Fun for Free in Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee, "The Country Music Capital of the World," offers a wide variety of FREE fun things to see and do for travelers of all ages, no matter what time of year the visit. Begin the tour downtown, but be aware that while the tour sites listed herein are all free, there does not seem to be any free parking in downtown Nashville, so be prepared. Have lots of coins and some small bills handy, because paid lots and meters are the downtown norm.

Start your excursion by parking as close as you can get to the corner of Broadway and 5^th Avenue and then lacing up your walking shoes for a good trek. The public parking lot at the corner of 5^th Avenue South and Demonbruen (take 6^th Avenue South off Broadway and turn left on Demonbruen; enter lot on right) is a good choice, with reasonable 12-hour rates (two rate times daily; 6 am to 6 pm and 6 pm to 6 am). Helpful hint: Buy your parking ticket from the lot's lighted machine or an individual with a City ID badge only). Walk the block toward Broadway and stop by the Sommet Center, home of the Nashville Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Pick up a free map and visitor information guide.

Exit the building onto 5^th Avenue and cross Broadway; on your right as you start up 5^th Avenue going North, check out the large brick building on the right; this beauty is the historic Ryman Auditorium, "the mother church of country music." Turn right along the north side of the building, taking note of the beautiful stained glass windows, and then head back down 4^th Avenue South to Broadway, past the newly-renovated front entry (Ryman tours are available for a nominal fee). Built as a church in 1892, The Ryman has hosted entertainment legends from Hank Williams, Sr. to Elvis Presley (who appeared just once and was told not to come back after performing a scandalously upbeat version of Bill Monroe's bluegrass favorite, "Blue Moon of Kentucky"). Also featured were silver screen legends from Mae West to Rudolph Valentino. The Ryman served as home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and then was vacant until Gaylord Entertainment performed a major renovation 20 years later. Today, The Ryman is still the second most acoustically perfect music hall in the world (first is the Mormon Tabernacle in Utah).

Stroll down Broadway toward the Cumberland River, and shop, dine, and enjoy a variety of live musicians in the many shops and Honky-Tonks along the way. Turn left on First Avenue North, to historical Fort Nashborough. Located in Riverfront Park at 100 First Avenue North, Fort Nashborough is a replica of the original settlement built in the late 1700's, when Nashville was founded by James Robertson. A self-guided walking tour provides a historical glimpse of early Nashville and offers a great view of the adjacent Cumberland River. Next, or on a later visit if there are non-walkers in your group, head south on First Avenue and make your way onto the Shelby Avenue Walking Bridge, which was featured in Big & Rich's "Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy" music video. This is another picturesque spot offering great views of the city, so be sure to take your camera. As you return to your vehicle, don't miss the historical Ernest Tubb Record Shop located at 417 Broadway, especially the stage in the rear. Photos taken with the cardboard cutout of Dolly Parton look almost like she was really there.

A must see on Sunday evenings is the free bluegrass jam session at The Station Inn at 402 12th Avenue South. There is no cover charge on Sundays (call 615-255-3307 to inquire about available free parking in order to avoid being towed) and you never know who might show up. Be sure to bring your guitar; Nashville isn't "music city" without you playing along. And don't leave town without checking out the "Union Station" building at 1001 Broadway; the 19^th Century railroad station is now a Wyndham Hotel and has been listed as a National Historic Landmark since 1977. For country music fans, bluegrass legend Allison Krauss' band was named for Union Station.

If you are interested in seeing where a bit of "naughty history" took place, drive by the Stock-Yard Restaurant at 901 Second Avenue North. Years ago, the lounge in the basement was where Tammy Wynette first hooked up with Burt Reynolds. She later kicked fellow country music legend/husband George Jones to the curb. Ready now for some spiritual cleansing? On any weekday, stop by The Upper Room Chapel and Museum at 1908 Grand Avenue and take in their exquisite international Christian art exhibit. Be sure to take the Chapel tour (no photos allowed upstairs).

If you enjoy history or architecture (or just have some time to spend enjoying the outdoors), pack a picnic lunch and visit Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park at 600 James Robertson Parkway, where you can listen to the carillon chime, kick back on the lush green lawn, and admire the beauty of the Tennessee State Capitol on the hilltop above (Photo Spot!). The park's exhibits present Tennessee's rich history and has a lovely war memorial. The adjacent Farmer's Market offers a variety of shopping and dining options. While you are "in the neighborhood," drive through the Germantown area, made up of 18 square blocks bordered by Jefferson Street, Hume Street, Rosa Parks Boulevard, and Third Avenue North. The homes and businesses in Germantown date to as early as 1830, and the community is considered Nashville's first subdivision.

There are a variety of no-cost options in the Opryland area on the northeast side of Nashville, as well: Dukes of Hazzard fans enjoy Cooter's Museum & Theme Store at 2613 McGavock Pike. Operated by Dukes star Ben Johnson, better known as Cooter in the 1979-1985 TV series, the bright orange "General Lee" out front welcomes visitors to the museum, located in the back of the retail store.

Nearby, the Grand Ole Opry Museum at 2802 Opryland Drive is a must-see. Step back in time with the legends of country music and follow the history of American radio on WSM 650 AM. Don't miss the photo opportunity with your favorite Opry star's costumes and instruments. The Grand Ole Opry Museum is located next to the Grand Ole Opry House and is perhaps the finest free museum exhibit in the city. Be sure to take note of the one-story brick building on the left as you approach the Opry House, too: It is the former home of the Father of the Grand Ole Opry, Roy Acuff. Finally, before leaving this free parking area, consider lacing up your sneakers again and taking the walk to the front entrance of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. The walking path to the entrance is behind Roy Acuff's house. The Gaylord Opryland Hotel lobby is a great place to unwind and enjoy the landscape as you meander through the many indoor gardens. If you still have time left after touring the museum and resort, take the walk through the Opry Mills shopping center, which offers yet another another wide variety of shops and dining options in a more modern retail environment.

A short drive outside Nashville offers an excellent sightseeing option without admission fees; visit the Ellington Agricultural Center. Enjoy a self-guided tour which features a variety of 19^th and early 20^th Century farm implements, home artifacts and textiles. Don't miss the gardens, wooded trail, and log cabin community. Call 615-837-5197 or visit their website for driving directions; parking and admission are free.

"Cheers:" For the over 21 set who enjoys fine wines, check out 12 varieties offered by Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington. Free wine tastings are held daily and, as one might expect in the Nashville area, one of the Arrington Vineyards owners is a celebrity--country music superstar Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. If whisky is more to your liking, drive an hour or so southwest to The George Dickel Distillery in Tullhoma (at 1950 Cascade Hollow Road). There, you can get a glimpse into the history and manufacturing processes of their award-winning whisky in the museum (again, free admission and parking).

It would be next to impossible to capture all of the exciting, free things to do in Nashville, but this list offers many suggestions for fun and enjoyment, and the price is certainly right. Your feedback is welcome in an effort to make future travelers' vacations the best possible low-budget experience. Enjoy!