Nashville, Tennessee (Multi-Day Tour)
This tour can be combined with Cincinnati / Dayton and Lexington / Louisville travel packages

In Nashville you'll find uniqueness, diversity and rich heritage that are unparalleled.  We invite you to experience for yourself what makes Nashville special.  It's a city that resonates with life and vibrates to the beat of every kind of song.  It's a town that sizzles with American music, Southern hospitality, unbelievable cuisine and a boundless spectrum of student activities.

Any city that was founded as a fort in 1779 is certain to be packed with history, and Nashville certainly doesn't disappoint in that department.  Music City was home to two Presidents, the site of Civil War battles, host of the 1897 World's Fair and a quintessential antebellum Southern city.  The Nashville area offers a vivid portrait of a bygone era featuring graceful architecture, opulent mansions, a rich riverfront merchant district and much more.  You can learn a lot in Music City and about Music City.  And it's all fun which makes Nashville a great choice for student groups.  Just imagine the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Hermitage, the Parthenon and Belle Meade Plantation – all in one destination.  Many of their most popular attractions offer educational programming or special tours designed for students.  So if you want to really get your students excited, just say ‘Nashville’ and ‘Music,’ then watch them sit up and take notice.  Nashville is a city of note – a city so legendary for its signature product that you just have to hear it to believe it.  Welcome to Music City.

BELLE MEADE PLANTATION

Belle Meade Plantation is a 30-acre historic site west of Nashville.  The centerpiece of the property is the Belle Meade mansion built in 1853.  This Greek revival house was home to five generations of the Harding-Jackson family, original owners of the Belle Meade Farm.  In the late 19th century, the farm encompassed 5,400-acres and was one of the largest private estates in Nashville; other historic outbuildings include the 1890s carriage house and stables and the original 1790s log cabin.  The farm was a thoroughbred nursery famous for breeding and training championship race horses.  Recent Kentucky derby winners like Funny Cide and Barbarro, and racing legends like Secretariat and Seabiscuit can trace their bloodlines back to the breeding stock at Belle Meade.

Belle Meade Plantation offers a wide variety of tour options for student groups.  Packages can be customized by age group, area of study and length of stay on the property.  Each tour will receive a knowledgeable educator to escort your group during this interactive learning experience.  Belle Meade also welcomes student performances.  They have a variety of locations on their historic property to offer your group.  Please mention your desire to perform when booking your tour and we can tell you which space(s) are available for your group.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

BELMONT MANSION

Completed in 1853 by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen, Belmont was recognized as one of the most elaborate and unusual homes in the South.  An Italianate-style villa, it was a summer home escape from the heat of their 8,400-acre Louisiana cotton plantation.  The Acklens built, furnished and landscaped one of the most elaborate antebellum homes in the South with 36 rooms and 19,000 square feet.  The estate contained an art gallery, conservatories, lavish gardens, aviary, lake and zoo.  Today the gilt frame mirrors hanging over original marble mantels still reflect the elaborate gasoliers and elegantly furnished parlors.  The Grand Salon is considered by architectural historians to be the most elaborate domestic interior built in antebellum Tennessee.  The gardens, now maintained as part of the college campus of Vanderbilt University, contain marble statuary and the largest collection of 19th century cast iron garden ornaments in the United States including five cast iron gazebos.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

CHEEKWOOD

The history and origin of Cheekwood are intimately interwoven with the growth of Nashville, the Maxwell House coffee brand and the Cheeks, one of the city's early entrepreneurial families.  In the early 1880s the Cheek family developed a superior blend of coffee that was marketed through the best hotel in Nashville, the Maxwell House.  In 1928, Postum (now General Foods) purchased Maxwell House's parent company, Cheek-Neal Coffee, for more than $40 million.  With their income secured by the proceeds from the sale the Cheek's bought 100-acres of woodland in West Nashville for a country estate.  To design and build the house and grounds, they hired New York residential and landscape architect, Bryant Fleming, and gave him control over every detail from landscaping to interior furnishings.  The result was a limestone mansion and extensive formal gardens inspired by the grand English houses of the 18th century.  Fleming's masterpiece, Cheekwood, was completed in 1932.

