10 Places Where You Can Still Experience Old Nashville
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Nashville splits at the seams with history, having withstood one of the most traumatic wars in American history and rebuilding itself as the Athens of the South. Whether you’re a country music fan or in love with the natural beauty of the south, Nashville is smack dab in the middle of a myriad of interests and experiences that are sure to leave you stunned.
For now? Let’s travel back in time, to some of the most historic spots in the city. They’re out there, if you look hard enough…
Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873, and it remains one of the best known and highly respected institutions in the south. It was originally named for Cornelius Vanderbilt, who gifted the school $1 million dollars despite having never visited Nashville.
The Ryman Auditorium is known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," and it was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. It remains a bucket list spot as a musical venue, and has some of the best acoustics in the nation.
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Fort Negley was built by Union troops during the Civil War, after the capture of Nashville. You can still visit its ruins, and know that it was the largest inland fort that was built in the US during the war between the states.
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The Parthenon was built for the city's bicentennial celebration, and it exists as a tribute to the great original in Athens, Greece. It fits well, seeing as Nashville's dedication to higher learning has earned it the moniker, "The Athens of the South".
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The Tennessee State Capitol building was built in the mid-19th century and has since been lovingly restored to its preeminent glory. You can visit for local events in the courtyard or even visit the graves of former President and Tennessee governor James K. Polk and his wife.
Andrew Jackson once lived in the Hermitage, a once highly prosperous plantation that operated a similarly successful farm on the property. Although the history of "Old Hickory" is darker than most folks like to claim, you'll learn all about the life he led and the family raised behind the mansion walls.
Belle Meade Plantation is known as one of the most pristinely kept up antebellum mansions in the state. A popular wedding venue, you can also tour the eight historic buildings on the property, one of which dates back to 1790.
The historic Cheekwood mansion is home to an incredible art gallery and 55-acre botanical garden. The Georgian-style mansion is home to many a wedding and seasonal celebration, and we'd highly recommend you come to see the property decked out in lights come Christmas time. It's pretty incredible.
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The Belmont Mansion sits smack dab in the middle of the aptly named Belmont University and is one of the very few 19th century homes with a history helmed by a woman. Adelicia Hayes Franklin Acklen Cheatham was not only a visionary human during the Civil War, but also the mistress of the house.
You can explore more of our beautiful state with a visit to this incredible museum – there’s no place like it!
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