Grand Ole Opry
It was a different time in the 1920s. It was in this decade that this radio show began broadcasting. It’s also what put Nashville on the map and the reason why many affectionately proclaim Nashville as the “Country Music Capital of the World.”
The venue has transformed through the years, but what remains the same is that the Grand Ole Opry continues to host the top names in entertainment. A trip to Nashville just wouldn’t be complete with a stop at the Grand Ole Opry House. You can request a tour to see what it looks like behind-the-scenes:
- daytime backstage tour
- a post-show tour
- VIP tour
Located northeast of downtown Nashville, The Grand Ole Opry offers tours seven days a week. But there may be blocks depending on concert schedules.
For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit the Grand Ole Opry website. Admission for adults (ages 12 and older) for a daytime backstage tour costs $27, while children’s (ages 4 to 11) admission costs $22. Post-show tours and VIP tours cost extra.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Where can you find a little bit of country and a little bit of history? Get your fill at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. If you are a country music lover, you will appreciate the plaques that are dedicated to country music’s finest – from Patsy Cline to Johnny Cash – and walk among artifacts like Jimmie Rodgers’ guitar and Elvis Presley’s solid gold Cadillac limo.
If you have time, stop to browse the two-story wall plastered with every gold and platinum country record produced, and then head to Studio B. One of the world’s most influential recording studios and a Music Row Landmark, Studio B produced more than 35,000 songs by legends like Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings and Roy Orbison. For an interactive history lesson on the roots and evolution of country music, take a self-guided walk through the “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music” exhibit, which spans two floors of the museum.
Recent visitors said they were impressed with the amount of country history, lore and memorabilia at this museum, adding it is a well-thought-out venue and very organized. Travelers said true country fans will really enjoy every aspect of this attraction, though some warned those less enamored with the art of country music may not find it as engaging.
Sitting in the heart of downtown Nashville – across the street from the Gaylord Entertainment Center – the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $25.95 for adults, $15.95 for youths ages 6 to 12 and free for children ages 5 and younger. Tours and entry to Studio B cost extra. For more information, check out the official website.
Broadway
When in Nashville, you must visit Broadway. Through the heart of downtown Nashville, the street connects favorite neighborhoods like Music Row with the Cumberland River waterfront.
We hope you are attracted to the boisterous noises of downtown Nashville. It’s always packed, but that adds to the appeal. As you walk down the street you will get a one-of-a-kind experience. And depending on which local you ask, will depend on what you reactions you get. Both positive and negative. Maybe not quite the scandal as Sin City, Nashville’s Broadway still provides the crazy fun to the tourist. It’s not just for the traveler but also authentic enough for Nashville’s honky-tonk locals. Don’t skip Broadway on your next trip.