Nashville, Tennessee is known to locals and visitors alike as Music City because of the amazing array of live entertainment shows offered in and around the area. Country music is king in these parts, and you can also enjoy live gospel, contemporary Christian, and jazz music performances. In addition to great live musical entertainment, there are stately old mansions and vintage Civil War trails to explore. From your historic or contemporary Nashville vacation rental, you will have easy access to fun shops, beautiful parks, museums, exhilarating activities and numerous restaurants serving down-home style southern cooking.

1. Brentwood, Tennessee

Brentwood is a suburb of Nashville, and this lovely city offers peaceful upscale suburban living near local entertainment and parks. Located 24 minutes from the center of Nashville, you can live the good life in a spacious luxury vacation rental with comfortable amenities. Relaxing choices include body massages at a local day spa, and languid visits to beautiful outdoor areas such as the Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary and Radnor Lake State Park. Concord and Crockett parks are great for walking, biking and picnicking. For kids who love reading, check out the fantastic kid’s section at the Brentwood Library. Everyone can work up a sweat on the Ninja Warriors Course at Above All Extreme Air Sports.

2. Goodletttsville, Tennessee

Slow down and enjoy the easy-going life when you choose a Goodlettesville vacation rental for your relaxing getaway. This small city straddles Davidson and Sumner counties, and offers a slice of good old-fashioned small town hospitality that makes you feel right at home. If you enjoy discovering rare antique treasures head on over to the Goodlettsville Antique Mall or Tara’s Antique Mall for some fun treasure hunting. Bring the whole family, including your dog, to Moss-Wright Park for a full day of playing, hiking, or biking. The park is within easy walking distance to historic Bowen Plantation and Mankser’s Station.

3. Lebanon, Tennessee

Lebanon is also known as Cedar City due to the abundance of beautiful old cedar trees found in city neighborhoods. Each year, Lebanon is host to the Wilson County Fair, which is one of America’s top 50 fairs to enjoy. Stay in a centrally located cozy vacation rental near downtown restaurants, shops and the local bowling alley. Pick fresh apples off the tree and bring home some delicious hard cider from Poverty Lane Orchards & Farnum Hill Cider. Go back in time as you stroll through Fiddler’s Grove, which features vintage buildings, including a general store and jail. If you feel the need for speed, check out the race cars at Rusty Wallace Racing Experience.

4. Hendersonville, Tennessee

Hendersonville is situated near the banks of Old Hickory Lake, which also serves as the city’s reservoir. Kick back in a vacation rental home located in areas where legends such as Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and Roy Orbison once lived. Indian Lake Village is a great place to dine with the family, shop and see the latest movie. Take a tour of Trinity Music Broadcasting to see what used to be Conway Twitty’s luxurious home. Need relaxation? There’s no better place to unwind than Drake’s Creek park, which offers scenic trail views, fishing and boating. For the ultimate detox and facial enjoy a session at Salt MedSpa.

5. Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Murfreesboro is buzzing with cultural arts and entertainment. Your comfortable vacation rental home is centrally located near a variety of live musical entertainment, theatre productions, museums and community celebrations. Historical sites to visit include the Oaklands Mansion, which has walking trails and picnic tables. At Cannonsburgh Village you’ll learn how life was lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can take a driving tour through the well-preserved Stones River National Battlefield, or visit the adjacent museum for educational history. Spend an afternoon with the kids at the Discovery Center and enjoy indoor science exhibits and outdoor nature paths.

6. Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin was named after founding father Benjamin Franklin, and the city has a quaint charm that makes it a wonderful place to stay for vacation. Choose a vacation rental in a friendly neighborhood that feels like home sweet home. Every year thousands visit this city to attend the Main Street Festival and Wine Down Main Street. Stroll Franklin’s historic district, an area that served as a music video backdrop for The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun, and Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk. Hop into a hot air balloon and soar over the skies of Franklin. Back on land, stop by the Lotz House, Cartel House and the Carnton Plantation for a compelling glimpse into the city’s Civil War past.

7. Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet or Mt. Juliet as locals call it, is located 17 miles from downtown Nashville. Vacation rentals in this area offer cozy accommodations and a small town atmosphere. Spend leisurely days with the kids hanging out at Charlie Daniels Park, enjoying a playground, water splash pad, gym and sports fields. Cedar Creek offers fun go kart riding and batting cages for family entertainment. JuRo Stables have beautiful riding horses that take you through scenic rustic back country for an exhilarating outdoors experience.

8. Dickson, Tennessee

Dickson is the place to go to unwind and escape the maddening crowds. The pace in this small town is leisurely, and vacation rentals are cozy. If you’re a fan of trains, a visit to the Clement Hotel Railroad Museum is a must. Stop by Yesterdays Treasures Antique Mall to browse its selection of vintage items, perhaps finding something special. On a sunny day, it’s always a good time for golf, and hitting a few balls on the pristine greens at Greystone Golf Club is a fun way to get some fresh air.

9. Gallatin, Tennessee

The scenic city of Gallatin is the place to go to enjoy immaculately preserved architectural buildings and homes that are national treasures. Secure your vacation rental close to centrally-located shops and restaurants. Historical homes to visit include the Douglass-Clark House, Cragfont and Rose Mont. Commune with nature and enjoy scenic splendor at beautiful Bledsoe Creek State Park. The park has walking trails, various wildlife, a lake and access to boating marinas.

10. Spring Hill, Tennessee

Once the site of a Civil War battle, Spring Hill is a growing city where life still offers plenty of simple pleasures. Find a cozy vacation B&B or home near The Crossings of Spring Hill. This area offers shopping, entertainment and a variety of restaurant food choices. Practice your escape skills at the local Panic in the Woods Escape Game venue. Afterwards, release that pent-up tension at Zen Massage. For a taste of local history, tour the Rippavilla Plantation and discover lots of interesting facts about historical customs and lifestyles.