DOWNTOWN. Visit the WWII veterans' memorial. Stroll down a walkway that honors every county in TN. Visit a 200-foot granite map of the state. Or, look for the area that commemorates each of the state's major waterways ­ 31 vertical fountains in all. During the summer months, the amphitheatre features live performances. If you just want to relax, listen to music, and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this is where you want to be.

GALLATIN. Located northeast of Nashville in Sumner County, this 164-acre park encompasses boat ramps, hiking, and nature trails. There are various nature-watching centers set up around the park. In addition, you'll find ball fields, a playground, horseshoe pits, and mounted rangers patrolling the park. A relaxing place to visit and as with the great majority of Tennessee parks, beautiful!

LEBANON. Only 31 miles from downtown Nashville, this Biblically named park is quite popular with city residents, especially those who enjoy camping. Cedars of Lebanon consists of just under 9000 acres, less than 1000 of which are open to the public. The park's Karst terrain, which is characterized by caves, sinkholes, and springs, offers ample opportunity for exploring ­ maybe even a little spelunking. Park visitors may also rent one of the fully equipped cabins here.

Get on the water in a matter of minutes, because there's a sport for everyone at this recreation area on the western shores of Percy Priest Lake. A sandy beach for swimmers, a boat launch, a well-known mountain biking trail, and covered pavilions for picnicking all make for fun in the sun at Nashville's largest and most popular lake. 10 miles from downtown.

Nestled in the heart of Davidson County, this hidden gem is home to a remarkable array of wildlife ­ otters, deer, snakes, beavers, turtles, wildflowers, and more than 240 species of birds. Hikers can enjoy six miles of trails that wind through the park's 1200 acres, but joggers, bikers, stroller-pushing parents, and dogwalkers typically keep to the paved road around the lake, which is closed to cars during park hours.