This might come as a shock to some of you who reside in what is considered to be the cultural centers of the world, like NYC or LA. See how that works? These cities are so refined they don't even have to go to the trouble of saying their entire name. They just go by initials and everyone knows what town you're talking about. Not so of any place south of the Mason-Dixon Line. You will have to say the complete name of the city you are referring to down here. But make no mistake about it we have our own ways about us down here. The South has long been known for many events; we have Louisville, KY who host The Run For The Roses or better known as The Kentucky Derby and this event draws from all over the world. New Orleans has Mardi Gras and that too draws people from all over the world every year. Florida has Disney World and all that wonderful stuff Florida is known for. The only original form of music born in America was born in the South, The Blues. But Nashville is so known for one thing it unofficially has another name, Music City! Yes, you might roll your eyes and say Country Music! Well, we have tons of that too but we also have tons of rock stars who record in part their music here because of the availability of musicians, quality of studios, and sheer number of record companies and producers. For example, Bob Dylan recorded his award winning album Nashville Skyline here. The Allman Bros. are from here too and Gregg Allman can be seen here often. Jessica Simpson was the latest singer to record here.
The Hollywood factor is another side to Nashville. Many female stars have homes here or have been married to musicians who work here such as Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Jewel, Julia Roberts, just to name a few. This adds a touch of star spotting to the city. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman own a home here and she is seen out and about shopping in Nashville. Bonnaroo is a huge three day rock festival which is held annually just outside of Nashville. This event draws from all over and this year The Olsen Twins celebrated their birthdays here at Bonnaroo. But Nashville leaves the stars alone to go about their business unharmed and unmolested like any other normal folk. Maybe that is why so many Hollywood people like to hang here.
Nashville is also called the Athens of the South because we have a full scale replica of the Parthenon set in Centennial Park. Inside resides a full size statue of Athena, to whom the original Parthenon was dedicated to. We have the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, an art museum given to the city by the famous doctor and Politician, Bill Frist and the Frist Family. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art is one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Nashville is also an educational center of the South as well. With Vanderbilt College, Belmont College, which recently hosted one of the Presidential Debates, and Tennessee State University all within blocks of one another a large part of Nashville is geared toward the enrichment of the educational environment with a large number of museums like the Adventure Science Center. We also have a large number of Art Galleries as those in Printer's Alley and specialty museums, like the Train Museum, The Grand Ol' Opry Museum, The Upper Room, and The Music Valley Wax Musuem. All quite unique indeed.
As for Nashville's nightlife that is another story. With so many colleges here you just know there are tons to do after dark. Nashville offers everything from seedy biker bars to trendy upscale downtown bars. Take your pick. Nashville can even boast a small underground Goethe scene. So as you can see Nashville has about everything any other city has, and maybe a few things some cities don't. After all, one travelogue voted Nashville The Friendliest City In America! I would say that is true, we are very friendly here. And if you believe me just ask the folks at the Loveless Café on Highway 100. Anyone there will be happy to tell you just how friendly and helpful this town can be and while you are there why not sit a spell and enjoy some of the home-made Apple Pie and Sweet Tea and relax a bit, take in the sights and smells and smiles of Nashville. You'll be mighty glad you did.
