Christmas in Nashville

Belmont Mansion

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Attraction | "Interesting Bit of History"

Belmont Mansion - Nashville, TN Photo - Belmont Mansion, Nashville, Tennessee

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The Belmont Mansion is a snapshot back into the 19th century south, a magnificent antebellum home that stayed with Adelicia Acklen through three marriages in pre/post Civil War Tennessee.The home was completed in 1853. Receiving a widow's inheritance which included several Louisiana plantations, She sheltered her riches from subsequent spouses through "marriage agreements" . . . the early day pre-nup.The 16 room house has many original pieces to the home; as much as 40%. Most other furnishings are original period items, just not from the Belmont Mansion. Some of the more ornate items include the hand-crafted furniture items, beautiful china and marble sculptures that Adelici...Read More

The Belmont Mansion is a snapshot back into the 19th century south, a magnificent antebellum home that stayed with Adelicia Acklen through three marriages in pre/post Civil War Tennessee.

The home was completed in 1853. Receiving a widow's inheritance which included several Louisiana plantations, She sheltered her riches from subsequent spouses through "marriage agreements" . . . the early day pre-nup.

The 16 room house has many original pieces to the home; as much as 40%. Most other furnishings are original period items, just not from the Belmont Mansion. Some of the more ornate items include the hand-crafted furniture items, beautiful china and marble sculptures that Adelicia collected during her year-long European tour.

Some of the more personal items on display included the men’s travel toiletry kit that included a toothbrush, comb and other personal hygiene items. I also enjoyed the small child’s rocking horse found in the "girls’ bedroom" on the second floor. The elegantly set formal dining room (set for 12!) was beautiful; appropriate for American royalty hosting their Christmas Holiday meal. I would have loved to have seen more of Adelicia’s personal items and clothing in the mansion, but most of those items were sold during estate sales many years ago and have not been reacquired for the collection.

Unfortunately her legacy and lineage was limited due to the premature deaths of many of her children. All four of her kids born from her first marriage died before the age of 12. Of her six kids from her second marriage, only four reached adulthood and only two of them had children of their own. Today we're told there are a handful of direct descendents to Adelicia, some still in Tennessee.

The Belmont Mansion was sold in the early 20th century and became a prestigious girls' boarding school. In the 1950's it became part of what later would become Belmont University, who today owns the mansion while it is preserved and cared for by a non-profit museum group committed to upholding the long and storied history of the house and Adelicia Acklen.

A leisurely 60 minute guided tour throughout the house is offered year-round, except for major holidays. When you arrive, you will ring the doorbell and be invited in. Groups are led throughout the first and second floor by local residents with interest in the preservation of this Nashville treasure.

The grounds of the mansion are very nice, but we missed a lot given the unseasonably cold weather during our late December visit. I did take a few photos, but the ice in the fountain reminded me that it was too cold to be outside.

Tour fees are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $3 for kids ages 12 and under. There is a small gift shop offering books and reproductions of Civil War era items.

For more information including hours and schedule of special events, check them out at www.nowplayingnashville.com/venue/detail/30325 . Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 28, 2009

Belmont Mansion
1900 Belmont Blvd
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
+1 615 460 5459

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The Hermitage

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Attraction | "US President Andrew Jackson's Tennessee Home"

The Hermitage Photo - The Hermitage, Nashville, Tennessee

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The Hermitage is located about 20 minutes outside of Nashville and is well worth a morning or afternoon visit. Andrew Jackson was the seventh US President, and served two four-year terms. Upon his retirement from public service, he returned to the Tennessee cotton plantation he loved.There are a number of original buildings on the 1,100+ acre grounds of this US National Historic Landmark including the Greek Rival era mansion built in the 1820's.After purchasing your admission tickets ($17 for adults, $14 for seniors and kids $11 or $7 depending on their age), there is a short 20 minute movie telling Jackson's story as Revolutionary War hero, his role in the Battle of New Orle...Read More

The Hermitage is located about 20 minutes outside of Nashville and is well worth a morning or afternoon visit. Andrew Jackson was the seventh US President, and served two four-year terms. Upon his retirement from public service, he returned to the Tennessee cotton plantation he loved.

There are a number of original buildings on the 1,100+ acre grounds of this US National Historic Landmark including the Greek Rival era mansion built in the 1820's.

After purchasing your admission tickets ($17 for adults, $14 for seniors and kids $11 or $7 depending on their age), there is a short 20 minute movie telling Jackson's story as Revolutionary War hero, his role in the Battle of New Orleans as an Army General and his rise to the highest office in the land . . . US President (1829 - 1837).

From there you pick up your personal audio system which provides with narratives throughout the grounds and museum. At the mansion, there are period costumed guides who provide a more detailed and intimate story of life at the Hermitage. I generally don't care much for such use of technology, but on this cold and blustery day, the headset served the dual purpose as ear muffs.

