Budget

Courtesy of Gaylord Opryland (ENLARGE)

The popular Gaylord Opryland Hotel has five acres of gardens, a 15 story atrium filled with boutiques and a river that flows through the property.

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Getting there

It's a drive of about 250 miles from downtown Atlanta.

Stay

Save big with a stay about a 10-minute drive from town. "ESaver" rates from the Drury Hotel Nashville Airport start at $54.99 a night, double, and include a full hot breakfast, evening beverages, free long distance calls, WiFi access and pool use. 555 Donelson Pike. 615-902-0400.

Eat

From early morning through the dinner hour, Monell's, in a brick Victorian house, serves southern German-style treats on shared tables with family-style servings. Meals about $20. 1235 Sixth Ave. N. 615-248-4747. The Loveless Cafe, renowned for its biscuits, features a lineup of traditional Southern dishes and an all-day breakfast menu. Breakfast is about $9; dinner is about $21. 8400 Highway 100 (west suburbs). 615-646-9700.

Experience

A must for first-time visitors is the city sightseeing trolley tour (five daily departures), which takes in the historic sections of downtown plus Ryman Auditorium, the State Capitol, the Parthenon, Vanderbilt Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, Fort Nashborough, Bicentennial Mall and Music Row. Adult e-tickets, $16.95; $8.95, ages 6-11; under 6, free. www.nashvillesightseeing.com, 1-888-881-3279.

Moderate

Getting there

Go topless. Rent a Mitsubishi Spyder, part of the Cool Car collection from Avis, for a four-day weekend (Thursdays-Mondays) for about $520.

Stay

If you like big, sprawling resorts, pick the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. There are seven acres of sumptuous gardens with waterfalls, a wide range of dining and lounge choices, a top spa and gym and several pools. Its within walking distance of the Grand Old Opry and Museum (complimentary hotel shuttle service to all major attractions) or a short riverboat cruise to downtown. Double room rates start at $199 (self-parking $16; resort fee $15). 2800 Opryland Drive. 1-888-777-6779, www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-opryland.

Eat

Tennessean.com readers voted Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint best barbecue in a Toast of Music City poll. 7215 Nolensville Road, Nolensville, 615-776-1856. Swett's is another meat-and-three soul kitchen, with dishes at about $20. 2725 Clifton Ave. 615-329-4418.

Experience

It's all about the music. Catch the breakfast show at Nashville Nightlife from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays. $22 show only; $32.95 with breakfast. The Best of Country Music Dinner & Show runs from 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays-Sundays. $24 show only; $37.95 with dinner. 2620 Music Valley Drive, Briley Parkway. 615-885-4747, www.nashvillenightlife.com. The nightlife scene is updated at www.nashvillenet.com/nitelife.htm.

Splurge

Getting there

Round-trip flights start at about $350 with a three-week advance purchase. Nonstop flights start at about $550.

Stay

The grande dame, the historic Hermitage Hotel, recently underwent a one-year remodeling and is as elegant as ever. The two-story lobby, an attraction all its own, has a Tiffany glass and 24-karat-gold ceiling, Italian marble columns, arches and staircase and Tennessee marble and granite flooring. A Music City Weekend includes luxury accommodations, breakfast in bed, valet parking and a $20 iTunes gift card. It starts at $289 per night, double. A two-night minimum stay is required. 231 Sixth Ave. N. 1-888-888-9414, www.thehermitagehotel.com.

Eat

A new downtown favorite, Watermark, has one of the largest wine lists in the city and haute-Southern cuisine. Entrees about $39. 507 12th Ave. S. 615-254-2000, www.watermarknashville.com. For a taste of Tuscany and Provence, reserve a place at Margot Cafe & Bar. Menus change daily, with entrees about $40; brunch about $12. 1017 Woodland St. 615-227-4668, www.margotcafe.com.

Experience

The General Jackson, a grand 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat, cruises the Cumberland River each evening (three to four hours) with dinner and a show. NashVegas on the River performs through Nov. 15. Tickets, with hotel pickup, are $114 per person. A lunch cruise and show at just under three hours is $73. www.nashvillesightseeing.com.