Exploring Music City

The oldest surviving recording studio in Nashville, it is still changing. Today, it is known as the cradle of the 'Nashville Sound', the more relaxed, yet polished, Country style that's popular now.

Another must-see place is the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum which honours the many session musicians who were ultimately responsible for the distinctive sounds of many of the great stars. Although you may not recognise all of the names, you'll know many of the stars they recorded with, including Elvis, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys and The Byrds.

If you've had enough of music, explore the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Originally built as part of the Centennial Exposition in 1897, but so well-loved by Nashvillians that it's remained, this is a full-size replica of the Parthenon in Athens.

There's even a 42-foot high, gold-covered statue of the goddess Athena that dominates the upper hall, and copies of the Elgin Marbles. The building is also an art museum, showcasing mainly American artists.

About six miles west of Nashville, is another great place to explore. Belle Meade Plantation was famous for its race horses which developed strong legs as a result of eating the native bluegrass. Built in 1853, the farm covered 5,400 acres and was one of the largest private estates in Nashville.

Now open as a museum, you can wander around the rooms which are decorated and furnished with historic pieces and gain an understanding of the time when slaves worked the estate, and find out more about how they lived.

Eating and drinking

Food plays a big part in Southern culture and you'll have no excuse if you leave hungry! If you're at the Belle Meade, try Martha's for some delicious Southern-style food. For an informal lunchtime feast, Jack's BBQ on Broadway is an institution. Join the queue of regulars and try the pulled pork; a large serving of tasty bits of shredded roast pork, served with salads and bread.

Merchants, across the road, has two dining rooms. The grill downstairs is a casual restaurant serving crab cakes and sandwiches, while upstairs is a more formal (white table-clothed) restaurant serving traditional favourites and hearty dishes.

Cabana, on Belcourt Avenue, is a younger, trendier affair. This bar and restaurant serves delicious and beautifully presented food, such as walnut-encrusted, pan-seared scallops and a wicked flourless chocolate torte alongside traditional fried chicken and other Southern staples.

The Acorn restaurant prides itself on the warmth of its hospitality, and it's a friendly place to eat. They serve updated classics including butter-soft filet mignon and fusion alternatives such as Thai blackened salmon with a coconut hoisin sauce. They also make deliciously decadent puddings. I recommend the pecan tartlette with toffee sauce (well-worth breaking a diet for)!