Home of the Grand Ole Opry, Tennessee's fast-growing capital city (with a population of 542,600) prides itself on its cultural, historic, and educational heritage, which has earned it a reputation as the "Athens of the South." The sprawling city occupies 538 square miles, bisected from east to west by the Cumberland River. In addition to entertainment, other leading local industries include computer manufacturing, health care management, hospitality, and automobile technology. Much of Nashville's role as a cultural leader is derived from the presence of 16 colleges and universities, two medical schools, two law schools, and six graduate business schools. Several schools, including Vanderbilt University, have national or international reputations, and many have private art galleries.

Bolstering Nashville's reputation as a cultural hub are dozens of clubs, performance venues, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, opened in 1985. The District, the 16-square-block area of downtown between Church St. and Broadway, has emerged as a destination for tourists and locals alike, with restaurants, specialty shopping, and numerous entertainment options. Many restored historic buildings are found downtown, arguably the most famous of which is the Ryman Auditorium, home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Adjacent to downtown, Music Row is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as to major recording studios and music publishing and licensing companies. Farther afield, Greater Nashville offers a variety of cultural attractions including historic plantations and homes (such as that of President Andrew Jackson), museums, and parks.