"Athens of the South"

Today being the last day in Nashville we decided to see the outer periphery. The day is cool but sunny. Our first stop was Centennial Park where the "Athens of the South" is located. As we got closer you could hardly miss the huge structure sitting all alone in the middle of an open park.

The Parthenon

I bet your asking yourself how Nashville got to be home to a complete replica of the original Greek temple. Well, the city of Nashville in 1897 undertook a full scale replica of the Parthenon for the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition. The structure at that time consisted of brick, wood lath, and plaster. Over the years the structure deteriorated. Instead of rebuilding like the exposition, the city built what you see today a complete replica of the Parthenon. On May 21 1931, the Parthenon reopened to the public.

Detailed Sculpture on top

Susan in front

Belle Meade Mansion, meaning beautiful meadow was founded in 1807. What started as a log cabin and 250 acres, owned by John Harding one of the largest thoroughbred horse farms in the south.


Original cabin of the Hardings

Belle Meade Mansion



Slaves Quarters

Outbuilding

In the 1800's horse-racing was the top American sport with Belle Meade being established as a premier horse farm. Thoroughbred race horses such as Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Funny Cide, and Barbarro can be traced back to Belle Meade Plantation.

Another historic place we wanted to checkout was Belmont Mansion also known as Acklen Hall. Home of one of the south's wealthiest women, this Italian style villa was completed in 1853. It was used as a summer home by the owner to escape the heat of Louisiana.

Belmont Mansion

In 1952 Belmont Mansion was bought by Belmont University and later placed on the National Register of Historic Places.


Fort Negley was the largest inland stone fort built during the Civil War covering 4 acres. Because of it's location, size, and guns, Confederate attacks were discouraged throughout the war.

Fort Negley Entrance

In the 1960s the deteriorating stockade was removed and the Fort closed to the public only to be reopened again on the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Nashville December 2004.
Today as we walked along the paths that many soldiers did years prior you can still see the old stones that was part of the Fort.

Remains of Stone Walls 

Sally Port - Only Entrance to Fort

Strategic location - looking at downtown Nashville

Our last stop of the day was The Grand Ole Opry and Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

Grand Ole Opry

The Gaylord Opryland Hotel was an experience within itself. There was a plenitude of people working in order to meet the opening ceremonies of the festive season.

Front Entrance

Rear Entrance

Beautiful nativity scene on the grounds

Grand Staircase

Poinsettia Tree

One of many waterfalls

 

The decorations were breathtaking

The pond was full of Koi

The gardens were amazing

Balconies overlooking the mezzanine

Lots of natural light throughout the building

While walking through the hotel I was in total awe. I couldn't shoot enough pictures. Each time I turned around there was another picture opportunity full of beauty. It was one of the highlights of Nashville by far.