DEMOGRAPHICS

TAXES

EDUCATION

Nashville is often labeled the "Athens of the South" due to the many colleges and universities in the city and metropolitan area. The city is served by the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools and numerous private schools, such as Harpeth Hall School, Montgomery Bell Academy, Father Ryan and Saint Cecilia Academy, the latter of which was named as one of the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in America. Martin Luther King and Hume-Fogg high schools were ranked No. 23 and 24 by Newsweek magazine among the best 1,300 public high schools in the United States for 2008.

THINGS TO DO

ARTS

PERFORMING ARTS

Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is the major performing arts center of the city. It is the home of the Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Nashville Children's Theatre, the Nashville Opera, and Nashville Ballet.

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center is home to the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

Grand Ole Opry
What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live-entertainment phenomenon dedicated to honoring country music's rich history and dynamic present with a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. The Grand Ole Opry Museum pays tribute to the world’s longest-running radio show and its stars with exhibits honoring the likes of the legendary Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Little Jimmy Dickens. Exhibits featuring today’s chart-topping artists are also on display exploring the careers of performers such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt.

Live Music Venues
Music City is full of venues pumping out music everyday. They are even marked with a Live Music Venue sign to let you know that they are offering. Take a stroll through the city and stop in any of the clubs below to hear some great live music. They are playing at least four days a week and welcome music lovers from all over. Check out these venues. See the sign, step inside. See the Live Music Map.

VISUAL ARTS

Frist Center for the Visual Arts
Unlike 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.

Cheekwood Museum of Art and Botanical Garde
Cheekwood’s art collection was founded in 1959 upon the holdings of the former Nashville Museum of Art. The Cheek Mansion is itself considered part of the collection. The renovation restored much of the original building, revealing authentic features (wood and marble floors that had been carpeted), and conserving historical architectural motifs, such as the illusionist murals that line the main corridor .Extending across the grounds from the Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden encompasses the entire 55 acre site with an emphasis on display, education, and study.

The Tennessee State Museum
In 1937 the General Assembly created a state museum to house World War I mementoes and other collections from the state, the Tennessee Historical Society and other groups. This museum was located in the lower level of the War Memorial Building until it was moved into the new James K. Polk Center in 1981. The Tennessee State Museum currently occupies three floors, covering approximately 120,000 square feet with more than 60,000 square feet devoted to exhibits. After your visit to the many cultural and historic exhibits visit the Museum Store to shop for Tennessee crafts, jewelry, books, toys and other items.

Parthenon
The Parthenon in Nashville's Centennial Park, a full-scale reconstruction of the original Greek Parthenon, also serves as the city of Nashville's art museum. The focus of the Parthenon's permanent collection is a group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by James M. Cowan. Additional gallery spaces provide a venue for a variety of temporary shows and exhibits.

Other Galleries:
Fisk University's Van Vechten and Aaron Douglas Galleries
Vanderbilt University's Fine Art Gallery and Sarratt Gallery

RECREATION

The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
From African elephants to Bengal tigers and red pandas, Nashville Zoo provides a home to animals found all over the world. These beautiful creatures can be found in equally beautiful habitats like the new Giraffe Savannah, Alligator Cove, African Wild Dog Habitat and many more. Other exciting additions include the Wild Animal Carousel and an interactive Lorikeet Landing exhibit where you can enter an aviary and be surrounded by more than 50 Australian parrots. The Grassmere Historic House and Farm still stand, providing a glimpse into farm life during the 1880s. The Jungle Gym playground is the largest community-built playground in the United States and includes over 66,000 square feet for sliding, swinging, climbing, crawling and exploring.

Adventure Science Center
Get interactive with your children at the Adventure Science Center. The Adventure Science Center is a museum that makes science fun. Permanent exhibits offer a scientific look at the world around us and there are always special exhibits and events going on. BodyQuest is an interactive 9,000 square foot exhibit about the day-to-day functions of the human body. Another favorite attraction is BlueMax, a full-motion flight simulator that allows you and your young pilot to control flips, loops, and dives from your cockpit. Ascend Adventure Tower for an incredible observation deck that looks out over the city. Kids will love the dinosaur and outer space exhibits.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Wave Country
Wave Country is the area's only wave-action swimming pool! Ride the waves, or just let them lap at your feet. There are floats available for rent, and there are calm, "non-wave" periods as well. Or, have fun on the three water flumes! Drop from a 40 foot tower and travel 80 feet on the speed slides. There's even a children's playground, and sand volleyball pits. Extensive fast-food concessions available!

