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.

Where to Stay
There is a wide selection of hotels, from the high-end to the budget-friendly, conveniently located in downtown Nashville. Staying in this location offers an advantage in that you will be within walking distance of many popular tourist destinations. However, if country music is your passion, there isn’t a better place to stay than Gaylord Opryland, just over 10 miles from the heart of downtown. You’ll pay more to stay at this world-class resort than you would at other area hotels, but you’ll also have access to enough amenities and entertainment options to keep the most tireless of tourists busy for days on end. With a lavish indoor atrium, on-site nightclub Fuse, over a dozen eateries and bars, plenty of shops, a nearby golf course, multiple swimming pools, and adjacent music venues, this is a virtual theme park of a hotel reminiscent of the pleasure palaces of Las Vegas. Style tip: the Radisson Hotel at Opryland is located right next to Gaylord Opryland (there is even overlapping shuttle service between the two hotels), but offers lower rates.

For more on Nashville, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin. 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.