Inside the mansion, the tour provided full access throughout, including Jackson's private sleeping quarters (his wife Rachel has predeceased him before his time in the White House), those of his adopted son Andrew Jackson, Jr. and his wife Sarah, as well as their children.

The viewing throughout was through plexiglass covered doorways, protecting the furnishings and valuables in the home. We were told that nearly 90% of everything in the Hermitage was original to the home. That is pretty remarkable particularly given the property had been run into the ground and at one point turned over to the State of Tennessee because his heirs could no longer afford its upkeep. In 1889 the Ladies' Hermitage Association took over the preservation and operation of the Hermitage for generations to come.

Photography is not permitted "inside" the mansion, so I did snap a photo of the dining room which was from technically outside of the house. I hope that was OK.

Out on the grounds is a garden area that also includes Jackson's Tomb which is where Andrew and his wife Rachel were laid to rest. Adjacent to their final resting place are the graves of several of the residents of the Hermitage including family members and slaves.

Towards the back of the property are a couple of original log cabin structures including the First Hermitage Cabin (his residence 1804 - 1821) and the cabin that housed slaves. The latter cabin is currently undergoing restoration.

More information including the seasonal hours of operation may be found at www.thehermitage.com.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 29, 2009

The Hermitage
4580 Rachel's Lane
Nashville, Tennessee 37076
(615) 889-2941

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Jack Daniel's Distillery

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Attraction | "Another Outstanding Visit to Mr. Jack's Place"

Entrance to Jack Daniel's in Lynchburg, TN Photo - Jack Daniel's Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee

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I had been here back in 2005, so returning was something I wanted to be sure we did so that David could see where his beloved Jack Daniel's is made. Since my visit five summers ago, they have added to their visitors' center while still keeping the tour free of charge. A very nice gesture especially considering today's economy.They take folks in groups of around 20-24 along with a personal guide. As you wait for your group's turn to head up the hill, there are a number of displays and exhibits in the visitors' center. The general process of whisky distilling is explained, along side interesting facts about life in rural Tennessee during the time of Jack Daniel's life in the 1800's....Read More

I had been here back in 2005, so returning was something I wanted to be sure we did so that David could see where his beloved Jack Daniel's is made. Since my visit five summers ago, they have added to their visitors' center while still keeping the tour free of charge. A very nice gesture especially considering today's economy.

They take folks in groups of around 20-24 along with a personal guide. As you wait for your group's turn to head up the hill, there are a number of displays and exhibits in the visitors' center. The general process of whisky distilling is explained, along side interesting facts about life in rural Tennessee during the time of Jack Daniel's life in the 1800's.

Once the group's turn arrives, you're taken into a small auditorium to see a short movie telling a bit of the Lynchburg, TN story. From there you hop aboard a shuttle van that takes the group up to the starting point at the place where they make the charcoal that the whisky is filtered through. It is also there that a group photo is taken, which is available online by download in about a week.

The walking tour includes the old office building as well as the full production process that includes the fermentation, distilling, mellowing, barrel making, filling of the barrels and barrel storage. There are videos along the way for the areas that were not active in production including the bottling area.

The tour is entertaining and very informative. Our guide was a real stitch and added to the experience. At the end of the half-mile walking tour, you end up back at the visitors' center and the place where you can get an ice cold lemonade or hot coffee. There is also a package store where folks can buy limited edition bottled Jack Daniel's Whisky.

Moore County, TN is a dry county that prohibits open packages so there are no samples allowed or provided here at the visitors' center. Some were disappointed by this, but that certainly didn't prevent them from buying bottles to take home with them.

Overall, allow 90 minutes for the tour. It is time well spend learning about the Jack Daniel's product line and another little bit of American history.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 30, 2009

Jack Daniel's Distillery
Route 55
Lynchburg, Tennessee
(877) SPIRITS

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George Dickel Tennessee Whisky Tour

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George Dickel Distillery Photo - Nashville, Tennessee

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The George Dickel Company distillery is about 20 minutes from the more well known one of the area, Jack Daniel's. We thought we would add this to fill out our day trip from Nashville. I had researched their location and information necessary to add this tour to our day.When we arrived, we learned that they were not in production for the week between Christmas and New Year's and that while tours were being offered, there was really nothing much to see. Add to that, we were told "it's cold in there" which led us to believe they were trying to disuade folks from wanting to take the tour.We were happy to oblige since we had just had a wonderful experience up in Lynchburg, and un...Read More

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Radio City Christmas Spectacular

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Attraction | "Fabulous Show - Great Family Entertainment"