Nashville Shores
Nashville Shores is a 385-acre family recreation destination located just 10 miles from downtown Nashville. It is comprised of a water park, group event sites, festival areas, a 323-slip marina, and other attractions. The water park includes eight huge water slides, the Hippo – the world’s largest freestyle slide, pools, Kayak Cove, Parker Sandbox, an Aqua Park, a white, sandy beach, the “Giant Bucket of Fun,” and pontoon and jet ski rentals. The park also offers free lake cruises, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and much more. Visit the web site for special events and group discounts.

Percy Priest Lake
Located ten miles east of Nashville, Percy Priest Lake covers an area of 14,400 acres and has 213 miles of shoreline. Considered one of the finest largemouth bass lakes in the state of Tennessee, anglers will also enjoy catching crappie, rockfish, bream and catfish. Other activities include camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, canoeing and hiking.

Old Hickory Lake
Located on the Cumberland River just northeast of Nashville, you will find plenty of Southern hospitality at Old Hickory Lake. With over 22,000 acres of water and 440 miles of shoreline, Old Hickory offers plenty of hiking, fishing, boating, skiing and other lake activities. With no lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk (no swimming allowed near or from boat launches).

Hamilton Creek Sailboat Marina
The Sailboat Marina has its own trailer parking and a launch ramp adjacent to the Marina building.

The General Jackson Showboat
The General Jackson Showboat is a 300 foot paddlewheel riverboat with four massive decks. It's best known for its fabulous live shows that are performed in the beautiful two-story Victorian Theater located in the center of the boat. During the primary season March 14 - November 9, Midday Cruises offer the amazing Peking Acrobats show and lunch. Evening Cruises offer an elegant dinner and a production show featuring all genres of music. Throughout the year, The General Jackson Showboat also hosts Special Cruises including a special New Years Eve celebration. It?s an experience you'll only find in Music City!

PARKS

The Metro Parks and Recreation Department has a wide variety of facilities and programs to be enjoyed across Davidson County. Presently, there are 113 properties on over 10,570 acres, plus seven municipal golf courses. Offering something for everyone, including both passive and active recreation. Including senior programs, special population programs, cultural arts classes, dog parks, a variety of trails, nature programs, sports leagues, art galleries, and much more.

Parthenon
The Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville's premier urban park. The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.

Bicentennial Mall State Park
The Bicentennial Mall located in downtown Nashville with a view of the State Capitol. The 19-acre park is designed to complement the Tennessee Capitol Building, give visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders, and to serve as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial celebration.

Metro’s Dog Parks
Walking and playing with one’s dog has long been among the most popular reasons to visit a Metro Nashville park. While leashed dogs are welcome in all Metro Parks, Metro’s Dog Parks are a great place for dogs to exercise, socialize and play. Current locations:

• Centennial Dog Park at 31st Ave. and Park Plaza (parking off Parthenon Ave.)
• Shelby Park at South 20th and Shelby Ave. behind the community center
• Warner Dog Park off Vaughn Road just South of Old Hickory Blvd.

SPORTS

Nashville has several professional sports teams, most notably the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League and the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. Several other pro sports teams also call Nashville home, as does the NCAA college football Music City Bowl. The Vanderbilt Commodores are members of the Southeastern Conference. The football team of Tennessee State University plays its home games at LP Field. Our teams:

• Tennessee Titans (NFL) at LP Field
• Nashville Predators (NHL) at Sommet Center
• Nashville Sounds (Minor League Baseball) at Herschel Greer Stadium
• Nashville Metros (Soccer) at Ezell Park
• Nashville Storm (minor league football - NAFL) at Boguskie Stadium (Stratford High)
• Nashville Superspeedway located in Lebanon
• Music City Motorplex at the Tennessee Fairgrounds

The Music City Bowl is a post-season college football bowl game certified by the NCAA. The first Music City Bowl was played at Vanderbilt Stadium in 1998. Beginning in 1999, the game has been played at LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans.

The Centennial Sportsplex is middle Tennessee's ultimate fitness, recreation, and sports complex. The 145,000 square-foot year-round family center offers ice skating, fitness, swimming, and tennis. Within 17 acres, you'll find the Aquatics Center, the Fitness Center, the Ice Arenas, and the Tennis Center.

Skate Park for skateboards, in-line skates and bmx bikes.

