The United States is a country so large and diverse that a domestic trip can feel like an international one. Perhaps no regional contrast is starker than that between the casual West Coast and the decorous South. With its gentle yet dignified pace, signature drawl and profound sense of tradition, the American South is a veritable nation within a nation. Nashville, Tennessee is known as “The Athens of the South,” a moniker that refers to its proud heritage of higher education. This vibrant city also resembles classical Athens in its increasingly cosmopolitan character, its wealth of cultural outlets, and in the civic pride that is evident among its residents. Unless you’re a country music aficionado, Nashville may not be the first place that you think of when you’re planning a getaway, but with all of its charm, style and hospitality, it’s time that this undervalued southern gem got some attention.

What to Do
What trip to Nashville, proudly nicknamed “Music City,” would be complete without a stop at its most popular attraction, the legendary Grand Ole Opry? With performances on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it’s easy to catch some of country music’s biggest and most respected acts in concert. Shows take place in the Grand Ole Opry House, adjacent to Gaylord Opryland. Downtown Nashville is also home to several historic country music venues. The must-visit of these is the Country Music Hall of Fame, which houses not only a museum, restaurant, and historic print shop, but also hosts weekly concerts featuring country legends and contemporary stars. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the city is just a haven for country buffs, however. Downtown’s Ryman Auditorium is a nearly 120-year-old National Historic Landmark that hosts musicians and performers from all genres– everyone from Johnny Cash to Jon Stewart, from James Brown to Coldplay, has performed on its stage.

Believe it or not, music isn’t Nashville’s only selling point. Take a break at Riverfront Park along the banks of the Cumberland River and view the Nashville skyline (including the famous AT&T “Batman” Building– you’ll know it when you see it!), or take a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat, a majestic paddlewheel riverboat that operates out of Gaylord Opryland. Right off of the Cumberland are 1st and 2nd Avenues, where you will find a vast array of shops, restaurants, and venues such as B.B. King’s Blues Club. Art lovers won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, located on main thoroughfare Broadway, or the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the classical Athenian site, which is located in Centennial Park and houses the city art museum. History buffs won’t be disappointed either– historic sites such as The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, and Natchez Trace Parkway, an original trail traveled by Native Americans and European explorers, are located a short drive’s distance from downtown. Downtown itself is home to sites such as Fort Nashborough, a reconstructed monument to Nashville’s original settlers, and Jefferson Street, a historical African-American district that hosts an annual Jazz and Blues Festival.

For more on Nashville, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. Check out the Distribution tab on this Web site for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email Gloria Schroeder at [email protected], or call her at 916-988-9888 x116.