Within its 55-acres, Cheekwood is a complex institution rich with history, beautiful gardens and fine art.  The Botanical Garden showcases fine horticultural collections acclaimed for their diversity and quality.  The Museum of Art presents American and European art and is recognized as a center for contemporary art in the Southeast.  Named to the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion and the original boxwood gardens are an amazing work of architecture and design and the ideal setting for the gardens and art museum.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

Hear the music.  See it.  Live it.  Experience it.  This isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience, an exciting and entertaining destination in Nashville with something for everyone.  The Museum presents the crown jewels of its vast collection to illustrate country music's story as told through the turns of two centuries.  A treasure trove of historic country video clips and recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design, regular menu of live performances and public programs, museum store, live satellite radio broadcasts, on-site dining and fabulous public spaces all contribute to an unforgettable experience.  A non-profit educational institution, the Museum offers a variety of programs designed for students focusing on music, history, visual art, architecture, science and technology.  The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum tells the story of country music and its place in American culture through artifacts, films, touch-screen computer programs and listening stations.  Add interactive exhibits and films featuring today’s top country names along with incredible architecture and an afternoon at the Country Music Hall of Fame turns into memories of a lifetime.

FORT NEGLEY

Believed to be the site of the first shots fired in the historic Battle of Nashville, Fort Negley offers a unique view into the rich Civil War history of Nashville.  When Nashville was captured by Union forces in 1862, it became the second most fortified city in the country behind Washington, D.C. (it occupied the center of the Federal defensive line, which stretched in a wide circle around the southern part of the city).  The expansive fort was built primarily by slaves and free black workers conscripted into service.  Fort Negley was 600 feet long, 300 feet wide and covered an expanse of four acres.  More than 62,500 cubic feet of stone and 18,000 cubic feet of earth were used in the construction of this Civil War fort making it the largest inland stone fortification constructed during the Civil War.  The fort is now classified and preserved as a ruin site and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  Walkways and historical markers tell students the story of the fort and those who built it.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

The student-friendly Frist Center is a world-class art center dedicated to presenting an ever changing schedule of exhibitions from local, regional, national and international sources.  Unlike a traditional museum, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has become a magnet for Nashville’s rapidly expanding visual arts scene.  With an exhibition schedule that has new art flowing through the magnificent Art Deco building every six to eight weeks, there is always something new and exciting to see in the spacious galleries.  The Frist Center was conceived as a student-friendly place and one of the most popular locations in the center is the innovative Martin ArtQuest Gallery.  It’s a colorful space alive with the sounds of learning through making art.  ArtQuest activities abound for students of all ages.  With 30 interactive stations and the assistance of knowledgeable staff and volunteers, ArtQuest teaches through activity.  Make a print, paint your own original watercolor or create your own colorful sculpture.  The Center also features several educational programs, a gift shop and café, all surrounded by gorgeous architecture.  Explore, learn and enjoy great art.

GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT

The General Jackson Showboat is a 300 foot long vessel styled in the grand tradition of the paddlewheel riverboats that cruised the great Southern waterways in the 1800s.  This beautiful showboat has four massive decks which offer a variety of dining and entertainment options while cruising the Cumberland River in Nashville. The General Jackson is known for its fabulous shows that are performed in the beautiful Victorian Theater located in the center of the boat.  Whether you want to spend an evening of dining or you're more in the mood for a lazy afternoon cruise under the clear blue Southern sky, the General Jackson is perfect for your group.

GRAND OLE OPRY AND MUSEUM

What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live entertainment phenomenon dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present with a mix of country legends and contemporary chart-toppers that have followed in their footsteps.  The Grand Ole Opry and Museum pays tribute to the world’s longest-running radio show and its stars with exhibits honoring the likes of the legendary Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl and Little Jimmy Dickens.  Exhibits featuring today’s chart-topping artists are also on display exploring the careers of performers such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire and Travis Tritt.