Christmas Spectacular Photo - Radio City Christmas Spectacular , Nashville, Tennessee

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As I started planning for our Nashville holiday, I read with great interest about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world famous Rockettes. I was happy to see that their run at the Grand Ole Opry House would conclude after our arrival to Nashville.The 90 minute show was beautifully choreographed with wonderfully bright costumes, holiday songs and of course, the high-kicking Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. The 11 scenes covered all of the season's favorites including the light hearted and spiritual. One special musical scene was "The Carol of the Bells" which included bells large and small, with the Rockettes playing the bells on the backs of the dancer in front of them ...Read More

As I started planning for our Nashville holiday, I read with great interest about the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the world famous Rockettes. I was happy to see that their run at the Grand Ole Opry House would conclude after our arrival to Nashville.

The 90 minute show was beautifully choreographed with wonderfully bright costumes, holiday songs and of course, the high-kicking Radio City Music Hall Rockettes. The 11 scenes covered all of the season's favorites including the light hearted and spiritual. One special musical scene was "The Carol of the Bells" which included bells large and small, with the Rockettes playing the bells on the backs of the dancer in front of them while they danced.

Most of the scenes included the full line of 18 dancers, including their most well known "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." I think my favorite was their dancing ragdolls routine. To watch them at their craft is to really enjoy poetry and art in motion. The precision of their movements, not only their dance steps but with their entire body . . . hands, head and facial expressions were perfectly matched throughout the line.

There were probably another 15 to 20 performers who brought stories of Christmas to life. "Christmas in New York and "The Nutcracker: A Little Girl's Dream" were wonderfully done. "Santa's Workshop" included Mrs. Claus and several elves. As great as each of these scenes were, nothing was as good or inspirational as their rendition of "The Living Nativity."

The grand finale was "The Living Nativity" which played out the story of the birth of Jesus, the manger scene complete with camels, sheep and a donkey. The wise men arrived bearing gifts, along with villagers who came to witness the new king. It was a spectacular closing to an outstanding show.

We attended the closing night's show at 5:00pm, arriving in the Opryland entertainment complex about an hour in advance in order to find parking. By far, this was the worst part of attending a holiday function I've ever experienced. With all that Gaylord has going on in their Opryland compound; you would think they would have assistance out for directing traffic at the very least. It was a nightmare and reason to reconsider the option of taking a taxi.

Tickets for the Nashville event ran $35 to $84 through TicketMaster. We bought the $66 tickets which got us the first row of the mezzanine level of the Grand Ole Opry which were perfect seats.

In looking this show up on the internet, I see that this show was offered around the USA in some 30 other cities. I would not hesitate to suggest adding this to your holiday tradition if the show is offered in a city near you.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on December 27, 2009

Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Grand Ole Opry House, 2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214

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Ryman Auditorium

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Attraction | "Worthwhile Tour of Nostalgic American Icon"

Ryman Auditorium Stage Photo - Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee

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The Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 as a tabernacle for a local preacher. Today, it is a National Historical Landmark and some would say "must see" attraction when visiting Nashville.Between 1904 and 1943 the venue was used for a variety of first class events including the opera, jazz recitals and such acting greats as Rudolph Valentino, Katherine Hepburn and Bob Hope. It was the fluke opportunity of renting out the auditorium on Saturday nights for a local radio show that would give way to the venue that became known for world class music and country music in particular.The Ryman had been the home of country music for over three decades, from 1943 until 1974, as the locat...Read More

The Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 as a tabernacle for a local preacher. Today, it is a National Historical Landmark and some would say "must see" attraction when visiting Nashville.

Between 1904 and 1943 the venue was used for a variety of first class events including the opera, jazz recitals and such acting greats as Rudolph Valentino, Katherine Hepburn and Bob Hope. It was the fluke opportunity of renting out the auditorium on Saturday nights for a local radio show that would give way to the venue that became known for world class music and country music in particular.

The Ryman had been the home of country music for over three decades, from 1943 until 1974, as the location for the Grand Ole Opry until their move to the current venue out by Gaylords' Opryland Hotel on the NW side of the city.

For years, fans could listen to the Grand Ole Opry live from the Ryman Auditorium. I can remember my dad listening to the broadcast back in the late 60's and early 70's growing up in Virginia.

The tour begins with a short eight minute video, narrated by Trisha Yearwood telling the history of the Ryman Auditorium. Today the Ryman is home to a small museum and is currently used for local shows including up and coming musicians as well as those with established careers. During the time of our visit, with the Grand Ole Opry out of service due to seasonal holiday events, "Opry at the Ryman" features the live radio broadcast through the end of January.

