The Parthenon, Tennessee
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
What’s not to love about classic Greek architecture? The towering, astounding marble buildings with their girthy columns. Their pristine white shine glistening out and reflecting the bright sun. It’s obviously worth the visit to see such an astounding building. And the best part? You don’t have to fly all the way to Greece to do it. (Though we can’t say it’s a bad idea to see the originals.)
Built in 1897 as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, the Parthenon in Nashville is believed to be an exact replica of the original building. It sits in the middle of Centennial Park, a large public use area near Vanderbilt University. Today, it acts as an art museum.
Even if you don’t do anything else in Centennial Park, at least walking by to see the building is worth the time alone. It’s astounding in its size, towering above the rest of the park and standing out remarkably amidst small ponds. Nashville was originally known as the Athens of the South (perhaps now considered more the Las Vegas of the East), so it took the opportunity to build a full-scale replica of the Parthenon for its 100th anniversary.
The original building was built in 1897 and was made of plaster. Unfortunately, it became too costly to continue repairing the building as the plaster crumbled so it was rebuilt in the 1920s with more permanent materials. The interior of the Parthenon is also a near-replica as well, with a massive statue of Athena Parthenos inside.
Originally, in the Greek Parthenon, there sat a massive, nearly 40 foot tall ivory and gold statue of the Greek goddess Athena. Over time, that statue has been lost to time. Thankfully, we can still view it—or at least, something as close to it as it can be. Because in order to be a true replica of the Parthenon, the one in Nashville needed its own Athena Parthenos statue.
The modern copy was finished in 1990 and stands even taller at 41 feet. It’s a marvel of both art and architecture itself. It’s anchored down into the bedrock beneath the foundation of the Parthenon to support its weight. It’s also gilded in 24-karat gold leaf, making it more accurately resemble the original.
During the summer, local play actors use the Parthenon as a backdrop for classic Greek plays. These performances are usually free and are the perfect way to spend an evening in Nashville. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Greek plays, you can still enjoy the show and take in the stories.
Some of the plays performed previously have included Euripides’ Medea, a tragedy in which a princess takes vengeance on her former husband and his new wife, and Sophocles’ Antigone, another tragedy that follows the fallout of the Thebes’ civil war.
There have always been two galleries located in the Parthenon—the East and West galleries. These two wings feature rotating exhibits that are both historical and relevant to modern current events. There’s also a permanent exhibit that features a total of 63 paintings by American artists from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Temporary exhibits at the two galleries tend to last between four and eight months, depending on the run and the loan time. These exhibits are almost always related to Nashville, whether it’s about the musical history of Centennial Park, or the Suffragette movement and how it played out in the city. You’ll find photographs, audio exhibits, art, and more.
If you come to see the Parthenon, you’re already in Centennial Park. It is, without a doubt, worth taking the time to enjoy the park for a while. Whether you choose to picnic here, go for a stroll, or even get out and get some exercise, it’s a beautiful area that’s a quiet respite from the otherwise bustling city of Nashville.
The park is full of unique flora and mature trees. There’s also a large, man-made lake. Paved paths crisscross throughout the area, and large grassy swaths are great for children to play or fly kites. The park also plays host to a variety of celebrations throughout the year, including art festivals and more.
Belle Ridge Retreat is perfect for those trying to make the most of their Tennessee road trip. It sits between Nashville and Knoxville, putting you in a prime position to visit either location and spend the day. There’s a convenience store on-site to keep your RV stocked in both camping goods and foods, plus a laundromat to keep you feeling fresh. There are also 10 miles of hiking trails and golf cart rentals available to help you get around.
Just 15 minutes from Nashville and other attractions, Two Rivers Campground puts you close to the action. There are electric hookups and free wifi throughout the park. Bathhouses give you an opportunity to take a warm shower outside your RV, and there’s all the free coffee you can drink. There’s also a game room to keep the kids (or the adults) entertained. And in season, you’ll also find live entertainment—because this is Nashville, after all.
Stay right on the shore and wake up to a waterfront view at Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort. In addition to full hookups, including wifi, every site also includes a fire ring, picnic table, and a concrete pad. The real perk of staying here is that you’re also staying at an amusement park and waterpark. You get discounts to Treetop Adventures and Waterpark to enjoy while you’re here.
A quick drive from Nashville and the Grand Ole Opry, Safe Harbor RV Resort gives you a nice, quiet place on the water to relax after a full day in the city. Located right on Percy Priest Lake, there are lots of recreational opportunities to enjoy just staying here. There’s a sandy beach, an outdoor pool, and fire pits at each site. Rent a canoe or kayak, do some fishing, and come back to your RV that you’ll enjoy with full hookups.
Not necessarily associated with another Grand Old thing in the city, the Grand Ole RV Resort is a great place to enjoy a little respite from the city. These 106 sites are covered by shade trees, and a general store on site has snacks, drinks, and other things to keep your RV stocked. There’s wifi, two fishing docks, and free showers. In addition to full hookups, the site also offers free live entertainment every evening.
You won’t find any dining inside The Parthenon, or in Centennial Park for that matter (unless you come across a food cart which isn’t guaranteed). If you’re looking for chains, you’ll find several of those in the surrounding areas. Otherwise, use the kitchen in your RV and plan a picnic, which you can enjoy throughout the rest of the park. The green rolling hills and picnic tables are perfect for it.
Surrounding Centennial Park and throughout most of Nashville, you’ll find tons of delicious dining opportunities. Keep an eye out for any of the famous hot fried chicken joints (there may be a line out front, but it’s worth the wait). Don’t pass on other southern staples, though, like cornbread, biscuits, and things like burgers and sandwiches. From delicious snack shacks to world-renowned fine dining, there are plenty of good eating options in Nashville.
Give the city a try, and have a look at all of the great dining options waiting for you. Even if you opt to not enjoy something spicy, you’ll find things like fried catfish and other great meals waiting for you. Even if you’re just after something family-friendly like pizza or burgers, they’ll greet you in Nashville with the traditional southern hospitality.