This is a great cemetery memorial honoring famous Confederate soldiers with the great set up for…read morefamilies, churches schools, and different organizations to come together to have picnics and social gatherings

This is a cool piece of art and great for photo ops…read more We came here to get on our cruise and came across this gem Ghost Ballet, is a public art installation and modern sculpture at the east bank of the Cumberland River between Nissan Stadium and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville, Tennessee. It was designed by Alice Aycock

When I virtually walked Nashville, Tennessee through the live streams that would connect me to…read moreMusic City U.S.A., before our vacation there, I would see this very unique landmark at the easternmost fringes of Broadway. It is unique in that it looks like towering fragments of twisted red roller coaster tracks towering above a historic strip of honkey tonk. Throughout my pre-Nashville virtual walks through live streams, I would see "Ghost Ballet" when walking virtually East on Broadway and at the start of a virtual walk along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Eighteen years after this Alice Aycock work of art was completed in 2007, we got to see it when we vacationed in Nashville from June 23 to June 29, 2025. In similar fashion to the live streams that I virtually walked, my eyes took it in when they looked east on Broadway. In actuality, "Ghost Ballet" is on the East bank of the Cumberland River horizontal to Broadway. Broadway concludes at the Riverfront Park which fronts the Cumberland River in Downtown Nashville. This is where I spent several minutes looking across the Cumberland River at a vista where "Ghost Ballet" visually dances between Nissan Stadium and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. When I write "visually dances," I describe some of the meaning of the artwork that looks like twisted roller coaster tracks. According to Wikipedia, Alice Aycock,who created it was attentive to the way it changes shapes the way the person moves around it from the numerous viewing points in Downtown. This movement reminded her of dance movements, hence the name of "Ghost Ballet." When I looked across the Cumberland River at "Ghost Ballet,"was I looking at the remnants of a riverside theme park?" In actuality the red twisted metal is actually railroad-like red twisted twisted that pay tribute to the railroad heritage along the Cumberland River. The Cumberland River with "Ghost Ballet" as the centerpiece made for some camera candy. The vintage point from Riverfront Park is a prime Nashville photo spot. I also took in a higher elevation view of the"Ghost Ballet " from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Standing at 100 feet tall and 100 feet wide, from viewing it on the higher elevation of the bridge, it appeared that I was looking straight at it instead of below. Come to think of it, this might of made for a Four Star roller coaster. In conclusion, I rate "Ghost Ballet" Four Stars for being a very visually appealing work of public art and a landmark.

While I'm about as Yankee as they come, I do understand that there's a certain appeal about the…read moreSouth and the Confederacy that's more than just what many people think. And so I believe that there is nothing wrong with honoring people who fought and died valiantly and with honor. That's what this monument is about. Located in the middle of a two-lane traffic circle on Main Street in Franklin, this Confederate soldier, like many of these monuments, faces south with his back to the Union. He is "protected" by four cannon facing in each direction. And the caption reads that he was erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy in 1899. It is a nice monument and a fitting tribute.

I've previously photographed and written about 122 veteran's memorials…read more Everything from King Phillip's War and the French and Indian War through Iraq and the War on Terror. But review number 123 will be a little different -it's the first monument I have ever seen dedicated to the Confederate Soldiers of the Civil War. It's right in the center of lovely Franklin Tennessee, in a small rotary park where Main Street hits 3rd Avenue. It's monolithic column rises an impressive 38 feet into the air. On top of the column is a mustachioed Confederate soldier standing tall and holding onto his rifle. Check out the detail on him - you'll see a long sleeved coat, a large brimmed hat, a holster and a belt. There are four cannons at the corners of the traffic circle, as if defending the statue. There are inscriptions everywhere. Here are the flowery highlights: Erected to Confederate Soldiers By Franklin Chapter No. 14 Daughters of The Confederacy Nov. 30, A. D, 1899 We who saw And knew them well Are witnesses To coming ages Of their valor And fidelity. Tried and true. Glory crowned. 1861 - 1865 In honor and memory Of our heroes Both private and chief Of the Southern Confederacy. No country ever had Truer sons, No cause Nobler champions, No people Bolder defenders, Than the brave soldiers To whose memory This stone is erected. Would not it be A blame for us If their memory part From our land and hearts And a wrong to them And a shame to us. The glories they won Shall not wane from us. In legend and lay, Our heroes in gray Shall ever live Over again for us.

