Nashville is commonly known as Music City, but did you ever wonder why? Go back in time to this city's roots at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases country music's start and influence today. The 350,000 square feet of galleries and exhibits include artifacts, vintage videos, interactive components, songs and stories of legends and today’s stars.

The show that made country music famous can be experienced as it makes its way live through the airwaves on 650AM/WSM. Take a backstage tour at the Grand Ole Opry and you may just brush elbows with the stars. It's bustling with activity and many times you can catch artists doing their vocal warm-ups before heading on stage to sing for hundreds of thousands year-round.

Experience the hallowed grounds of the Ryman Auditorium as you tour this historical icon. The Mother Church was the original site of the Grand Ole Opry, “the show that made country music famous.” World-class artists, performers and more came to the Ryman – from Elvis to Houdini – to entertain audiences of all ages, and still do today. It’s a cultural engine for Nashville that has brought artists and fans together for 128 years.

Only a few miles from downtown Nashville is Centennial Park and The Parthenon. Modeled after the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, this monument is a true-to-size replica of the original. Step inside to view paintings by 19th- and 20th-century artists as well. After viewing The Parthenon, take some time to walk the one-mile trail, view the colorful flowers in the sunken garden, or spend some time with your furry friend in the dog park.

Visit presidential homes like Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage, what many historians claim is the best preserved early U.S. presidential home. You can visit Andrew Jackson’s log cabin, mansion, the on-site slave sites, gardens and final resting place next to his wife, Rachel. On a guided tour, you’ll see the entry hall’s famous printed scenic wallpaper, hundreds of original artifacts throughout the mansion, the extensive library, the room where Jackson spent his last days and more.

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center in downtown Nashville is the premier theater for performing and cultural arts. More than 14 million people have experienced a production at TPAC as the theater is a major market for Broadway touring productions. The theater also hosts the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Repertory Theatre and Nashville Opera.

Try Nashville hot chicken, famous in Music City. Make your pilgrimage to Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, the first in the city to serve the fiery dish. For nearly 100 years, the Jefferies family has served up their fire-in-your-mouth recipe. There are six heat levels ranging from Plain to XXXHot (which is not for the faint of heart). In addition to the chicken, Prince’s has a variety of delicious traditional sides like potato salad, coleslaw and pickles.

For the young and young at heart, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a must-visit destination when in Nashville. With exhibits covering over 80 acres, events, camps and classes, there is something interesting around each bend. If looking for a more in-depth visit, sign up for the guided backstage tours to get behind-the-scenes access and enhance your zoo experience.