Long before Nashville became Music City, was known in Athens, South endeavors such as building a copy of the centennial of the Parthenon and Tennessee in 1896. Athens became the capital of country music has not always sat well with the public, who are right in saying that there is more to Nashville country. But most agree that if you only have a weekend, the roots music of any kind, that the city does best. Do not expect to hear on the radio, mainstream stars rarely play at home. Instead of waiting for a lot of true crooners, soulful singer-songwriters, the list of session players and bluegrass virtuosos.

Friday

5:00

1) Posters and Music

For an introduction to Nashville's vibrant city center, walk along the Cumberland River and on the Shelby Avenue bridge, where the view is fantastic. Heading uptown along Broadway, do not miss Hatch Show Print (316 Broadway, 615-256-2805), in business since the 1879th The shop signs letter press, cum gallery, displays graphic gems from the past,''ligesom Dolly Parton and her family traveling Band''fra 1960-s, and the more recent posters, it appears that the same hand-printed method. Reprints are $ 10 to $ 15 Ernest Tubb Record Shop (417 Broadway, 615-255-7503), where the original honky-tonk hero once broadcast his radio jamboree midnight door almost every classic country and bluegrass recording available.

06:30

2) Honky-Tonksville

If you're ready for a cold, you're lucky. General Section''''lower honky-Tonks of faith offers free live music night and day. Do not leave Nashville without visiting Robert's Western World (416 Broadway, 615-244-9552) and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway, 615-726-0463). Robert has a choice boots for sale, but the priority is boot Scootin 'across the small dance floor with songs by artists such as Bob Wills and Johnny Cash. In Tootsie, every square inch of wall is covered with autographed photos of country stars. This time it was the honky-tonk of choice for Willie Nelson, Roger Miller and his friends - is just across an alley from the Ryman Auditorium, home and only Grand Ole Opry.

08:30

3) Even Chefs Sing

A short, if another world, away from the storage track called gentrifying Gulch, which includes Ru San (505 12th Avenue South, 615-252-8787), chef sushi restaurant fashion, electronic soundtrack and singing. A huge menu of features both raw and cooked a martini flash-fried sesame-coated tuna ($ 8.25). And $ 1 for a special three-piece maki rolls, you can try them all.

10:00

4) Pickin 'at the station

Sample side by side, cross the street to the famous Blue Grass Club Station Inn (402 12th Avenue South, 615-255-3307). No matter what is expected - an old-time sounds, David Peterson and 1946, updated lonesomeness Jim Lauderdale or the gypsy momentum Hot Club of Nashville - is very likely to see some of the best pickers on the planet. The music starts at 9 pm and ends at midnight, and the cover charge is $ 7 to $ 10.

Saturday

10 am

5) Cathedral of Country

Start your day with a little history at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (222 Fifth Avenue South, 615-416-2001, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., $ 15.95 for adults, 7.95 $ for children 6 to 17). His area of ​​downtown and the elegant high-tech history of country music in all its forms, from the first settlers of violin on the porch of prop in the stage of the superstars. Even nonfans out with a new appreciation of American roots music.

Central Day

6) Vegetarians need not apply

Nearby, Jack's Bar-B-Que (416A Broadway, 615-254-5715). Notice the pictures of the owner, Jack Cawthon, with satisfied customers like the singer Marty Stuart, then try some freshly smoked pork shoulder Tennessee. A sandwich and a choice of two vegetables (including, of course, macaroni and cheese) served by the friendliest people in the city manages $ 6 Do not forget the sweet tea.

01 am

7) That Ole Time Religion

Take the opportunity to get an inside look at the Ryman Auditorium (116 Fifth Avenue North, 615-889-3060, open daily 9:00 to 4:00), a tabernacle of 1892 that from 1943 to 1974 was home to Grand Ole Opry. A self-guided tours ($ 8.50) you can be on the scene, where artists like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline once brought the audience to a frenzy, and a small museum which explains why it is called the Mother Church of country music.

14 hours

8 rhinestones round)

Get in the car in a residential neighborhood tour, fit in the classic country sounds of 650 WSM-AM. Stop by Manuel (1922 Broadway, 615-321-5444), custom tailored to the stars, to see the top of embroidered costumes Rhinestone, and boots. Continuing along Broadway, passing from Vanderbilt University on your way to Hillsboro Village. Here you can see the art galleries and eclectic shops. Pangaea (1721 21st Avenue South, 615-269-9665) has clothes, jewelry and home decor with a hip, ethnic flavor, cooking utensils and cutlery Davis Shop (1717 21st Avenue South, 615-298-4728) filled tools for the serious cook. Refuel in the coffee Fido (1812 21st Avenue South, 615-777-3436) or catch a cold Flaming Stone beer ($ 3.75), made with stones from a wood oven at Boscos brewpub (1805 South Avenue 21 , 615 - 385-0050).

18:30

9) Night at the Opry

First visit to Nashville would be the night, sometimes boring, sometimes brilliant, but always captivating: Grand Ole Opry (2804 Opryland Drive, 615-871-6779). world's longest radio show is broadcast live on Friday and Saturday night Grand Ole Opry House, several miles away when she moved after overcoming Ryman. Every evening, you can see the country legends, has-beens, contemporary stars and wannabes, a format that has not changed much since 1930. Porter Wagoner and Vince Gill are regulars, you never know when George Jones and Alan Jackson would look like. (Opry.com The meeting is published on Wednesdays.) Field Tickets from $ 27.50 and $ 44.50 ($ 17.50 for children 4-11) and are usually available on the show.

21:30

10) The 1800 Grandeur

Spend the night in East Nashville, where homes and colorful cottages from the 19th century are being restored. Dinner at the Margot Café & Bar (1017 Forest Street, 615-227-4668). The chef, Margot McCormack, is particularly good with fish - swordfish fillet with fennel and saffron vinaigrette citrus ($ 18) is typical. Try to resist dessert, however, and wait for the chocolate ganache brownie ($ 4.95) to the clothing of the immediate family (2038 Greenwood Avenue, 615-226-6070, open until midnight), home to some also of the most talented singers in the city of copyright.

Sunday

11 hours

11) Southern Hospitality

For the final event of the South, head of Monell (1235 North Sixth Avenue, 615-248-4747), a 19 century house in Germantown, north of the city. Heaping bowls of food are passed family style around big communal tables. style''comprend dimanche''grand mother fried chicken meals and two other meats as well as salads and dishes like corn pudding and canned fish crackers.