HERMITAGE (HOME OF PRESIDENT ANDREW JACKSON)

Experience an American adventure at the home of our nation’s seventh President, Andrew Jackson.  Your tour begins at the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center where you will watch a 15-minute introductory film on Andrew Jackson and the Hermitage.  While at the Center be sure to view the exhibits on Jackson and the Hermitage and explore the gallery’s changing exhibits.  The Hermitage Museum Store and Garden Gate Café are also located in the Center.  Leaving the Center you will walk about 300 yards to the Hermitage mansion which has been meticulously restored to its 1837 appearance and today looks much as it did when Andrew Jackson returned to it after finishing his second term as President.  After the home was damaged by fire in 1834, Jackson had it remodeled in the Greek Revival style.  Today, six wallpapers installed after the fire still hang on the walls and the majority of the furniture in the home was purchased by the Jackson family to replace pieces damaged in the fire.  Personal objects like Jackson’s swords and books also adorn the home along with the Jackson family’s collection of portraits.  When you arrive at the Hermitage mansion, costumed historical interpreters greet you and prepare you for your tour. Inside, historical interpreters stationed throughout the house tell you about Jackson, his family and his home.  Your tour ends with a self-guided tour of the Hermitage grounds which includes the Hermitage garden, Jackson’s tomb and of sites related to slavery, farming and nature at the Hermitage.  Take time to discover Andrew Jackson's life story, stories about his farm and the slaves who worked it, descriptions of the many other sites and buildings on the property and the efforts to preserve them.

MANSKER’S STATION

Mansker’s Fort and the Bowen Plantation together illustrate the transition early settlers made from life in a fortified station to estate living.  The reconstruction of Mansker’s Fort is considered one of the most historically accurate in the nation.  Explore the fort and the plantation house furnished in 1790s style while watching guides in period costume demonstrate the skills needed for survival in the late 18th century.  Mansker's Station is a staffed living history site.  The Bowen House is also located at the same site and a tour of the House and the Station begins inside the house with a short film which gives the history of both of the sites.

MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is the one and only museum in the world that honors the talented musicians who actually played on the greatest recordings of all time.  Some like Jimi Hendrix are well known while others like L.A. session drummer Hal Blaine are not as well known to the public, but have played on hundreds of hit records from Elvis Presley, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, the Byrds, the Mamas and the Papas and the Beach Boys, just to name a very few.  Among the Museum's artifacts are numerous instruments played on legendary sessions (the Museum is constantly adding new exhibits for students to enjoy from all genres of music).  The actual stage from the Jolly Roger club in Nashville's Printers Alley, where Jimi Hendrix frequently performed, is relocated inside the Museum.  The space also contains a gift shop, a mini-theatre for film screenings, a 5,000 square foot performance hall, a school of music and a recording studio.

The Museum is divided into cities that have a history of recorded music like Detroit, Cleveland, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago, Memphis and New York City.  All of these places had musicians who were there when the recording industry was evolving and played whatever was needed of them regardless of style.  They had nick names like the Swampers, the A-Team, the Memphis Boys, the Funk Brothers and the Wrecking Crew.  Some of these studio bands actually became hit bands themselves like Booker T and The MG's and TOTO.  From Hank Williams to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, there is something of interest for everyone to see.

NASHVILLE SHORES

Nashville Shores is a 385-acre family recreation destination located just 10 miles from downtown Nashville.  It is comprised of a water park, group event sites, festival areas, a 323-slip marina and other attractions.  The water park includes eight huge waterslides, the Hippo – the world’s largest freestyle slide, pools, Kayak Cove, Parker Sandbox, Aqua Park, a white sandy beach, the Giant Bucket of Fun and pontoon and jet ski rentals.  The park also offers free lake cruises, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes and much more.  Your afternoon will be complete with a fully-catered picnic prepared by their professional chef.  Their friendly event service staff does all the work.  They prepare it, they serve it and they clean it up.

