Planning a trip to central Tennessee, north to south. Mostly interested in the best civil war sites and activites. Also interested in antiques. If you have other suggestions of great sites to see please tell.

Years ago my family stopped in Shiloh National Military Park on a very hot July afternoon. Not sure what would be there now. Andrew Jackson's home, the Hermitage, is near Nashville, but I've never stopped there. I also know there are some antique shops in a town south of Nashville. Sorry, just vague knowledge, but maybe this will spark some others' ideas.

I would make a stop at the Hermitage. Very interesting site. Also check out www.cwbattlefields.com for the lowdown on battlegrounds. Never been to Shiloh, but from the site it looks very interesting.

I would check the Fodors miniguide section on Nashville. You will see information on places like Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville that are a great stop.

Have a good trip.

FYI-- it is referred to by locals as "Middle" Tennessee, not "central Tennessee." Franklin, just south of Nashville off 1-65 is a charming town (almost city) with lots of antiques and quaint stores and cafes. Try the Main Street area, the "Factory" an old referbished stove factory that now has antiques, shops, restaurants. Also a huge mall--Cool Springs Galleria-- is nearby off 1-65 a bit north of Franklin. The Hermitage properties are very interesting if you are a history buff or enjoy beautiful old homes. Drive through Belle Meade, see the Plantation, and take a look at Al Gore's new home. North of Nashville is Hendersonville, home of Johnny Cash and other country music stars. Good antiquing in a nearby town of Goodlettsville and farther north in Gallatin, TN. Gallatin also has many historic homes--

Try to stop by the Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN. Very interesting. Used as a hospital during a local battle. There is also a Confederate cemetery there. Here is a link

http://www.carnton.org/index.htm