The First Center for Visual Arts is a welcoming and charming museum that will keep your attention and break stereotypes. With a dedication to incorporating education into all aspects of the center, The Frist is an excellent destination for visitors of all ages. View Van Gogh on the same day you visit an antique car exhibit at this cultural downtown Nashville destination.
Best and Worst Time To Go To The Frist
Seniors should try to visit on the third Monday of the month, when the center offers discounts and special events. The museum can get crowded on school holidays and rainy days when nearby parks and Broadway are rained out. So if you're looking for an empty getaway, try a sunny day.
Must See/Do at The Frist
If you're visiting with children, be sure to take advantage of the many education and interactive areas of the center, especially the Martin Artquest Gallery. For modern art, visit the main gallery where a contemporary artist is always featured. Other exhibits are constantly rotating, so check the center's calendar for an updated schedule to help you best plan your visit -- although all of them could be deemed a must-see.
Admission to The Frist
Kids and youth visit The Frist for free year-round. Admission costs for seniors, students, and adults varies from $7-$15. But don't let price deter you. The center features free admission on holidays, for special charity donations, and student days.
Parking and Public Transportation to The Frist
Parking is available in the adjacent lot at the south side of the building, via Demonbruen Avenue, at a discounted rate when the front desk, cafe, or gift shop validates your ticket. Other lots are available as well, although not affiliated with The Frist. The bus line makes multiple stops down Broadway St., near the center.
Food at The Frist
The Frist Center Cafe boasts affordable and fresh quality fare for visitors. Located within the building, the cafe has gourmet-style sandwiches, salads, soups, beers, fine wine, and even a dessert happy hour. Cummins Station, within walking distance, provides other dining options, including Mexican and Asian restaurants and delis.
Insider Tips for Visitors at The Frist
Short on time? The main hallway of The Frist showcases art and is free to peruse. You can often find locals congregating there. The cafe and inviting patio are open to the public as well - providing a quaint lunch destination.
Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.
The beautiful Belmont Mansion is a house museum, showcasing Italianette villa architecture. It's one of the most elaborate homes in the south, spanning 19,000 square feet. Owned, designed, and furnished by the socialite Acklen family, the home has been on the National Registry of Historic Houses since 1971, and is full of history, including its time as a headquarters for the Union Army.
Best and worst time to go to The Belmont Mansion
The best time is when the weather outdoors is to your liking, so you can appreciate the collections inside the mansion, in addition to the tour of the grounds. Also check the mansion's website for a list of upcoming special events and attractions.
Must see/do at The Belmont Mansion
Be sure to view the engraved and mezzotint prints collection. In addition, the collection of Adelicia Acklen's personal items gives visitors a glimpse into life in the early 19th Century. And if the weather is nice, venture outdoors to take a self-guided tour of the gardens and mansion grounds.
Admission to The Belmont Mansion
Admission for adults varies between $10-$15, including special pricing for seniors, military and AAA members. Children are admitted for under $5, while kids under 6 are always free. Group rates are available as well.
Parking and public transportation to The Belmont Mansion
Parking can be difficult, especially if you're visiting during the school year when Belmont University students are also trying to park. Take a drive through and if you can't find anything, venture down neighboring streets to find parking. The entire area is safe.
Food at The Belmont Mansion
There are not food options located on the grounds, but Hillsboro Village, just a short drive or walk from the Mansion, offers an eclectic option of fine, but affordable, dining, including the famous Pancake Pantry, Jackson's, and Fido.
Insider tip for visitors to The Belmont Mansion
Pro tip -- when you're taking the self-guided tour, log on to the mansion's website and play the tour podcasts to guide you. And if you want to see even more, venture around the corner to explore the beautiful grounds and architecture of Belmont University.
Author's bio: Rebecca Cicione has lived in Nashville for four years. She works in the nonprofit and music industries and her favorite place to be is anywhere outdoors.
