Nashville knows that true quality of life is found in a balance of neon lights and hushed chapels, busy streets and quiet wooded paths, high-rise offices and quirky boutiques. A Music City welcome is warm, the culture diverse, and the living so easy that it's hard to leave her embrace. (Nicki Pendleton Wood)

Aboard a 300-foot-showboat enjoy an evening of Nashville's breathtaking skyline, a dinner and a stage show. This has become one of Nashville's most popular activities.

Located on Charlotte Avenue, the Capitol is the home of the Tennessee legislature, the governor's office, and is a National Historic Landmark. The Greek Revival architecture was designed by famous architect William Strickland and took over fourteen years to build.

The library's main building downtown is a work of art worth wandering, even if you aren't into libraries. In addition to books, the Nashville Public Library offers a superb line-up of free programming that includes music in its courtyard, puppet shows for children, author talks, films and more. (Kami Rice)