Quite often we get the question of “where can our family go here in the United States instead of DisneyWorld and DisneyLand?”. So our mind goes whirring and we suggest maybe a beach vacation in Destin, Florida, or a visit to the nation’s capital, or maybe a visit to some of the National Parks in the western United States. One place though that I had never even thought about until around 3-4 years ago was Nashville, Tennessee.
I have had reason to become a little familiar with the place because I have grandkids living nearby in Franklin. . .and, of course, their mother and daddy. The place is heaven to a music lover, especially country and western genre, but there is plenty of jazz, bluegrass, rock, and many other music styles found there.
Travel and Leisure magazine recognized Nashville as one of the best places to visit in 2014. Broadway Street is home to numerous honky tonks, restaurants, bars and saloons. Children are welcome at some of the locations, and the adults might want to wander back there later in the evening to enjoy the musical offerings of over 50 different establishments on that street. Also on that street is the famous Ryman Auditorium, home of the original Grand Ole Opry. They have performances on the weekends and also tours of the place are available.One of the more interesting places I have visited is the Country Music Hall of Fame. If you are interested in that kind of music, you can easily spend 3-4 hours touring that facility. The Nashville Zoo has a great reputation for their kangaroo exhibit. The Adventure Science Center features some hands-on exploration and a neat Planetarium.
Nashville features the homes of two former U.S. presidents that are open to the public. The Hermitage is a 1,000-acre plantation that once was the home of President Andrew Jackson and nearby in Columbia, TN is the family home of the 11th president, James Polk. They feature guides, even a kids version, that entertains all visitors. Another very popular place to stay is the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. There are always family-centered activities and entertainment going on including an outdoor children’s swimming pool and a river boat tour.
There are many public parks and hiking trails in the city and surrounding areas, as well as hundreds of great places to dine. Some of the more famous is Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant, the Loveless Café, and the Nashville Farmers’ Market.
From this neck of the woods, if planned early enough, you can fly from Abilene for less than $300 a person. And another consideration, sometime beginning in October, you might be able to fly non-stop from Dallas Love Field to Nashville. . .and with them you don’t have to pay for luggage.
The experienced counselors at The Travel Factory would love to help you manufacture a Nashville experience, or any other U.S. vacation destination. Contact us at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040. Find us at 4150 Southwest Dr., Ste. 120.