Hi there, we've moved to the Hendersonville area and we haven't lived here long enough to really explore like I want. My inlaws are coming in March for my son's 3rd birthday and I need some ideas on places or things to do in the Nashville area. I know the Opry is on the list, but any other ideas?? They really love gardens and flowers.
If they love gardens and flowers, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens are a must see. Also, depending on when they come in March you might try the Nashville Zoo one day. It's great and your 3 year old will love that.
S., Try Cheekwood - they have beautiful botanical gardens and also the Nashville Zoo! We are members of both and absolutely love spending our days at the zoo! If you are going to Franklin, you could go to Historic Downtown Franklin and have pizza at the Mellow Mushroom and visit The Historic Carter House and/or the Carnton Mansion.
Best of Luck! Tennessee has so much to offer!
You absolutely must go to downtown Nashville - make a stop at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and/or Robert's Western World - famous old saloons - Tootsie's is right next to the Ryman Auditorium (another good stop) which used to be the Grand Ole Opry. WHile you're also downtown, you might want to wander in Hatch Show Prints - one of the original and only still existing wood print shops. (There's an exhibit of Hatch Show prints now touring by the Smithsonian). The Frist Art Museum would also be good (also downtown) and also the Country Music Hall of Fame - both have restaurants in them if you'd like to stop for a bite to eat. You also might consider a "NashTrash" tour which is a comedic tour of Nashville and country music star's homes - it's a riot lead by the "Jugg Sisters" in this outlandish hot pink bus. If they would also like to see a real slice of songwriter Nashville, check out The Bluebird Cafe.
Cheekwood, that another suggested would be a good stop for gardens and flowers, but it would be better in the spring/summer. However they have cool art exhibits too.
There's a cool car museum on Murfreesboro Road - the Lane Motor Museum if you have any car enthusiasts. And if they/you are into history, you might want to look into The Hermitage - Andrew Jackson's home, the Parthenon at Centennial Park (also has a museum inside and a huge gold statue of Athena), or the Belmont Mansion (on Belmont Universities campus.)
Hope this helps! Have fun exploring Nashville with the in-laws!
