Nashville

Nicknamed the Athens of the South, Tennessee's state capital Nashville, where the strains of the guitar and accordion are big business, drawing millions of fans to the city every year. Hundreds of famous musicians have made their name in Nashville since 1925 when the legendary 'Grand Ole Opry' went on the air, broadcasting weekly shows touting the talents of up and coming singers. This all began in the downtown Ryman Auditorium, originally a church, which became the music hall where the likes of Dolly Parton and Roy Acuff first strutted their stuff.

Visitors still come today to visit Opryland, the resort that incorporates the new Grand Ole Opry, northeast of the city. Just around the corner is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Fans also flock to the area known as The District, crammed with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants where country music reigns supreme.

Beyond country music, Nashville offers many historical sites such as the old Belle Meade Plantation, a centre of thoroughbred breeding and training, as well as the Tennessee State Museum, filled with exhibits detailing the entire state's history from millions of years ago to the present day. The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the original in Athens, houses a fine collection of art. For those who want to experience a bit of Tennessee's beautiful country scenery and rich wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is around four hours away.