Fun and Facts for Nashville, Tennessee
Know Before You Go
Printer-Friendly Version-
At a Glance
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Nashville is probably old-time country music -- not exactly the hot trend among those 17 and under. But Nashville's rich history, both musical and otherwise, means an abundance of fun attractions, from a music-themed wax museum to a turn-of-the-century riverboat to Southern plantations complete with costumed guides and recreations of daily life. The lush, warm Southern climate is also ideal for outdoor activities such as a water park, adventure science park, and award-winning zoo. The only problem you'll have in Nashville will be finding enough time to fit in everything everyone wants to do.
-
When to Go
Summer bustles with tourists, but you'll also encounter hot temperatures and often extreme humidity. Spring and fall offer less crowds, and more pleasant temperatures, though some activities -- like the water park -- may not be available. Winter can be very cold with chilling winds, but the "ICE! Nashville's Wonderful Winter Wonderland" attraction, (a castle carved from two million pounds of ice) is worth braving frigid temperatures.
-
Weather
Average high and low temperatures in the summer are between 70 and 88 degrees, bringing not only heat but often relentless humidity, (as is common in the southeast). Winter is moderately cold, although snow is a rare occurrence. Fall and the particularly rainy spring offer pleasant temperatures in the 70s. Short and T-shirts are standard, though you'll want to tote a rain jacket and umbrella just in case. Get more weather info.
-
Getting There
The Nashville International Airport (BNA) serves most major airlines, and is a hub for Southwest Airlines. Take a taxi from the airport into downtown, or rent a car there. Oddly, Nashville is one of the largest cities not served by Amtrak, but Greyhound buses are available.
-
Getting Around
Nashville is one of those Southern cities that has experienced growth far outpacing the ability of public transit to keep up. Unless you're here just for a day or two and staying entirely downtown, you'll want to rent a car to visit the plantations, water park, and other outlying attractions. Luckily, except for downtown, parking is relatively plentiful and reasonably priced. One solution would be to use a taxi or hotel shuttle to get downtown, and drive everywhere else.
-
Festivals & Events
Nashville offers no shortage of festivals throughout the year, many of which, naturally, are music-related.
- Awesome April in Music City (April)
- Nashville Film Festival (April)
- CMA Music Festival (June)
- Music City J.A.M. (Sept.)
- Tennessee State Fair (Sept.)
- International Bluegrass Music Association (Oct.)
- CMA Music Awards (Oct.)
- Holiday Harmony (Nov.-Dec.)
-
Helpful Info
Get helpful information from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County website as well as the Nashville Convention and Visitor's website.
-
Fun Facts
- Nashville was founded on Christmas Eve 1779.
- Presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk lived in the Nashville area.
- Maxwell House coffee got its start at Nashville's Maxwell House Hotel, which served its last cup on December 25, 1961.
- Since the 1960s, Nashville has been the second biggest music production center -- after New York City -- in the country.
Pre-Trip Fun
Printer Friendly Version-
Watch
"Sesame Street: Kids' Favorite Country Songs" -- Elmo and the gang croon with some of Nashville's biggest stars. (Toddlers to School Age)
"Gone With the Wind" -- Though it doesn't take place in Nashville, the classic drama's depiction of plantation life can provide some context when visiting sites like Belle Meade and the Hermitage. (Teens)
-
Eat
Classic Fried Catfish -- For a twist on the tired fish stick, try this southern staple.
Hush Puppies -- Not exactly healthfun, but a fun, delicious side you'll find at most Nashville restaurants.
-
Read
"Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton -- An uplifting tale about strength and family drawn from the lyrics of Parton's autobiographical song. (Ages 4 to 8)
"Honky-Tonk Heroes and Hillbilly Angels: The Pioneers of Country Western Music" by Holly George-Warren and Laura Levine -- Give kids an overview of Nashville's impact on music with these picture-book profiles of country's biggest stars and sounds. (Ages 9 to 12)
"Music Row Dogs and Nashville Cats: Country Stars and their Pets" by Karen Will Rogers and Laura Lacy -- Young or old, famous or a fan, we can all relate to cute, furry things. (All Ages)
-
Make
Cardboard Box Guitar --- Celebrate Music City with this easy-to-make instrument young musicians can personalize.
Trash Can Drum --- Kids of any age can keep the beat (earplugs not included).

