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MUSEUMS AND AREA ATTRACTIONS With a rich Southern history and an incredible community of artists and musicians, Belle Meade Plantation www.bellemeadeplantation.com This historic site spans 30 acres and was once the centerpiece of a 5200 acre plantation. Home to the five generations of the Harding-Jackson families, this property still boasts a mansion, carriage house, stables, outbuildings. Museum gift shop and mansion. The grounds themselves are eerily reminiscent of the 1800s with the family crypt, slaves quarters and children´s playhouse still intact on the property. This Italianate mansion was built in 1850 as a summer home by Adelicia Acklen, of the wealthiest American women of the time. Acklen was known for her business savvy and extreme beauty. She acquired millions through a series of strategic marriages and was one of the first to sell her cotton during the Civil War---outwitting both sides in the process. Located in the center of the Carnton Plantation www.carnton.org Built in 1826 by formal The bodies of four Confederate Generals are laid in state on Carnton´s back veranda. The McGavock family later designated two acres adjacent to their family cemetery for the burial of nearly 1500 soldiers killed during the battle. Carnton Plantation is now a National Historic Landmark and is the subject of the 1997 book, The Black Flower, by Howard Bahr. Carter House Museum www.carter-house.org This National Landmark 1830´s home was also caught in the center of the 1864 Battle of Franklin during the Civil War (and has the scars to prove it). The house´s owner, Capt Carter, was fatally wounded during the battle. The home, outbuildings, and grounds now serve as an interpretive center for the battle. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens www.cheekwood.org This 55 acre site includes an art museum, botanical gardens, Pineapple Room restaurant, a garden shop, new With three times its former exhibit space, the museum provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of country music. This facility features live entertainment daily, a new 225 seat theatre for a digital film presentation on country music around the world. This museum features personal treasures, costumes, memorabilia, instruments, film clips, recordings, and original song manuscripts from some of country´s Oldest and Newest Stars. The Hall of Fame offers a historical prospective with a modern touch. ASC is a live science demonstration center and hands-on museum. Offering life- sized and life- practical exhibits that enthrall kids and parents alike, this unique center is ever changing with each visit offering something new to tackle in the world of science. The new Planetarium will truly bring Located in Grand Ole Opry & Museum www.opry.com This is the longest running live radio show in the world. For over 70 years, The Hermitage: Home of President Andrew Jackson www.thehermitage.com Our seventh president, Andrew Jackson, always welcomed people into his home. Since his home became a museum in 1889, over 15 million people have visited this circa 1836 Tulip Grove mansion and grounds. With a formal garden, 1804 log cabins, Open seven days a week, this is a true open air market for the finest fresh vegetables and fruit that Nashville Zoo at Grassmere www.nashvillezoo.org In addition to the traditional zoo fare (the animal collection), this zoo offers a 66,000 foot jungle gym, a historical home and a working farm from the 1800s. The innovative display includes three indoor garden areas and are crowned by a sparkling glass roof which combine to cover 9 acres. This amazing location also boasts a huge fountain with 85 foot sprays and an indoor waterway with flatboat rides! The Parthenon www.parthenon.org Situated in the center of Ryman Auditorium www.ryman.com This former home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-73) was originally built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle and still boast the beautiful wooden pews and stained glass from that period. This historical landmark is now an active entertainment venue offering a music for all tastes. Its historical past particularly in country music, has made it a rite of passage of sorts for both up and coming and well establish musicians. Many say the ghosts of music past still haunt the halls and corriders and visit the stage during soundchecks! Judge John Overton, planter. Lawyer and presidential campaign manager to Andrew Jackson was the original builder of this circa 1799 Federal period home. With 11 tree lined acres, this home and museum offers a large collection of early |