Hot Spot: Nashville

October 5, 2008

The race for the White House is heading south to Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., on Tuesday for the second presidential debate. It's definitely a country-music town, but its ties to Elvis Presley give it a little rockin' kick, too. Here are five things to do in and around Nashville:

Feel the fame The Country Music Hall of Fame's a stage for all things country music. A mix of permanent and evolving exhibits features several hundred stage costumes and instruments, photographs and more. Presley fans should get a glimpse of the Historic RCA Studio B, where the King and other top-notch artists recorded tunes.

Hear the hitmakers Nashville's appropriately named Honky Tonk Row features bars, clubs and restaurants where musicians trying to make it big play till the early morning hours.

Catch a show at the Opry Country legends and newcomers perform together regularly at the Grand Ole Opry. This week, the Opry celebrates its 83rd birthday.

Pop by the Parthenon No, it's not Greece. The Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Athens landmark, looms over Centennial Park. A 42-foot-tall statue of Athena accompanies the building, which is also home to Nashville's art museum.

Stop by the Hermitage Presidential politics aren't new to Music City. President Andrew Jackson, champion of populism and the first man elected from Tennessee to the House of Representatives, built his 1,000-acre estate outside Nashville.

More information: visitmusiccity.com