Venturing Further

Grand Ole Opry 600 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214
The Grand Ole Opry is a Nashville icon and is at the heart of country music history. With more than 5,000 episodes over nearly 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running radio broadcast in United States history and is the most famous country music radio station in the world. Its weekly Saturday show features live performances by country, bluegrass, Americana, folk, and gospel artists, as well as comedic skits. Shows are never rehearsed and are broadcasted each week to a live audience as well as to millions of fans across the world on WSM Radio (its 808-foot tower is located in Brentwood) and Circle television. The Ryman Auditorium was home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 until its move in 1974 to the Opry House, a venue built specifically for the show. An invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry is often the crowning achievement of an artist’s career and is one of music’s highest honors. Invitations are always extended during a show on stage by an existing member. A trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Opry, so be sure to take a tour and catch a show!

Cheekwood 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205
Cheekwood is a 55-acre, sprawling estate located in the historic area of Belle Meade. It was originally built in 1929 by Leslie Cheek and Mabel Wood Cheek, whose family founded Maxwell House coffee, and was converted into a stunning botanical garden, sculpture garden, and art museum in 1960. Cheekwood is one of Nashville’s top cultural attractions and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually. It hosts several artistic and musical events across the year and is well-known for its 250,000 flowers each spring and more than a mile of Christmas lights in the winter. It is open every day except Monday and makes for a perfect outing for all ages. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for a leisurely stroll, and bring a camera!

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076
The Hermitage encompasses more than 1,000 acres of historic architecture, gardens, and meadows. It served as the home, office, entertaining space, and farm of Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States, and his wife, Rachel Jackson, from 1804-1845. The mansion has been carefully preserved to show many of President Jackson’s original belongings and a glimpse into his family’s daily life. President Jackson, Rachel Jackson, and several family members are buried on the grounds. In 1856, Andrew Jackson Jr. sold the estate to the State of Tennessee, and in 1960, The Hermitage was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Historic Franklin 400 Main St., Suite 130, Franklin, TN 37064 (Visitors Center)
Founded in 1799, Franklin is the seventh-largest city in Tennessee and is named after founding father Benjamin Franklin. The city is a blend of historical sites and significance and a robust modern economy with population, industry, and development rising dramatically year after year. Franklin was at the center of the plantation and agricultural economy for much of its first 180 years. The Carter, Carnton, and Lotz houses offer period architecture examples and can still be toured today. Franklin has several important Civil War sites and museums, including the location of the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Main Street of downtown Franklin has many picturesque boutique shops and restaurants, as well as historic churches and homes.

Arrington Vineyards 6211 Patton Road, Arrington, TN 37014
Known as “Nashville’s Wine Country,” Arrington Vineyards, co-owned by country music star Kix Brooks, is 95 acres of tasting rooms, vineyards, and picnic areas. Just 25 miles south of Nashville, Arrington produces and bottles 21 award-winning wines and regularly hosts live music shows and food trucks. Its stunning views and relaxed vibe make Arrington a perfect place to spend the afternoon or evening!

Leipers Fork & The Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace is a scenic trail extending 440 miles through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. It originates in Nashville and ends in Natchez, Mississippi, connecting the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers. It was created by Native Americans and later used by explorers, settlers, and traders in the 18th and 19th centuries. Natchez Trace Parkway is a road that follows the approximate path of the trail. Visitors to the Trace can enjoy many hiking paths, camping sites, horseback riding trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.

The town of Leipers Fork is a Registered National Historic District and is a stunning setting, sitting just one mile east of the start of the Trace. It was created in the late 18th century by pioneering families that were granted the land for their service in the Revolutionary War. Leipers Fork feels a bit “off the beaten path” and boasts beautiful countryside with horse farms and sprawling estates, many of which local country music stars call home. Old Hillsboro Road (Highway 46) is the main street of town lined with art and antique galleries, gift shops, and restaurants filled with Southern charm and food. Also, visiting Wines in the Fork and Leiper’s Fork Distillery will give you a tasty sampling of some local beverages. Enjoy a pleasant afternoon or early evening strolling the streets of Leipers Fork, and don’t be surprised if you come across a live music performance inviting you to take a seat.

Jack Daniels Distillery 182 Lynchburg Highway, Lynchburg, TN 37352
Established in 1866 as the first registered distillery in the United States, the Jack Daniels Distillery is located 75 miles south of Nashville and offers daily tours of its facility, distilling process, and samples of its famous Tennessee whiskey, the best-selling whiskey in the world. Tours range from tasting a simple flight to a full sit-down meal and tasting experience. If you ever visit in the fall, be sure to check out the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue hosted at the distillery each year.