It is clear that the fully restored Ryman is working to attract visitors to Nashville with mainstream exhibits, especially after the deaths of June (Carter) & Johnny Cash a couple of years back. Their advertised featured exhibit is "Johnny and June at the Ryman" honoring their long relationship with the Opry including their first meeting in 1956 and the blossoming of their personal relationship that resulted in marriage. The exhibit includes personal items including clothing, instruments and rare photographs.

Other exhibits line the back wall area of the auditorium including the costumes worn by other famous Opry performers from the 1940's, 50's and 60's. Items include Minnie Pearl's infamous hat and the banjo played by Grandpa Jones. The detail in the design, embroidery and beading in some of the outfits were exquisite, in particular Porter Wagoner's.

While visiting the Ryman, guests have the opportunity to pay $5 to have their picture taken on stage at the legendary mike . . . or to cut a record in the Ryman recording studio for $15 ($25 for duets).

The pew style benches in the Ryman are the originals, restored only as much as necessary to "remove the gum" from the undersides. When the Opry left the Ryman and headed over to the new Opryland complex, this building (the Ryman) was left to fall into disrepair for nearly 20 years. When the entertainment giant Gaylord Entertainment purchased the property in the early 1990's they committed to restoring the "Mother Church of Country Music" to her heyday prime.

The Ryman Auditorium is open for "daytime" tours 9:00am to 4:00pm daily. Price is $12.50 per person, with a $1.00 discount for seniors and $6.25 for kids under the age of 12. You can also do a "behind the scenes" tour if there isn't something going on that evening for an added $3.75/person.

More information including hours and shows at the Ryman can be found at www.ryman.com.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 28, 2009

Ryman Auditorium
116 Fifth Avenue North
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
(615) 254-1445

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Wyndham Nashville

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Hotel | "Another First Class Wyndham Timeshare Resort"

Entrance to Wyndham Nashville Photo - Wyndham Nashville , Nashville, Tennessee

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As owners of several Wyndham affiliated timeshares, we are fortunate to be able to travel relatively inexpensively for first class accommodations. For this trip, we exchanged our Williamsburg timeshare through RCI (Resorts Condominiums Int'l) back last spring.Wyndham Nashville is one of the larger resorts in the Wyndham family, with over 250 units ranging from 1BR up to a 4BR Presidential Suite. For us, we were in a 2BR deluxe unit that is equipped to handle up to eight guests. For the three of us, it was nice to have private bedrooms with individual bathrooms connected to the bedrooms.Like other timeshares in the Wyndham group, there are nice furnishings throughout includin...Read More

As owners of several Wyndham affiliated timeshares, we are fortunate to be able to travel relatively inexpensively for first class accommodations. For this trip, we exchanged our Williamsburg timeshare through RCI (Resorts Condominiums Int'l) back last spring.

Wyndham Nashville is one of the larger resorts in the Wyndham family, with over 250 units ranging from 1BR up to a 4BR Presidential Suite. For us, we were in a 2BR deluxe unit that is equipped to handle up to eight guests. For the three of us, it was nice to have private bedrooms with individual bathrooms connected to the bedrooms.

Like other timeshares in the Wyndham group, there are nice furnishings throughout including a spacious living room and dining room. The kitchen is full sized with standard appliances, also equipped for cooking in for those who don't mind the cooking and cleaning that goes with that. For us, we typically enjoy having breakfast in and then dining out for our late afternoon/early evening meals.

In the "deluxe" units, as this one, the master bedroom also had a nice jaccuzi tub. Much of the interior features are similar if not identical to other Wyndham resorts. That is nice in that you generally know what you're going to get when you vacation with Wyndham timeshare resorts.

The resort also hosts a lot of on-premises activities for mostly kids, although the line dancing lessons seemed to many adult interested in scheduling at check-in. Guests should be prepared to pay for these additional activities, but the fee is relatively nominal.

This is also one of the few timeshares that we've stayed at that also has a prepared breakfast for guests, for a fee. That is an especially nice choice for those who don't want to go out for breakfast or who haven't made it to the grocery store yet.

There are two outdoor (seasonal) pools and one indoor pool which is adjacent to the fitness center featuring treadmills, weight systems and a couple of other training machines. Those traveling with kids will enjoy the outdoor play areas that include swings and other playground type equipment.

The on-site concierge is more than willing to set folks up with tours in and around Nashville. The Gaylord's Opryland Hotel and the Grand Old Opry are literally across the street and Opry Mills shopping center is about a mile away. Downtown Nashville is about 15 minutes by car, which is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as the legendary Ryman Auditorium. There are also a number of locally and world famous honky-tonks throughout the area. To thoroughly enjoy this area, it is recommended that you have a car.

NOTE: No pets are allowed and all units are non-smoking.

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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 26, 2009

Wyndham Nashville
2415 McGavock Pike
Nashville, Tennessee
(615) 902-8211

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