After the TASL conference, Nancy Dickinson took me on a dervish of a sightseeing tour of Nashville. We had only a couple of hours before the sun set so we did as much as we could by car. I love city skylines and was happy to get this picture as we came into the city from Murfreesboro.
9-27-09 Nashville skyline
This is the old train station downtown. I love the architecture of this building – beautiful!
9-27-09 Old Train Station in Nashville
I took this picture because “Seanachie” means “storyteller” in Irish. It was an old abandoned building that Nancy said used to be a restaurant.
9-27-09 Seanachie
Nancy told me that the AT&T building was nicknamed “The Bat Building” because it looked like a “bat” and it was futuristic like Gotham City. Too cool!
9-27-09 The Bat Building
Next, we drove by the original Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium. It has been renovated and still hosts concerts and events. The new Grand Ole Opry is outside of Nashville and we didn’t have the opportunity to see it.
9-27-09 The Original Grand Ole Opry - The Ryman Auditorium
After that, we went to the Nashville Public Library and toured inside this breathtaking building, built in 2001. It is a massive structure with marble floors, skylights, a grand foyer, and a fantastic children’s room. The picture of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s quote was taken in the Civil Rights Room.
9-27-09 Nashville Public Library's grand reception area
The library even hosts art exhibits. There was a beautiful exhibit on Typography when I visited.
9-27-09 Art Installation at Nashville Public Library
The children’s room is gargantuan. It’s painted a fun sunny yellow and even boasts a dedicated puppet theater (with a full stage and sets) named after the great Tom Tichenor.
9-27-09 The Tom Tichenor Puppet Auditorium
The Nashville Public Library is absolutely a must-visit on your next trip to Nashville. It is a beautiful facility designed that celebrates the rich heritage of the Nashville community.
9-27-09 Telling the Story
You can even see the State Capitol building from the library’s windows!
9-27-09 Nashville State Capitol
Next, it was on The Parthenon, a structure built in the center of their city park to resemble the Greek Parthenon. Inside, a large statue of Athena guards the Parthenon with a watchful eye. The Parthenon made Nashville known as the “Athens of the South.”
9-27-09 The Parthenon
Then we visited Music Row where I saw rows and rows of houses converted in music production offices – agents, music management companies, recording studios, and even bars that catered to musicians!
9-27-09 Welcome Country Music Fans
Located adjacent to Music Row is the controversial “Musica” sculpture. Wikipedia says, “Musica is Alan LeQuire’s largest sculpture commission to date, and currently the largest sculpture group in the United States. It features nine nude figures, male and female, dancing in a circular composition approximately 38 feet (11.5 m) tall. There are five figures which spring forth from the base. Four more rise up in the center floating above the others. The pinnacle of the statue is a female holding a tambourine.” The sculpture represents the arts and the Greek muses.
9-27-09 Musica Sculpture just off Music Row
Nashville is a beautiful city. I would love to have the opportunity to visit at length! Thank you, Nancy Dickinson, for taking me on a tour of your stunning city!
9-27-09 Honky Tonk Heroes Guitar
At least I got to see more than just the airport! 
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
