DOWNTOWN. Come here to examine the roots of country music and see how it all began. Find out who the real pioneers of country music were. If you're a country music trivia buff, you'll get your fill here. Stroll the walkpath and see where greats like Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley got their starts ­ the famed RCA Studio B. The permanent exhibit traces the history of country music from its very beginnings, with memorabilia, audio and video clips, interactive displays, and finally, the Hall of Fame Rotunda. Special exhibits focus on different people, styles, or periods of history. Gift shop and restaurant onsite.

Nashville may not be well-known for its riverfront, but it does have a number of bridges worth noting. Formerly designated for autos and called the Shelby Street Bridge, this one has now been converted for bikes and pedestrians only. It leads from downtown to the Titans stadium and is a striking structure, especially when lit at night. Take a walk along it on a Sunday morning, buoyed by favorite tunes, and get a super view of Nashville's major waterway.

MUSIC VALLEY. This enormous convention center/hotel boasts acres of lush indoor gardens and waterways, several restaurants, a variety of nightclubs, and unique gift shops ­ it's nearly a city in and of itself! Leisure activities and facilities include three pools, botanical garden tours, flatboat rides, and a fitness center. Even if you stay at a different hotel, this one is worth visiting!

MUSIC VALLEY. This 300-foot long paddlewheel vessel ushers guests back to the heyday of Mark Twain, Cumberland parties, and riverboat gambling. Evening cruises feature live entertainment ranging from country music concerts to Broadway-like performances. Lunch and dinner buffet cruises are available, as are special holiday cruises.

MUSIC VALLEY. HOW-DEE! If you're a country music fan, you have just found heaven. Watch history in the making as you enjoy the nation's longest running radio program, "The Grand Ole Opry." See some of country music's up-and-coming stars perform nightly. You might get a surprise as well, as some of country music's greats pop in and out without being scheduled ahead of time. If you have the chance, visit the museum located in the Opry Plaza. Here, you'll find several interactive exhibits that detail the Opry's 70-plus year history, from the incomparable Minnie Pearl to mega-superstar Garth Brooks. In addition to regular Fri-Sat night shows, the Opry offers Tuesday night shows from Apr-Dec.