Country music glitter mecca also moves to an eco-sensitive, down-to-earth tune

It used to be that going ''green'' when traveling meant hanging up your towels for a second day's use.

For many travelers, however, being green on the road means more than that. It's about finding a green space in which to relax, saving green (money) and getting to know a destination on foot rather than by car, in order to get some exercise and save gas.

Going ''green'' may mean a cruise by the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Opryland's gardens are cared for in ecologically conscious ways, including bio-rational pesticides and insect control and an irrigation drip system for watering plants.

A reclaimed wood pillar dominates the dining room of the Hutton Hotel on busy West End Avenue. There's eco-friendly bamboo décor in the lobby.Photos courtesy of Hutton Hotel

Nashville is increasingly a city that lets the traveler do just that.

Taking a basic box of an office building in a fantastic central location and turning it into a hotel isn't exactly a leap. But turning that building into a thoroughly energy-efficient, eco-friendly hotel is indeed unusual, and was the focus of the group that created the Hutton Hotel on West End Avenue.

The hotel's green features include EcoDisc elevators, which use hybrid power to transport guests to rooms, bamboo furniture and flooring throughout the lobby

and in public spaces, LED and fluorescent lighting throughout the hotel, dual- flush commodes in the guest rooms and card-key lighting systems in guest rooms that ensure lights are turned off when guests leave.

Guests may never notice all the eco-friendly bells and whistles. Their focus may be on the sleek décor, lushly appointed rooms and excellent location -- just across from Vanderbilt University, a few blocks from West End shopping and dining and a bit longer stroll to the sights on Broadway.

No worries about having to walk too far, there's a hybrid courtesy vehicle ready to drop off guests at nearby attractions.

Rates at the Hutton start at $189 weekdays, with packages starting at $229.

Nashville's Centennial Park is the obvious go-to when it comes to green space in the city. But the nearby Vanderbilt campus is filled with shaded lawns, beautiful gardens and public art that is sure to soothe the harried or provide a perfect picnic spot.

There are about two dozen sculptures scattered throughout the Vanderbilt campus, and finding them all is almost like an artful game of hide-and-seek. Many of the works are nestled in leafy, garden-like settings.

The mother of convention center hotels, Gaylord Opryland, operates like a small independent city, and is a plant lover's paradise, with more than 50,000 plants tended by 20 full-time horticulturists.

The 9 acres of gardens inside the hotel are found along meandering paths and under two huge glass-roofed atriums -- the Cascades and the Garden Conservatory. Combined, the atriums have more than 600 species of plants, ranging from air orchids to palm trees, miniature orange trees and ginger trees. The Delta's gardens are uniquely Southern, featuring dozens of varieties of camellias, lady palms and ever-blooming gardenias.

The gardens at Opryland are now cared for in more ecologically friendly ways, with bio-rational pesticides and insect control and an irrigation drip system for watering the plants. Those really into gardening can pick up a self-guided audio tour ($5 at the Cascades Lobby concierge desk) that gives more detail about the hotel, its history and its greenery.

Despite its growing reputation as a foodie destination, there are plenty of local, inexpensive dining options serving up good eats that won't eat up the green.

In the Vanderbilt area, San Antonio Taco Co. -- SATCO to locals -- caters to students with its under-$2 tacos and $2 chips and queso. Throw in an outdoor patio and beer served in buckets, and it's the spot when all eyes are on the budget.

The iconic Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village is known for its long lines any time of the day, and, of course, some excellent pancakes. But it's also one of the best cheap eating options, with bacon, eggs and pancake breakfast under $9 -- and it will fill the stomach until dinner.

The French-style bakery Provence, with multiple locations in Hillsboro Village, the downtown Library and the Hills Center, offers a huge bowl of soup du jour for $4.99, as well as an excellent and varied selection of sandwiches in the $7 to $10 range.

Las Paletas -- a Mexican-style popsicle shop at the corner or 12th Avenue South and Kirkwood, offers creamy popsicle treats for $2.50; the icy delights are a must-eat after a day of browsing the boutiques in the 12th South neighborhood.

Nashville's neighborhoods provide ample opportunities to park the car and explore on foot.

The Hill Center is the newest outdoor shopping experience, located near the Green Hills Mall on Hillsboro Pike. The center is anchored by a Whole Foods, and the retail offerings range from chains like Anthropologie and Swoozie's to local stores H. Audrey and Hemline.

Hillsboro Village, the historic area sandwiched between Vanderbilt and Belmont universities, is full of local goodies and home to a number of excellent dining choices, including Cabana, Provence and the Pancake Pantry. Funky boutiques mingle with upscale stationery and clothing stores and a vintage bookstore.

Twelfth Avenue South is a bit more edgy, but no less fun than the other shopping areas. This neighborhood, like Hillsboro Village, oozes character and includes some of the city's most eclectic shopping, which ranges from the country music-star favorite Katy K Designs (also known for some slightly naughty apparel) and 12th South Mercantile, a home goods store.