by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 10:00 AM ET, Sat December 10, 2016
All aboard!
The American Queen Steamboat Company's newest vessel, the American Duchess, debuts in just six short months and one of its stops will be none other than Music City - Nashville, Tennessee.
You'll experience roomy accommodations, and on-board entertainment, but once you dock in Nashville, there's so much to see and do.
Here are seven can't miss sites:
Grand Ole Opry: You don't have to love country music to visit this historical venue in Nashville. The Grand Ole Opry has such a treasured history, which began in 1925 as a radio broadcast. The Opry has welcomed more than 200 members throughout its history, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Garth Brooks. Go behind the scenes and see how the shows are put together and walk where the musical greats have walked before you.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: This venue recently doubled its size to 350,000 square feet of state-of-the-art galleries, archives, classrooms, retail space and more. Visit the Museum and enjoy going back in time through the history of country music with artifacts, photographs, and text panels, vintage video, and interactive touchscreens and more. While you're there, check out the Historic RCA Studio B, which is Nashville's oldest surviving recording studio, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and many others have recorded their songs.
Johnny Cash Museum: "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash." The man in black was one of the most widely influential artists of all time, selling more than 90 million records in his career. This museum has artifacts, pictures, recording and other memorabilia from his life that die-hard fans will treasure.
[READMORE]READ MORE: AQSC Announces Duchess Suite Details[/READMORE]
The Parthenon: Want more than country music on your visit? Can't make it to Greece to see the former temple? Then this one in Nashville is the next best thing. Built in 1897, it is a recreation of the original and can be found in Nashville's Centennial Park. Inside it's an art museum that holds paintings from 19th and 20th-century American artists.
Try a Brewski: Nashville is known for its music and its brews, so take a tour and sample 'em all. Nashville's original craft brewery, Yazoo Brewery, Tennessee Brew Works, Black Abbey Brewery, Fat Bottom Brewing Company, and Jackalope Brewing Company, are all available for tastings. The Nashville Brew Bus provides a tour of all of them in one afternoon.
Being in the south, there isn't anything better than barbecue and sweet tea. Enjoy some smoldering beef brisket, barbecue sandwiches, and redneck tacos at Martin's Bar-B-Que restaurant or go hog wild at Hog Heaven located right next to Centennial Park. Hog Heaven is famous for their white bbq sauce and has been featured on Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate".
Animals and a sweet tooth: Kids of all ages will love the Nashville Zoo, with more than 2,248 animals and 353 species to enjoy. Afterward, head over to Savannah's Candy Kitchen and tour its 4,200 square feet of space filled with the best candies, cakes, and confections in the South.
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