Have you ever wondered how Nashville, Tennessee earned its moniker as Music City USA? What's so special about the music scene in Nashville that it warrants being the capital of continental music culture? Haven't just as many musicians passed through cities like Las Vegas and New York?

The History of Music in Nashville

Well, Tennessee has been known for some world-class fiddlin' all the way back since its roots in the 1700s, but it really started to earn recognition in 1824 when a hymnal, called Western Harmony, was published out of Nashville. The hymnal's popularity spread like wildfire and set the scene for Nashville's later musical significance.

Fast forward to the late 1800s, when what is now known as Ryman Auditorium first began to draw

Finding the right bookstore can make a big difference for someone that loves to read. Sometimes, the big chain stores don't really fit your needs or wants. However, the right local book store can provide just what you prefer. Here are some of the best non-chain bookstores found in Nashville.

Landmark Booksellers - 114 East Main Street, Franklin

Not only will you get to enjoy the beautiful Franklin Downtown areas, but you can also find plenty of great books at Landmark Booksellers. Whether you want to find a rare book, a signed first edition or just a good story, they have plenty of choices. You can search through their more than 60,000 books, 1,500 signed first editions and even their children's area.

Parnassus Books - 3900 Hillsboro Pike,

Nashville can be expensive, just like other well known, popular cities in the United States. Still, there are many things to do in Nashville TN for free or low cost. Knowing where to look and where to go can help the people of Nashville to save money while staying entertained. For those who travel long distances to visit Nashville, knowing which places are free can help make visiting the city a more enjoyable experience.

Shakespeare in the Park

As in many other cities with an appreciation for culture, Nashville residents can enjoy free Shakespeare in the Park shows in the late summer months. Located in Centennial Park, Shakespeare in the Park shows start their pre-show entertainment at 6:30, with performances beginning at 7:30. While Shakespeare

For an intermission from the music scene, residents and tourists alike love to head to the many bowling alleys near Nashville, Tennessee, and play a few games. As they fill up quickly with fun-loving fans, there are many bowling alleys to choose from when the need for a game arises. Not all of these locations are made equal, however. To have the best gaming experience possible, people in Nashville TN should try out one of the following bowling locations.

Franklin Family Entertainment Center

People, young and old, enjoy the wide range of bowling activities available at the Franklin Family Entertainment Center. They have more than a dozen traditional bowling lanes along with several equipped with bumpers just for kids. At their weekly cosmic

During the fall season, corn mazes become a very popular attraction. Families can enjoy plenty of fun trying to solve the maze and usually, there are other attractions, too. Here are some of the best corn mazes to visit throughout the season.

Gentry Farm

This farm is found about 22 miles from Nashville and includes an excellent corn maze. They also have hay rides, nature trails, play areas, a pumpkin patch and farm animals. The farm is found at 1970 Highway 96 West in Franklin.

Walden Pumpkin Farm

Found about 25 miles from Nashville, this farm offers hay rides, a pumpkin patch and a large corn maze. It's known as one of the better choices and it's found at 8653 Rocky Fork Road in Smyrna.

Norman Farm

The closest farm with a corn maze

When was the last time you laughed so much you hurt? Has it been awhile? Nashville is home to comedic talent, both stationary and mobile. Get a case of the giggles after listening to some of the best Nashville comedians, both local and on well-known programs, telling it the way they see it. Affordable tickets and kid-friendly options available. What comedy clubs and venues are hot in the Nashville area?

Enjoy some chuckles or outright guffaws when listening to the talented comedic performers of Nashville. Performers and show times may vary at one or more of the locations below.

Zanies Comedy Night Club

Zanies Comedy Night Club has been entertaining Nashville audiences for over 35 years. Located at 2025 8th Avenue South near the Gulch View

Your father means the world to you. You want every Father's Day to be a day your father cherishes forever. Nashville offers some of the best spots to take your father for a Father's Day experience he will remember forever.

Satisfying Steaks for Real Men

There is something about biting into a juicy steak that makes a man feel manlier. So take your father on a dinner date for two to one of the best steakhouses in all of Nashville. Some of the best and unique steakhouses in Nashville are:

• Bob's Steak & Chop House - 250 5th Avenue, South Nashville
• Demo's Steak & Spaghetti House - 300 Commerce Street, Nashville
• Jimmy Kelly's - 217 Louise Avenue, Nashville

Soak up Some History

If your dad is a bit of a history buff, take him to one

From fresh produce to new products, farmer's markets give shoppers a chance to discover something new about their city. There are few excursions that are so inherently local which can be a welcome relief in a world of chain stores. Those who want to support all of the local artisans of Nashville, TN should check out the following markets to stock up on groceries, try a new dish, or purchase homemade crafts and goods.

Nashville Farmer's Market

Filled with chefs and growers from practically every part of the world, this farmer's market is huge. Open every day of the week, it has both indoor and outdoor sections for the ultimate experience in wandering. It's a good place for patrons to sample new fruits and vegetable that may not have crossed

With July winding down and back-to-school season right around the corner, there's not much time left to enjoy all the fun-filled summer activities the Nashville area collectively has to offer. But even as we approach the end of what's really been one HOT summer, things are still heating up, and there's still plenty to see and do before the leaves begin to change! Here are three things you’ll want to make sure you do in Nashville before the summer ends.

Explore the Parks

Nashville is packed with thousands of acres of parks, perfect for hiking, running, walking, or enjoying a picnic lunch. Be sure and hit up downtown’s Bicentennial State Park to view the monuments, the unique play area of Cumberland Park, and tour the replica of a Greek temple at

Fitness is an important part of life. You should engage in an activity you enjoy, because it will make exercising less of a chore and more of an enjoyment. The Nashville area believes in leading a healthy lifestyle, and there are a variety of fitness programs that promote this belief.

Here is a list of fitness programs offered throughout the Nashville area.

HOTBOX Fitness – 124 12th Avenue South, Nashville

HOTBOX is an intense one hour workout. When joining a class, you can expect loud music, outstanding results and an inspirational instructor. If you are ready to push your body to the limits, this is the fitness program for you.

Studio Novo - 99 White Bridge Road, Suite 202, Nashville

Get a Hollywood ready body at Sudio Novo, where