Really pleasant experience. Rodger was an incredible guide and clearly cares a lot about accurate…read morehistoric interpretation. We will definitely be back!

My stepfather was here visiting & we wanted to take him to places we thought he'd enjoy & be able…read moreto get around well (he's 91). Since Sam Davis home & grounds aren't too far from us (and we'd never been there) we thought this would be a fun thing to do. We got there & were told that the guide was out with a group & it would be approx. a 45 minute wait. We bought our tickets & looked through the museum & gift shop. There was a video that gave all the backstory & it was quite interesting. Our guide was Rodger and he was wonderful!! We toured the home & he had interesting stories & really knows the area well! The stairs in the house are steep (just for those that might have a problem with them). You can tell where the old cabin became part of the bigger house. Loved that there were so many original pieces in the home. Recommend checking this out!

4.5 Stars On our…read morelast day in Nashville, my brother and I spent time on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol. It was incorporated in a walk that took us from the Downtown Embassy Suites across from Music City Center to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It was my second time seeing the Tennessee State Capitol Building on my vacation. The first was from the Gray Line Tour. The Tennessee State Capitol Building with the Capitol District added a different dimension to the Nashville vacation. Once we got to Union Street, even though we were less than a mile from Broadway, Music City USA seemed miles away. It felt like we were now in a city celebrating the state of Tennessee. We entered from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and 6th Avenue. The first thing I noticed is how high up it is. We climbed steps to enter the grounds. The Tennessee State Capitol Building is at the highest elevation in Downtown Nashville. It is remarkably noticeable from the Northside view along US 31/41, where it looks like it is on top of a small green mountain where a trail of steps carry people up. Not to be political (pardon the pun) the best spots to see The Tennessee State Capitol Building up close was from the east side. The second best spot to see it is from the north side either from US 31/41 or Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park where you get the awesome hill view. The Supreme Court Building blocks the west side. And during our visit, the reconstruction at Legislative Plaza prevented us from taking prime views at the south side. With that said we spent quality time on the east side. Being up on the higher elevation with mature trees, the weather felt better. When we ascended the southeast corner steps I took in the Alvin York statue. When we got to the top of the hill I took in the statue of President Andrew Jackson on his horse Cincinnati with the State Capitol behind it. Walking along the shaded walking paths, I took in the Tennessee Capitol Bell which is a replica of the Liberty Bell. Rising above Downtown Tennessee, my eyes took in a distant east view and past the Capitol an impressive view of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park where we were headed next. I stopped to take in the pond. In the shadow of the State Capitol, my brother and I spent time on a bench overlooking the Tomb of President James Knox Polk and his wife Sarah. The majority of my attention was on the State Capitol Building. Designed by William Strickland, it was completed in 1859 when Tennessee decided that Nashville was going to be the state capitol. The architecture is Greek Revival. William Strickland based it on a Greek Iconic Temple. It stands 206.6 feet tall. It is one of twelve state capitols without a dome. While I was looking at it and taking pictures I was aware that the Tennessee State Senate and Governor could be behind the wall. I was certain that it was the second state capitol building that I spent time outside of (I also reviewed the Colorado State Capitol). Deciding to walk to the Tennessee State Capitol Building and ultimately Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was a very good move. They added another dimension to the Nashville, Tennessee vacation where we got to celebrate the State of Tennessee. Being that this review focuses on the Tennessee State Capitol Building, I feel that my experience on its grounds admiring the beautiful Greek Revival architecture with the statues, mature trees, views, and burial spot of President James Knox Polk and his wife Sarah minus an inside tour makes it worthy of 4.5 stars

PROS: this place is free and has friendly staff. It's clean, nice landscape on the outside, and…read morehistoric. CONS: doesn't show tour hours on website when they're 9-5 M-F and it's not as big as other capitols ive been in. Like Texas and Colorado OVERALL: I recommend seeing this capitol regardless of whether you're political or not. Just don't expect this one to be as lucrative as others

Carnton is an interesting historical spot. The property is well maintained with options for walking…read morethe property and/or touring the home. A small museum is in the Visitor's Center. A paved parking lot is available near the Visitor's Center. In that building you can buy tickets and tour the museum. The shop has some souvenirs as well as some packaged snacks and bottled water. Restrooms are nearby. Adult admission for the one hour house tour and grounds is $22 per person. Children under six are free. The museum was small, but worth looking at before heading off on the tour. The one hour home tour was interesting and offered plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The guide seemed knowledgeable and enjoyed answering questions.

