheel vessel ushers guests back to the heyday of Mark Twain, Cumberland parties, and riverboat gambling. Evening cruises feature live entertainment ranging from country music concerts to Broadway-like performances. Lunch and dinner buffet cruises are available, as are special holiday cruises.