Special Olympics Tennessee is a program which through quality sports training and competition improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and, in turn, the lives of everyone they encounter. Special Olympics Tennessee conducts 17 different sports throughout the year and supports 32 area programs that include all Tennessee counties. Area Programs are lead by volunteer teams, who recruit and train athletes, conduct local and area competitions and raise funds to support their efforts. Full participation is granted to every athlete regardless of his or her economic circumstances. Over 12,000 Special Olympics athletes are registered with Special Olympics Tennessee.

GOLF

Places of Interest

Ryman Auditorium
Before even the Ryman became known as the downtown home of the Grand Ole Opry, it already enjoyed a national reputation. Enrico Caruso, John Phillip Sousa and the Vienna Orchestra gave roof-raising performances there that earned the Ryman the nickname "Carnegie Hall of the South." The Ryman's unrivaled acoustic qualities continue today - it has received Pollstar magazine's prestigious "Theater of the Year" award for two years in a row as the best auditorium in the nation to experience live music.The Ryman Auditorium, built in 1892, is on the National Historic Landmark registry. By day, take a self guided museum tour or guided backstage tour. Record your own CD in the new Ryman Recording Studio! In the evening, return for a show or concert at this premier performance hall.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Do more than hear the music. See it. Live it. Experience it. This isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience, an exciting and entertaining destination in Nashville with something for everyone. Rhinestone costumes, seasoned instruments and tear-stained lyric sheets are only the beginning. Add interactive exhibits, films featuring today’s top country names, private sessions with professional songwriters, incredible architecture along with our famous southern hospitality, and a day at the museum turns into the memories of a lifetime.

Historic RCA Studio B - “The Home of 1,000 Hits”
Get an up-close look at what was once the second home of music legends Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, Dolly Parton and more. Over 35,000 songs were recorded here, including “It’s Now Or Never,” “Only The Lonely,” and “I Will Always Love You.” Now you can see how and where many of the greatest performers of the 1950s through the 1970s made timeless music and recording history.

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is the one and only museum in the world that honors the talented musicians who actually played on the greatest recordings of all time. It is a 30,000 sq.ft. multipurpose complex which includes a Reception Hall that can accommodate approximately 220 seated dinner guests with an adjoining movie theater that seats a maximum of 90 guests. The Performance Hall has a seated capacity of 355 guests or 450 standing. The Musicians Hall Of Fame School Of Music offers weekly private guitar, bass, drums or keyboard lessons for all ages.

The Music Mile
"The Music Mile" is roughly a one-mile stretch which connects downtown to Music Row. Heading west from the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, you'll encounter nearby neighbors such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Nashville Arena, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, and the soon-to-be-under-construction Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Just a bit further on The Music Mile are the ever-changing galleries of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and down the road you'll find vibrant new entertainment, restaurant and shopping venues on Demonbreun Street and the Music Row Roundabout. The Roundabout, site of the imposing Musica sculpture and adjacent to Owen Bradley Park, serves as a gateway to the music industry that has collected on 16th and 17th Avenues South, including RCA Studio. At 40 feet high, Musica is the largest bronze figure group in America. Unveiled in 2003, this group of 9 colossal bronze figures celebrates the energy and diversity of the music industry in Nashville. The sculpture is located in the center of a traffic circle which is the entry way to Nashville's renowned Music Row.

The Music City Walk of Fame (on the Music Mile) features permanent sidewalk medallions with each honoree’s name. The inductions are open to all singers, musicians, songwriters, producers and music industry executives/contributors who have played a significant role in preserving the musical heritage that is Nashville and have contributed to the world through song or other industry collaboration.

The Hermitage
Since The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, opened as a museum in 1889 over 15 million people have crossed its threshold. The Hermitage mansion has been meticulously restored to its 1837 appearance and today looks much as it did when Andrew Jackson returned to it after finishing his second term as President. After the home was damaged by fire in 1834, Jackson had it remodeled in the Greek Revival style. Today, six wallpapers installed after the fire still hang on the walls and the majority of the furniture in the home was purchased by the Jackson family to replace pieces damaged in the fire. Personal objects, like Jackson’s swords and books, also adorn the home along with the Jackson family’s collection of portraits.

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
You'll be amazed at the nine acres of indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and an indoor river with its own Delta flatboat. Within this lush landscape, you'll discover fine dining and casual restaurants, unique shopping experiences, and a 20,000-square-foot resort spa and fitness center. And for late-night excitement, check out our latest entertainment adventure, Fuse Nightclub. It features 2,881 stylish guest rooms, including 220 spectacular suites. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is the largest non-gaming hotel property in the United States with more than 600,000 square feet of meeting space.

