Nashville, Tennessee

Music City USA will host the Sertoma International Convention in July, 2009.  Between 850 to 900 Sertoma members representing the organization’s clubs world-wide will gather in Nashville for its annual meetings, high-quality seminars and a rousing good time.  Many will bring their spouses and children to take advantage of the many family-oriented attractions in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area.

Dates:                          July 23 through 25^th, 2009

Convention Site:    Sheraton Music City Hotel

                                    777 McGavock Pike

                                    Nashville, TN 37214

                                    (615) 885-2200

Host Clubs:             Nashville Sertoma Club

                                    Hendersonville Noon Sertoma Club

                                    Hendersonville Evening Sertoma Club

                                    Gallatin Sertoma Club

Registration Info:       www.sertoma.org

Attractions: The greater Nashville area is a perfect place for family activities and vacations.  There are four major interstate highways that pass through Nashville making it easily accessible from most of the Eastern, Southern and mid-Western parts of the US.  For those who drive here, regardless of direction, one travels through areas rich with history, scenic beauty, and fun attractions.  For those who fly into Nashville, such attractions are within easy driving distance with a rental vehicle. Additionally, there are organized tours for many attractions.   

 In addition to the tours and unique experiences offered through the convention activities, there are many fun and interesting attractions for those who wish to extend their time here or explore on their own.  Particular favorites of local Sertomans are indicated with an (*) below:

 Civil War sites such as Fort Negley in Nashville, Battle of Franklin, Stones River Battlefield, Carnton Plantation and Carter House in Franklin, and others.

 Historic sites such as the Hermitage (*home of President Andrew Jackson), the Belle Meade Plantation, Fort Nashborough, Second Avenue historic district in downtown Nashville, Cheekwood Plantation and gardens, Centennial Park (site of the Parthenon and the 1896 State Centennial), the State Capital, the Bicentennial Mall, Rock Castle, and others.

 Family fun sites such as our lakes (Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake), several water parks such as Wave Country and Nashville Shores(*), our many State and local parks including Centennial Park, Shelby Park, Two Rivers Park, Shelby Bottoms greenway, Warner Parks, the General Jackson riverboat cruises(*), the Adventure Science Museum, the Nashville Zoo(*), Montgomery Bell SP, Cedars of Lebanon SP, and others.

 Tours such as area Civil War sites, Music Row, Homes of Country Music Stars(*), Grand Ole Opry backstage(*), Jack Daniel’s Distillery(*), Country Music Hall of Fame(*), the University areas including Vanderbilt University, Belmont University (site of one of the recent presidential debates), David Lipscomb University, Fisk University, the “honky-tonks” of lower Broadway in downtown Nashville, and others.

 Arts and Museums of interest such as the Frist Center for the Visual Arts(*), the new Schermerhorn Symphony Hall, the Parthenon(*), the Tennessee State Museum, the Lane Motor Museum, (classic cars), the Musician’s Hall of Fame, and others.

 Recreation options including the many area parks, tennis facilities, numerous golf courses, swimming and water sports, hiking trails and greenways, and many others.

 Music and Entertainment venues are available also for virtually every taste.  Although Nashville is world renown for its country music, one can also find fine jazz, classical, rock, pop, hip-hop, and other styles performed by world-class entertainers.  Other venues include performances of comedy, drama, or movies..

 Sporting events venues include a NASCAR speedway, Greer Stadium (Nashville Sounds AAA baseball team), LP Field (Tennessee Titans NFL Football team), and the Sommet Center (Nashville Predators NHL hockey team.)

 Shopping in unique and unusual malls including Opry Mills(*), Green Hills Mall, Streets of Indian Lake in Hendersonville, Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, Second Avenue in downtown Nashville, and others.

 Dining and gourmet options that are many and varied, appealing to virtually every conceivable taste or eating experience.  These range from wonderful southern dishes and great family–oriented restaurants to fine dining on par with the best restaurants in the world.

More Information and ticket information for selected attractions, contact:

            Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.visitmusiccity.com

            Sumner Country Tourism Office at www.sumnercountytourism.com