Nashville
With Cannery Row's clubs hosting up-and-coming indie bands all the way to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the famous acts that grace its stage, across Nashville you'll discover a vibrant musical culture. Head for the Ryman Auditorium, “The Mother Church of Country Music”, and you'll follow in the footsteps of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and all the other towering legends of their genre who have played here. At the Grand Ole Opry, meanwhile, you can see the set of the longest running live radio show in the world.
Alongside these, you can visit many smaller venues dotted all around town, such as The Station Inn and The 5 Spot. There's also the charming little Bluebird Café where songwriters from around the world famously showcase their own original work.
On Music Row, you can admire stunning Victorian architecture housing recording studios and music publishing houses. Then stop off for country ham and eggs at the Loveless Cafe, or for hotcakes at The Pancake Pantry.
If you're in town in June, you'll find the city teeming as the CMA (Country Music Association) Music Festival takes place in Riverfront Park. This is when singers and musicians as well as hundreds of thousands of country devotees flock to Nashville from all over – it’s a great time to be in the city.
For something completely different to the music scene and the great southern food on offer in this part of the world, head out with the youngsters to the Adventure Science Center or Nashville Zoo for an activity-filled and educational day. Or head for The Parthenon where you'll find a full-scale replica of the Athenian monument which always dazzles crowds. Learn all about early American history as well as the life of the seventh president of the United States Andrew Jackson at The Hermitage. Also check out the beautiful gardens and insightful museum at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art.
In Belle Meade, you can take a tour around the Greek-revival mansion and outbuildings of the historic Belle Meade Plantation, nowadays home to a thriving restaurant, winery and gallery space.