NASHVILLE ZOO

The Nashville Zoo is an animal adventure for everyone.  Come experience the new Alligator Cove, Giraffe Savannah and red river hog habitat.  Ride the Animal Carousel, tour the Grassmere Historic Farm and the Critter Encounters petting area, view exciting animal shows and programs and explore beautiful habitats like Lorikeet Landing, Gibbon Islands, the Unseen New World and Bamboo Trail as well as the Hyacinth Macaw, Meerkat and Bongo exhibits.  The Education Department at the Nashville Zoo offers on-site programs all through the year.  Special programs help students explore the world of animals and learn the importance of conservation.  Live animal demonstrations, animal artifacts and activities involve the entire group.  Choose from topics on the Rainforest, Surviving the Wild, Endangered Species or Wildlife Careers (most topics can be adapted to suit your group’s specific age level).  Your group can experience the wonders of animal species from around the world at the Nashville Zoo.

RCA STUDIO B

Visit historic RCA Studio B, ‘the Home of 1,000 Hits.’  Over 35,000 songs were recorded here including ‘It’s Now Or Never,’ ‘Only The Lonely’ and ‘I Will Always Love You.’  Built by Dan Maddox in 1957, RCA Studio B first became known as one of the cradles of the ‘Nashville Sound’ in the 1960s.  A sophisticated style characterized by background vocals and strings, the Nashville Sound both revived the popularity of country music and helped establish Nashville as an international recording center.  Hitmakers in Studio B have included Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Eddy Arnold, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare, Willie Nelson and Floyd Cramer.  For many years, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Chet Atkins managed RCA's Nashville operation and produced hundreds of hits in Studio B.  Studio B has also been home to numerous innovations in recording practices including the development of the ‘Nashville number system,’ a musician's shorthand for notating a song's chord structure which facilitates the creation of individual parts while retaining the integrity of the song.  Now you can see how and where many of the greatest performers of the 1950s through the 1970s made timeless music and recording history.  Historic RCA Studio B is both a classroom for students and a popular cultural attraction.

TENNESSEE AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM

The Tennessee Agricultural Museum, located on the spacious grounds of the Ellington Agricultural Center, has an extensive collection of home and farm artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries along with rural Tennessee prints and folk art sculptures.  Textiles, a woodworking collection, buggies, wagons and large items like the McCormick Reaper and the Jumbo Steam Engine are exhibited in a renovated plantation barn.  Log cabins, a small farm house, kitchen/herb garden, perennial garden and nature trails are also part of your tour.  Demonstrations and curriculum based programs continue to make the Tennessee Agricultural Museum a popular destination for teachers.  Programs last approximately one hour and concentrate on one particular subject area in within the Museum.  Teachers can select seasonal activity programs or choose to do a walking tour of the Museum.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL & MUSEUM

The beginnings of the Tennessee State Museum can be traced back to a museum opened on the Nashville public square in 1817 by a portrait artist, Ralph E.W. Earl.  In 1937 the General Assembly created a state museum to house World War I mementoes and other collections from the state, the Tennessee Historical Society and other groups.  Today, the Tennessee State Museum currently occupies three floors covering approximately 120,000 square feet with more than 60,000 square feet devoted to exhibits.  Next, your group will enjoy a guided tour of the State Capitol building.  The Tennessee State Capitol stands today much as it did when it first opened in 1859 and is a magnificent tribute to the people of Tennessee.  This graceful structure was designed by noted architect William Strickland who considered it his crowning achievement.  When Strickland died suddenly during construction in 1854, he was buried in the north facade of the Capitol.  The cornerstone for the building was laid on July 4, 1845 and construction finished in 1859.  The grounds of the State Capitol contain statues honoring Sam Davis, Sgt. Alvin York and Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson.  The tombs of President and Mrs. James K. Polk are also located on the Capitol grounds.

PARTHENON

The world’s only full-scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple, the Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park.  The re-creation of the 42 foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece.  The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.  Originally built for Tennessee's 1897 Centennial Exposition, this replica serves as a monument to what is considered the pinnacle of classical architecture.  The plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles found in the Naos are direct casts of the original sculptures which adorned the pediments of the Athenian Parthenon, dating back to 438 BC.  The originals of these powerful fragments are housed in the British Museum in London.  The Parthenon also serves as the city of Nashville's Art Museum.  The focus of the Parthenon's permanent collection is a group of 63 paintings by 19th and 20th century American artists donated by James M. Cowan.  Additional gallery spaces provide a venue for a variety of temporary shows and exhibits.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

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