Nashville's Centennial Park and the Parthenon Added to National Register of Historic Places

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its country music and relaxed, easy-going southern charm and hospitality. Although country music is still one of the major draws of tourists, there are many other features to this growing city, including Centennial Park and the Parthenon. In fact, on July 25, 2008, Nashville's Centennial Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Nashville's Centennial Park, which encompasses 132 acres, is home to an exact replica of the Parthenon. According to information provided by Wikipedia, the Parthenon in Nashville is more exact in its details than the ruins in Athens, which is why Nashville is known as "The Athens of the South".

Centennial Park has a long and controversial history. The area was originally farmland, then later became the location of the state fair grounds. It was also used as a race track and the site of the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition which resulted in its current name of "Centennial Park". The area later became a favorite place to swim in the manmade "Lake Watauga". At that time, it was used strictly for "whites" and was off limits to "blacks" until the 1960s. There was such an uproar that the swimming lake was closed down and the area was later reopened as an arts center. The Parthenon and Lake Watauga remain today beautifully landscaped with lush lawns, shrubs and flowers.

Today the Parthenon serves as Nashville's Art Museum which, among other works of art, houses a collection of 63 paintings by some of America's most renowned artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Parthenon is open year round. For more information on admission cost and hours of operation, please visit their website: The Parthenon.

During the summertime, Nashville's Centennial Park is host to Big Band Dancing. This includes free tango lessons by Dance World instructors. Also, Open Dancing is a real draw for tourists and residents alike. This is held in The Event Center behind the Parthenon from 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM each evening. Check out the complete Schedule for more information.

Centennial Park is located just west of downtown Nashville across from the campus of Vanderbilt University and is Nashville's first wireless internet park offering free Wi-Fi to visitors to the park.

If you are planning a trip to Nashville, Tennessee anytime soon, please enjoy the famous country music, the southern food and all the charm that makes Nashville such a pleasant and enjoyable vacation spot. Take time to stroll through Centennial Park and also take a tour of the Parthenon while you are here. It is a destination that is well worth your time and best of all admission to Centennial Park is free.

Sources:
http://www.nashville.gov/parthenon/
http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/listings/20080725.HTM