Nashville’s Best Places to Visit:
The top rated Places to Visit in Nashville, TN are:
- The Parthenon – is the world’s only exact-size replica of the original temple in Athens
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park – is an urban state park in downtown Nashville
- Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery – guests can enjoy Historic Tours, Family Tours, Wine & Food Pairings
- Nashville Zoo at Grassmere – is a progressive and dynamic zoological park
- Cheekwood – is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum
The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a Greek temple. Since the 1930s, the Parthenon has staged a variety of art exhibitions in its halls, educating Nashvillians and visitors alike about the legacy of the ancient Greeks and their impact on American civilization. They are owned and operated by the Metropolitan Board of Parks and Recreation, a Department of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
The Nashville Parthenon is the world’s only perfect replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece. When Tennessee celebrated its centennial year of statehood with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville capitalized on its moniker “Athens of the South” and created the art building as a replica of Athens’ most famous edifice and the epitome of Greek classical architecture.
Products/Services:
Art Galleries
LOCATION:
Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: (615) 862-8431
Website: www.nashvilleparthenon.com
REVIEWS:
“This is one of the places in Nashville that should be on every list of places to visit. The Parthenon was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exhibition and is located in beautiful Centennial Park. The size and scope of the building are truly magnificent as is the architectural detail. The inside serves as an art museum and houses a replica of Athena. The marbles located along the top were cast from originals. A fitting tribute for the city known as the Athens of the South.” – Charles P.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Located in downtown Nashville in the shadow of the Capitol, it provides visitors with a taste of Tennessee’s history, natural beauty, and acts as a lasting tribute to Tennessee’s Bicentennial Celebration, which took place on June 1, 1996. Tourists to the 11-acre park can experience various aspects of Tennessee’s history, including a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II Memorial, a 95-Bell Carillon, a Gateway of History, and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. The 11 planters along the Pathway of Counties display natural plant species from various regions of the state.
Products/Services:
State Park
LOCATION:
Address: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 741-5280
Website: www.tnstateparks.com
REVIEWS:
“This is a really nice park in Nashville and there is so much to read and see. We spent a couple of hours on Sunday afternoon here before our flight back home. Beautiful views, a ton of history, and a nice peaceful place to walk and take pictures. If you’re in the area and looking to get away from Broadway and all the other stuff we recommend spending some time at this park.” – Sean B.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, there are two tours that cover the history of Belle Meade. The Mansion Tour highlights the tale of Belle Meade’s decade’s history through the happy memories of the Harding and Jackson families, as well as the women, men, and children who worked there. The Trip to Jubilee Tour encourages debate and delves into the tales of enslaved African-Americans brought to, and born in, Belle Meade from 1807 to the years following Emancipation.
Products/Services:
Historic Tours, Family Tours, Bourbon Tastings, and Chef-Inspired Food & Wine Pairings
LOCATION:
Address: 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
Phone: (615) 356-0501
Website: www.visitbellemeade.com
REVIEWS:
“This was my favorite part of my Nashville Trip. I wish I allowed more time for this. We did the last tour which didn’t allow time after to sightsee since the grounds close at 5. I recommend getting there earlier, doing the guided tour first so that’s everything is in context. The tour guide was awesome and really made walking the mansion much more interesting. When I return, this is something I would see again.” – Seth W.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a sophisticated and active zoological park located approximately 6 miles south of downtown Nashville. Nashville Zoo is the country’s ninth-largest zoo by landmass, with only 90 of its 188 acres constructed. The Tennessee Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in the state, having been selected The Tennessean’s Best Regional Attraction and Best Day Trip.
Since its inception in 1991, Nashville Zoo has evolved from a small, private operation located half an hour northwest of Nashville to an AZA-accredited facility that welcomes over one million tourists every year also participating in global conservation and research efforts to save threatened species.
Products/Services:
Zoo, Rides & Experiences, Dining
LOCATION:
Address: 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211
Phone: (615) 833-1534
Website: www.nashvillezoo.org
REVIEWS:
“I love the Nashville Zoo. The employees are friendly and knowledgeable. It’s really clean and they are constantly upgrading and bringing in new exhibits. I especially love the bear and tiger areas. I do wish there was a little bit better variety of food to eat but I got an Italian sandwich there and it was good enough that I’d go back for that alone. I don’t understand why they did places close way before the zoo does but again, very clean and friendly. We will continue to be members there.” – Barb M.
Cheekwood
Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum set on the old Cheek estate. Cheekwood, which was erected in 1929 as the house of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, is one of the greatest examples of an American Country Place Era mansion. Cheekwood has featured world-class art exhibitions, stunning gardens, and a historic house unlike any other since it was turned into an art museum and botanical park in 1960.
Cheekwood welcomes hundreds of thousands of people each year, making it one of the city’s main cultural attractions, with around 19,000 member homes. Visitors may enjoy family activities, programming for all ages, and year-round festivals celebrating the four seasons. There’s always something to see at Cheekwood, from 150,000 flowering bulbs in the spring to one mile of festive lights in the winter.
Products/Services:
Botanical Garden, Art Museum
LOCATION:
Address: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
Phone: (615) 356-8000
Website: www.cheekwood.org
REVIEWS:
“Stately grounds made family-friendly. Handicap accessible, the mansion and grounds are a do not miss. The Cheekwood mansion is certainly something to see with changing art exhibits, but the grounds are immaculate and range from the kid-friendly train garden to the Japanese-inspired zen garden with practically everything in between. If you love the outdoors, or gardening, or just the peace and quiet of nature- this is the place for you.” – Angie K.
Mark has lived in Detroit, MI his whole life. He has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Mark covers national and local businesses.