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During your Nashville vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
The Parthenon
Centennial Park, as the name implies, was built for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition of 1897, and this full-size replica of the Athens Parthenon was the exposition's centerpiece. The original structure was only meant to be temporary, however, and by 1921 the building, which had become a Nashville landmark, was in an advanced state of deterioration. In that year, the city undertook reconstruction of its Parthenon and by 1931 a new, permanent building stood in Centennial Park. The building now duplicates the floor plan of the original Parthenon in Greece. Inside stands the 42-foot-tall statue of Athena Parthenos, the goddess of wisdom, prudent warfare, and the arts. Newly gilded with eight pounds of gold leaf, she is the tallest indoor sculpture in the country.In addition to this impressive statue, there are original plaster castings of the famous Elgin marbles -- bas-reliefs that once decorated the pediment of the Parthenon. Down in the basement galleries of the Parthenon, you'll find an excellent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art. The Parthenon's two pairs of bronze doors, which weigh in at 7 1/2 tons per door, are considered the largest matching bronze doors in the world. A recent renovation of the building included air conditioning, which should make for pleasant viewing on muggy summer days. Allow about 30 minutes.
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.
The Tennessee State Museum
To gain an understanding of Tennessee history, stop by this modern museum in the basement of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The museum houses a large display of Native American artifacts from the Mississippian period. The first whites to visit this region were long hunters (named for their long hunting trips west of the Appalachian Mountains) who arrived in the 18th century. The most famous long hunter was Daniel Boone; you'll see a rifle that once belonged to him on display here. There is also a powder horn that once belonged to Davy Crockett. Other displays focus on presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk, as well as Sam Houston, another Tennessean who went on to fame elsewhere.At press time, much of the museum's permanent collection was closed to the public due to the recent renovation of the convention center. Nonetheless, visitors may still view pre-Civil War artifacts including full-scale replicas of old buildings and period rooms, a log cabin, a water-driven mill, a woodworking shop, an 18th-century print shop, and an 1855 parlor. The lower level of the museum is devoted mostly to the Civil War and Reconstruction. (Visitors are advised to call ahead to see what is currently on display.) One block west on Union Street, you'll find the museum's Military Branch, which houses displays on Tennessee's military activity from the Spanish-American War through World War II. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville At The University
This hotel is located in the West End area. It is within walking distance of Vanderbilt University, close to the Music Row and medical neighborhoods. Nashville Airport 10 m NW grayline shuttle 615-275-1180. Greyhound bus station 2 m SE taxi Checker 615-256-7000. Downtown 2 m W taxi Checker ...
Fairfield Nashville Resort
Your Fairfield villa puts you close to many of the city's most visited areas. The famous Opryland? Hotel, Music Valley complex, Antique Toy Museum, "Sidewalk of the Stars," Opry Mills and a great selection of restaurants are all "just up the road a ...
Vista Inn and Suites
Vista Inn and Suites is well established in Nashville as a reliable, clean, friendly hotel that offers significant value for its guests. Our hotel is a lovely two-story brick inn nestled in the rolling hills on the fringe of Nashville. We provide special amenities to make your stay extra special. Amenities include a whirlpool bath in all rooms, complimentary continental breakfast, and free local telephone calls. For a touch of extra luxury, try one of our Jacuzzi suites. We invite you to be ...
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