Ryman Auditorium & Museum
If you're as enamored with music history as I am, you could devote several hours to a self-guided tour of this National Historic Landmark where you're free to stand onstage -- even belt out a few bars if the spirit moves you -- or sit in the hardwood "pews," and wander the halls upstairs and down, looking at memorabilia in glass showcases. However, the typical tourist may be satisfied with a quick walk through the stately redbrick building. In either case, the best way to experience the Ryman is to attend a performance here. The site of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, the Ryman Auditorium is known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the single most historic site in the world of country music. Originally built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle by riverboat captain Tom Ryman, this building served as an evangelical hall for many years. By the early 1900s, the building's name had been changed to honor its builder and a stage had been added. That stage, over the years, saw the likes of Enrico Caruso, Katharine Hepburn, Will Rogers, and Elvis Presley. The Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting from here in 1943. For the next 31 years, the Ryman Auditorium was host to the most famous country music radio show in the world. However, in 1974, the Opry moved to the then-new Grand Ole Opry House in the Music Valley area. Since its meticulous renovation in 1994, the Ryman has regained its prominence as a temple of bluegrass and country music. Its peerless acoustics make it a favored venue of rock's best singer-songwriters and classical musicians, as well. Allow at least an hour for a self-guided tour.

Nashville Toy Museum
Railroad buffs, toy-train enthusiasts, and children of all ages will enjoy the huge collection of antique toys. The emphasis is on toy trains, and there are two large model train layouts that can keep kids and adults fascinated for hours. Among the several large collections in the museum are shelves full of old toy trains, antique model cars, miniature boats and ships, dolls, and teddy bears.

Stones River National Battlefield
On New Year's Eve 1862, what would become the bloodiest Civil War battle west of the Appalachian Mountains began just north of Murfreesboro along the Stones River. Though by the end of the first day of fighting the Confederates thought they were assured a victory, Union reinforcements turned the tide against the rebels. By January 3, the Confederates were in retreat and 23,000 soldiers lay dead or injured on the battlefield. Today, 351 acres of the battlefield are preserved. The site includes a national cemetery and the Hazen Brigade Monument, which was erected in 1863 and is the oldest Civil War memorial in the United States. In the visitor center you'll find a museum full of artifacts and details of the battle.

Courtyard by Marriott Opryland
The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the comforts that make business and pleasure travel easy. The Courtyard Opryland is tucked away in a perfect setting of Music City USA. We are located within one mile of the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center, the General Jackson dinner showboat, Grand Ole Opry, the Opry Mills shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Valley Fair Amusement Park as well as The Nashville Palace - where Randy Travis started as a ...

GuestHouse Inn & Suites Music
From Briley Parkway, exit 12, east on McGavock Pike. Right on Music Valley Drive. -- Directions -- From Briley Parkway, exit 12, east on McGavock Pike. Right on Music Valley ...

Econo Lodge North
The Econo Lodge North is ideally located off Interstate 65, only minutes from the downtown area. Special hotel features and amenities include free continental breakfast, free coffee in the lobby, free local calls and a seasonal outdoor pool. Visit popular nearby attractions like Adelphia Coliseum, Ryman Auditorium, Gaylord Entertainment Center, Gaylord Opryland, the Grand Ole Opry, Wildhorse Saloon, Opry Mills, Nashville Convention Center and Vanderbilt University. The Econo Lodge North looks ...