Originally known as the Harpeth Valley Tea Room, The Loveless Motel and Cafe first started serving its famous fried chicken and biscuits in 1951 when the property was purchased by Lon and Annie Loveless. They set up picnic tables in the front yard and sold fried chicken and biscuits from the front door to travelers driving up and down US Highway 100. Soon they converted the rooms of the early 1900′s home into a dining room and kitchen of the Loveless Cafe and enlarged the menu to include country hams that were cured, smoked and carved on the premises. Lon Loveless ran the motel and handled the hams while hungering crowds were drawn to Annie’s homemade preserves and from-scratch biscuits – one of few secret recipes that has remained unchanged to this day. Today the Loveless Cafe serves over 400,000 guests a year and makes between 4,000 to 7,000 biscuits a day – still using that same original secret recipe from Annie Loveless.

The Loveless Barn is also quickly becoming known for its music venues and other events. It is available for weddings, concerts, corporate events and meetings.

1. Country Music Hall Of Fame – The Country Music Hall of Fameand Museum has been the home of America’s music since 1967. In keeping with the cultural significance of the music and the heroic achievements of those who form its membership, the Museum opened in a $37 million landmark, new building in May 2001.Located on the west bank of the Cumberland River, just a few steps from the historic Ryman Auditorium and the honky-tonks of Lower Broadway, the monumental edifice, a visceral experience for approaching visitors, invigorates the skyline in downtown Nashville’s entertainment district.
2. Ryman  Auditorium – This auditorium is one of the most famous concert halls in the history of country music. It still hosts live music events and is open for tours. What brings performers to the Ryman Auditorium today is what attracted so many great entertainers throughout its history. The beauty of a well-seasoned performance hall, like that of a fine vintage instrument, cannot be reproduced. The Ryman’s acoustics, built to project the voice of Sam Jones so long ago, are among the finest in the world. Today, the Ryman remains true to its diverse entertainment legacy, hosting concerts of all genres by a new generation of entertainers for a new generation of audiences.
3. Grand Ole Opry – The Grand Ole Opry, an American icon and one of Nashville’s best attractions, is known for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live-entertainment phenomenon. Dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present, the Grand Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. It’s where unforgettable moments happen every week. With country music’s new stars, superstars, and legends live on stage, you never know what will happen next.
4. Belle Meade Plantation – The Belle Meade Plantation is a huge Old South plantation and is home to an impressive Greek Revival mansion. Belle Meade Plantation is a 30 acre historic site 6 miles west of Nashville. The centerpiece of the property is the Belle Meade mansion built in 1853. The mansion is open for tours daily.
5. Tennessee State Museum – In 1937 the General Assembly created a state museum to house World War I mementoes and other collections from the state, the Tennessee Historical Society and other groups. This museum was located in the lower level of the War Memorial Building until it was moved into the new James K. Polk Center in 1981. The Tennessee State Museum currently occupies three floors, covering approximately 120,000 square feet with more than 60,000 square feet devoted to exhibits.
6. General Jackson Showboat – The General Jackson Showboat is the largest non-gamng paddle boat in the world. It boasts four massive decks with a beautiful two-story Victorian Theater located in the center of the boat where live music shows are performed. Both midday and evening cruises offer a variety of entertainment options throughout the year. You’ll always find something new just around the bend. Holiday cruises begin mid-November each year, and special cruises includes a festive New Year’s Eve celebration.
7. Opryland Hotel – The Gaylord Opryland is the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels. Recognized around the world for its flawless service, luxurious accommodations and critically heralded entertainment, Gaylord Opryland offers planners 600,000 square feet of flexible meeting, convention, exhibit and pre-function space. From a luxurious spa and salon and a state-of-the-art fitness facility to unique dining experiences and pristine swimming pools, Gaylord Opryland provides a wide array of amenities to meet all guest needs.
8. Schermerhorn Symphony Center – Led by Music Director Designate Giancarlo Guerrero and President and CEO Alan D. Valentine, the Grammy Award-winning Nashville Symphony has a growing international reputation for its recordings and innovative programming. With 140 performances annually, the 83-member Nashville Symphony is an arts leader in Nashville and beyond, offering a broad range of classical, pops and jazz concerts; special events; childrens concerts and community outreach programs.
9. Adventure Science Center – Established in 1944, the Children’s Museum of Nashville resided on 2nd Avenue South in downtown Nashville. World War II was coming to an end and the nation was beginning to look to the future. Sgt. John Ripley Forbes’ vision for Nashville’s future was focused on children.  A lease on the old University of Nashville building was signed in November 1944, and on Oct. 30, 1945, the Children’s Museum of Nashville opened its doors to the public. The Center now serves about 340,000 visitors annually from Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama, and beyond. It has remained at heart, a place where learning is fun.
10. The Parthenon – The Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park. The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.

The Nashville Zoo is open year round and offers many educational programs in addition to the general self-guided tours. You can check out their website, Nashville Zoo, for more information.