As we all know, Nashville,Tennessee is full of exciting and entertaining things to do and see. There are the walks along music row that you can see interesting things and there are the many tours to see the musicians homes,the Grand Old Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, but there are the really nice attractions for visitors to see that are free.
I love museums and rarely find one that is free. However, in Nashville, I know of a least two. They are the Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum. These are both full of learning opportunities and a lot of fun for adults and children.
The Tennessee State Museum is located at Fifth and Deaderick Streets in the lower level of the James K. Polk Cultural Center. It is open from Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. The museum is closed on 4 holidays- New Year’s Day, Easter,Thanksgiving and Christmas. By stepping into this museum you will learn about Tennessee’s past and the present. There are many displays that you will enjoy and want to tell others about.
The Tennessee Walking Horse Museum is also open from Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This museum has many details and displays honoring the famed horse that is known around the world. Learn all you ever want to know about the Tennessee Walker right here. There are many things here that you can see and it is a must see if you are in Nashville.
Don’t forget to stop at Fort Nashborough either. Beginning in 1780 as a fort to protect pioneers and their families from Indian attacks, this has become a historical bit of history in Tennessee and now has become a nice free attraction in Nashville. There are self guided tours from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. This old fort was completely rebuilt in 1962 but looks similar to the first one that was there. It is located at Riverfront Park.
While in Nashville, you have to visit the Bicentennial State Park in dowtown Nashville. Located and 600 James Robertson Parkway and shadowed by the capitol building, this has to be Nashville’s premier park and admission is free. There are so many attractions to see and do in this park , that it would be foolish to go to Nashville and not see it. Featuring a 2000 seat amphithreatre and many historical features, this is a learning opportunity and a nice day trip if you live close enough to the park. While you are there, take advantage of the opportunity to have a picnic lunch under the railroad trestle. There are picnic tables there but they fill up fast on a nice day so get yours early.
At the park, you can see many historical displays. One of my favorites is the WW II Memorial that they have. Dedicated in 1997, this is one of the nicest that I have ever seen. If you have children with you, they will enjoy playing with the 18,000 pound granite ball that sits in 1/8 inch water. You can physically stop this movement with your hands and make the ball turn the other way. Kids are absolutely fascinated with this. Also, take an opportunity to see the CCC memorial while you are in the park.
Inside of the park, there is also the Zero Mile Marker, Small TN granite maps, TN flags, the Pathway of HIstory ( a 1400 foot wall of historic events) and teh walkway of counties ( a walkway of 95 time capsules, one for each TN county,which will be opened on June 1,2096). As I said before, this park alone could be a one day trip.
While you are there, take advantage of the Centennial Park too.There is plenty to do at this park, but it also houses the Nashville Art Museum ( which does charge admission). However, the main attraction to the park is the replica of the Athens Parthenon. Inside of this building is where you will see the Art Museum. I found it interesting that they used such an interesting peice of art to house the art museum.
There are two other parks that are combined in one and they both have plenty of fun activities to keep children busy and offer some nice picnicing and a relaxing way to spend the day. They are the Warner Parks. My ffavorite would be the Percy Warner Park, but the other is nice too. Make sure that you visit each section of the se two parks to get a full aspect of theWarner Parks.
As you can tell, Nashville has much to do and see. If you are a budget friendly family, you can still visit the country music city of stars and find plenty to do without going broke. I prefer these kinds of activities to all of those which cost money to get into and then you realize that you don’t really care for the place.