Incredible tour at Carnton today. This house was a central field hospital during the Battle of…read moreFranklin and offers such a unique look at how the Civil War shaped our history. Huge thanks to our guide, Christian, for his deep knowledge of the McGavock family and the events that unfolded here. An absolute "must" for history buffs! Follow me on Instagram - @thecannyadventurist for a deeper dive into my reviews.

The Sewanee Summer Music Festival, located in Tennessee, is an internationally acclaimed program…read morewhere young musicians develop their artistry alongside renowned faculty. With one of the world's most beautiful campuses, Sewanee's 13,000 forested acres and stunning Gothic architecture provide an inspiring setting for life-changing musical experiences. The SSMF presents over 25 concerts each season.

Wow, the Nashville Parthenon is breathtaking. After paying the $15 admission fee. We immediately…read moreheaded to the Naos to see Athena. After admiring her beautiful statue, we walked through the galleries and treasury. I've been wanting to visit Nashville's Parthenon for years and it was everything I hoped it would be. Check out the website before visiting. It seems to be kept updated with closures, hours, and local events. Plus it contains a wealth of information regarding the exhibits with visitor guides and audio tours.

I enjoyed the history surrounding the Parthenon, and enjoyed reading all the information…read more Tickets were $15 per person. I felt like paying for the experience, there should have been more. I expected a lot more exhibits, there were a lot of empty spaces and although I thought the student artwork was fabulous there wasn't much else to look at beyond the Athena statue, it was beautiful. I think my favorite part of the visit was the massive doors in the room with Athena were closed and locked with a school locker sized masterlock, it was hilarious to me.

Great Falls Dam, completed in 1916 by the Tennessee Electric Power Company for the purpose of power…read moregeneration, was bought by TVA in 1939. Great Falls is one of seven dams acquired by TVA from private companies, and it's the only TVA dam located outside the Tennessee River watershed. Great Falls Dam is a hydroelectric facility. It has two generating units with a net dependable capacity of 36 megawatts. The dam is also notable for its design, utilizing a mostly underground conduit to carry water from the reservoir via a tributary to the Power House three quarters of a mile downstream from the dam the intakes are 14' in diameter and feed the two generators located in the circa 1955 brick powerhouse.

If you have some time, seriously consider the Day at Jack tour. An all-day, immersive experience…read moreinto the town of Lynchburg, its history and, of course, an in-depth look at the operation of the Jack Daniel's distillery. My wife and I just finished this tour and would recommend it without hesitation. Our day started at 10:35, when we met our tour guide, Justin, and the small group we'd be spending the day with. After a brief introduction and a quick photo, we boarded a shuttle bus and got a quick look at some historical Lynchburg landmarks. Then we enjoyed lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant. It was family-style, southern fare, and simply outstanding. We walked through town to the distillery and enjoyed a fun, fascinating, super informative tour of how Jack is made, stored, bottled, the whole thing. This tour is the one opportunity for visitors to see the inside of one of the barrel storage facilities. The day ended with a tasting session, where we explored some of the finer points of a selection of Jack Daniel's whiskeys and their individual qualities and personalities. Plus everyone received a gift bag with a framed version of the photo taken earlier in the day, some chocolates, and a bottle of Miss Mary Bobo's Hot Sauce (which I had earlier on fried Okra and it was tremendous!). It was nearly 4 p.m. by the time we were done. So I meant when I said "if you have some time." And it costs a little more. But worth every penny and every minute of time. Extra shoutout to Justin who was knowledgeable and engaging and an all around good dude.

Our tour guide H G: Super sweet and so nice…read more Very informative and knowledgeable. Thanks for the great tour..