A large inland fort from the U.S. Civil War and one of the country’s leading collections of European cars make this a great area to visit in Nashville.

South Nashville is a large district stretching southeast from the city center and containing varied parks and museums. It has a fascinating history, with the ruins of a 19th-century fortress recalling the U.S. Civil War. Before your visit to South Nashville, check for events at the many entertainment spots in the area.

Make your way through the fascinating ruins of Fort Negley Park and enter its visitor center to watch the two films about the Civil War. Today, you can still see the ruined ramparts of what was one of the largest inland masonry fortifications built during the U.S. Civil War. Teach your kids about American history via interactive screens in the exhibits.

Another Nashville passion is automobiles. Head to the Lane Motor Museum for one of America’s largest collections of European cars, with over 500 vehicles. Consider the experimental and unusual shapes of vintage vehicles from the early 1900s.

In the second week of September, bring your family to the annual Tennessee State Fair at The Fairgrounds Nashville. The site initially opened in 1891 with harness racing. Other events held in this venue include the Nashville Flea Market as well as various music and dance recitals.

Travel to the neighborhood’s southern border for the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. This zoological garden is located on a former plantation estate. Let your kids pet the goats, kangaroos and tortoises and play on the huge Jungle Gym.

South Nashville makes up the southern section of Nashville, from the Cumberland River to Oak Hill and Antioch. It is a little west of Donelson and the Nashville International Airport. Ride a bus south from the city center to get here in about 30 minutes.

Appreciate the varied sites of South Nashville, with its large European car collection, fortress, zoo and entertainment complex.