But this site is more than a place to shop! It's about Nashville, Music City U.S.A. - its history, the entertainment, tourism, the music industry, attractions, and even the trivia. Nashville is a unique city in America. Because it is one of those few crossroad cities with three intersecting Interstate highways (#65, 24 & 40), millions drive through Nashville each year enroute to elsewhere. Many stop to eat or sleep overnight, while others take a break to see the city. Statistically, between 10 - 15 million visitors make Nashville their destination for a day or more on business or vacation. Nashville has enjoyed the distinction in the past as the "Number One Bus Tour Destination in the U.S." Opryland Hotel is host to major conventions each year. This convention destination ranks high among midsize cities also because of the Nashville Convention Center, the Gaylord Entertainment Center and the Municipal Auditorium. Historically, Nashville has been called "the Dimple of the Universe" because of the beauty of its rolling hills, appealing seasons, and long, white picket-fence-surrounded farms with Tennessee Walking Horses and cattle. At one time Nashville was called "the Wall Street of the South" because of its financial institutions. It is still called "the Athens of the South" because of its many educational institutions like renowned Vanderbilt University, and because of Centennial Park and the only replica of the Greek Parthenon. Nashville has been called "the Buckle of the Bible Belt" because of its many religious organizations and national headquarters, along with a rich history in religious movements. Many think of Nashville only in terms of Country and Western Music and the recording industry. While it rivals New York and L.A. in recording dominance, and even though it is the heart of Country Music and home to many of the Stars, Nashville is much more. Nashville is home of the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium - the "Mother Church of Country Music," but it is much more. Other kinds of musical gendres are produced in Nashville, too, like Pop, Rock and Gospel. The music industry is not - contrary to general assumption - the dominant industry in Nashville. Instead, America's largest healthcare institution, HCA, leads this city's recognition as a healthcare center. Banking and insurance are strong industry leaders dominating Nashville's economic strength. Tourism and Country Music are dwarfed by these economy giants. So a visit to Nashville might include more than a night at the Grand Ole Opry or a tour of the Homes of the Stars or a drive down Music Row or seeing The Bluebird Cafe or eating at Loveless Cafe or a walk down lower Broadway's "Honky Tonk Highway." Maybe you'd like to drive by Allan Jackson's 25,000 square foot home out in the countryside, or the new 35,000 square foot home Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are building. Your visit might include some of the little getaways like Bell Buckle, Vanleer and Leeper's Fork. Or, maybe a visit to Franklin to see the Carter House and Lotz House with their extensive exhibits of intriguing Civil War history. Or, maybe a drive through Goodlettsville or one of the other "Antique Communities" for those so interested. To visit Graceland in Memphis or see the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg is a vacation treat in Tennessee, but discovering Nashville is an unforgettable experience.