Ten Unusual Things to Do in Nashville,Tennessee

Nashville is a weird mix of heritage and diversity. An old city full of history, it has come a long way from it's humble origins. Originally an old military for, it was made famous by the rise of country music. For an out of the ordinary adventure, put away your cowboy boots and explore these ten unusual things to do in Nashville.

Take a journey down the Harpeth River. If you visit Nashville during the summer, make a reservation with Tip-a-Canoe. It is the oldest and most reputable canoe rental company in this locale. The Harpeth is a class 1 river that is suitable for children and adults. There are three different drop off and pick up points along the way. The trips are non-guided. They are located a little ways outside of Nashville on Highway 70. You can reach them by phone at 800-550-5810.

All aboard for a Nashville train excursion. The Tennessee Central Railway Museum actually operates a historic 1950's train, and you can get in on the action. Choose between leisurely scenic tours, partake in a murder mystery, or shoot it out in a train robbery. They are located at 220 Willow Street.

If adrenaline and testosterone is your thing, then you have to go to the Nashville Super Speedway. You can see NASCAR in action, listen to live music, and get a signed autograph from drivers and celebrities. It is located in the town of Lebanon at 4847-F McCrary Rd. An event calendar, pricing and directions from Nashville are on their website.

Purchase by the state in 1943, theGovernor's Executive Residence can be found at 882 S. Curtiswood Lane. It has been home to eight Tennessee Governors. A beautiful piece of southern architecture worth looking at, it was fully restored in 2003.

The Cumberland Gallery features the work of artists primarily from Tennessee and southeast. They change their exhibits every six weeks, so you can see something different if you visit more than once. Find them at 4107 Hillsboro Circle.

The traditional southern cuisine consists mostly of what is called a "meat and three". It means that you choose your meat and three side dishes. If you want to try an authentic southern meal, go to the White Trash Café. It looks like a dump, but the food is very good and very cheap. The name of it will give you an unbelievable story to tell your friends. 1914 Bransford Avenue. (615) 383-0109

Nash What? This next one is a standard touristy downtown tour, but delivered in a way that you won't believe. Nash Trash Tours is run by the trashy "Jugg Sisters" and they drive you around in a gaudy pink bus. Are you wondering why in the world you would ever want to do this? The tour is actually a comedy routine that will have you laughing the whole way. Al Roker even took one of their tours. No kidding... the video is on their website.

For some free, kid friendly fun, visit the Bellevue Recreation Center. It has wood forts, old train cars, and standard playground equipment. A great way to work off some excess energy, it is at 856 Collice Jean Road.

Radnor Lake State Natural Area is a huge 1200-acre preserve located in Nashville. There are paved areas for jogging, bike riding, and dog walking. The hiking trails are restricted to human foot traffic. All terrain wheelchairs are available for people with disabilities. The park is dedicated to public education and preservation of wildlife and their habitat. There are wildflower hikes, wild animal program, and canoeing.

For those of you who like all things spooky and creepy, the old Tennessee State Prison is one great haunted destination. Built in 1898, the massive structure housed around 1000 inmates. It was closed by a federal court order in 1992, due to the deplorable conditions. The notoriety of the executions, riots, mass prison breaks, and fires have caused this prison to be well represented in movies.