Nashville Convention Center
The Nashville Convention Center has a pedestrian connector to the 20,000-seat Sommet Center and a sky-lit concourse to the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. It contains a 118,675-square-foot exhibit hall, 27-foot ceiling heights, 25 meeting rooms including an 11,000-square-foot ballroom, terrace and lobbies.

The Hermitage Hotel
The Hermitage, Nashville's only AAA Five Diamond Award-winning hotel, opened in 1910 with advertisements that described its rooms as "fireproof, noiseproof, and dustproof, $2.00 and up." The hotel, which was commissioned by 250 prominent Nashville residents, was a revelation in elegance -- Italian sienna marble in the entrance; wall panels of Russian walnut; a cut, stained-glass ceiling in the vaulted lobby; Persian rugs; and massive, overstuffed furniture greeted guests from across the country, including such luminaries as Bette Davis, Greta Garbo, and six U.S. presidents. The Hermitage features 123 guest rooms and suites, many of which offer spectacular views of the State Capitol and the Nashville skyline. Room amenities include spacious marble bathrooms with double vanities and extra-deep soaking tubs; refined linens and down-filled duvets. The hotel's restaurant, The Capitol Grille, was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire magazine. The 106-seat restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is a true celebration of southern taste. A private dining room is available.

Union Station
The Union Station Hotel is a stunningly restored, 100-year-old railway station. As an Historic Hotels of America property, Union Station is a shining gateway to the past, blending modern convenience with historic elegance in the heart of Music City. Marvel at Romanesque architecture with an original 65-foot barrel-vaulted Tiffany-style stained glass ceiling, gold-leaf mirrors, and rare bas-relief sculptures. Choose from over 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, exquisite culinary selections and the latest in technology for a conferences and weddings.

Belle Meade Plantation
Belle Meade Plantation is a 30 acre historic site 6 miles west of Nashville. The centerpiece of the property is the Belle Meade mansion built in 1853. This Greek revival house was home to five generations of the Harding-Jackson family, original owners of the Belle Meade Farm. In the late 19th century, the farm encompassed 5,400 acres and was one of the largest private estates in Nashville. The farm was a thoroughbred nursery famous for breeding and training championship race horses. Recent Kentucky derby winners like Funny Cide and Barbarro, even racing legends like Secretariat can trace their bloodlines back to the breeding stock at Belle Meade.

Shopping

Nashville Farmers’ Market
Since it’s inception on the town square in the early 1800’s, the Farmers’ Market has been a vital part of Nashville life. Although the market has had several homes, one thing has remained constant — a love of shopping for the best produce, food and bargains in an exciting community setting. In 1995 the Farmers’ Market was renovated as part of the Bicentennial State Park Mall development. The Market now stretches from Harrison to Jackson Streets on Eighth Avenue and covers 16 acres of urban land. The market is home to a daily Farmers’ Market with local farmers and produce re-sellers; an interior Market House with eateries and specialty food shops; and a weekend Flea Market with independent entrepreneurs selling new and used items.

Opry Mills
Opry Mills features the best names in manufacturers' and retail outlets including Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5TH, Gap Outlet and Old Navy with an IMAX and a Regal Cinema. Opry Mills is located on the Opryland grounds between Two Rivers Parkway and McGavock Pike and borders the Cumberland River. Opry Mills is within walking distance from the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center and next door to the Grand Ole Opry.

Green Hills
From boutiques to an upscale mall, some of Nashville's best shopping can be found in Green Hills. Stores like Bamboo and My Friend's Place offer trendy, chic clothing lines in a boutique setting. Anchored by Dillard's and Macy's department stores, The Mall at Green Hills features such stores as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Kiehl's, Pottery Barn, Sigrid Olson, Betsey Johnson, bebe, Cache, J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, Area 365, Structure, Pottery Barn and more. The mall features excellent options for snacking including Maggie Moo's Ice Cream and Starbucks, as well as full-scale restaurants including Carrabba's Italian Grill, Ruby Tuesday and others.

Hillsboro Village
One of Nashville's trendiest neighborhoods, this area is perfect for a relaxing afternoon of window-shopping, people watching and star gazing at any number of celebrities who frequent the area. Four eclectic city blocks feature unique boutiques, upscale antique furniture, entertainment and hip restaurants. The crown jewel is the Belcourt Theater. And no visit would be complete without enjoying brunch at the famous Pancake Pantry.

Hickory Hollow Mall
Hickory Hollow Mall offers over a million square feet of selection from national retailers such as Aéropostale, Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Russe, The Children's Place, Express/Express Men, Gap, New York & Company and Electronic Express and Steve & Barry's.

Rivergate Mall
RiverGate offers over 150 stores, and 15 eateries. This mall has all the great name stores you are looking for — Abercrombie & Fitch, Buckle, Bombay Co., B.Moss Clothing Co., d.e.m.o., Yankee Candle Co., Linens 'N Things, The Disney Store, Bath & Body Works, Express, Victoria’s Secret and much more.

The Nashville Arcade
In 1902, what was known as the Overton alley was developed into what is now "The Arcade". Located between Fourth and Fifth avenue, the entrances consist of identical Palladian facades. In the heart of the 5th Avenue business district this historic two-level pedestrian mall, inspired by the one in Milan, Italy combines old world charm with the best of a modern shopping mall. The first Saturday of every month it also hosts an Art Walk.

West End/Elliston Place
This eclectic shopping district features block after block of everything from outrageous retro clothing, to vintage furnishings to an authentic malt shop.

8th Avenue Antique District
A collector and antique lover's paradise, each unique store and antique mall is a treasure trove of furniture, jewelry, ephemera, books, maps, Civil War memorabilia and Art Deco pieces galore.

12 South District
Several fun vintage stores, including Katy K's Ranch Dressing (awesome country-western outfits), Savant, and Local Honey. Also home to the Art House gallery.

East Nashville/5 Points
Head to Hip Zipper for vintage clothing, The Turnip Truck for health food, or Art and Invention,Gallery for fine art and handmade jewelry.

Grimey's
An independent record store with good selection of vinyl and "pre-loved" music. Hosts free in-store performances by both local and nationally-known bands, usually in the afternoon or early evening.

Major Annual Events

The GMA Music Awards Christian and Gospel music awards (Dove Awards) is held each April at various locations including the Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium. Leading up to the awards is GMA week where radio stations interview and fans get autographs.

The CMA Music Festival is a four day event in June featuring performances by country music stars, autograph signings, artist/fan interaction, and other activities for country music fans.

In September, Nashville hosts the Tennessee State Fair at the State Fairgrounds. The State Fair lasts nine days and includes rides, exhibits, rodeos, tractor pulls, and numerous other shows and attractions.

The Nashville Film Festival takes place each year for a week in April. It features hundreds of independent films and is one of the biggest film festivals in the Southern United States.

In September, the African Street Festival takes place on the campus of Tennessee State University.

Other big events in Nashville include the Fourth of July celebration which takes place each year at Riverfront Park, the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon which normally includes over 25,000 runners from around the world, the Tomato Art Festival which takes place in East Nashville every August, and the Australian Festival which celebrates the cultural and business links between the U.S. and Australia.

TRANSPORTATION

Nashville is centrally located at the crossroads of three Interstate Highways: I-40, I-24, and I-65. Interstate 440 is a bypass route connecting I-40, I-65, and I-24 south of downtown Nashville. The Metropolitan Transit Authority provides bus transit within the city.

The city is served by Nashville International Airport, which was a hub for American Airlines between 1986 and 1995 and is now a mini-hub for Southwest Airlines. Nashville International Airport was named one of the “10 greatest places to hang out during a layover.” USA Today, November 12, 2004.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority runs bus and trolley service for Nashville and the surrounding area.

The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) operates two regional bus routes traveling between downtown Nashville and Murfreesboro and Hendersonville. The RTA works closely with the MTA linking riders with more than 40 routes provided throughout Davidson County. The RTA’s rideshare program organizes vanpools and carpools for commuters throughout Middle Tennessee as well as the newly launched passenger rail system.

Nashville launched a passenger rail system called the Music City Star on September 18, 2006. The first and only currently operational leg of the system connects the city of Lebanon to downtown Nashville at Nashville Riverfront. Legs to Murfreesboro and Gallatin are currently in the feasibility study stage. The system plan includes seven legs connecting Nashville to surrounding suburbs.

Taxi Services

HEALTH CARE

Nashville is a major U.S. center for entrepreneurial health care companies, with more than 350 health care companies with operations in the city, 21 of which are publicly traded and headquartered in Nashville. More than 50 percent of all the for-profit hospital beds in America are owned and managed by companies headquartered in the Nashville area. The region also offers world-class health care for residents, including:

• Two teaching hospitals: Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical Center
• More than 30 hospitals, medical centers and specialty centers
• More than 2,700 doctors
• Two Veterans Administration medical centers

OTHER HELPFUL AND INTERESTING INFORMATION