Country music tells a vast array of stories -real and created. Music enthusiasts swing into the lifestyle of country music at it’s finest at Opryland, TN. The music fans are welcomed with a hospitality that is reminiscent of southern ways-warm and friendly. The Opry's soul flourishes with a broad range of styles by a wide range of musicians. The main attractions of Opryland include the Grand Old Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The music of Nashville encompasses its early musical roots in the Grand Ole Opry. Sentimentalism takes it’s hold on the area with history appreciated and celebrated since its beginning until today. The Ryman Auditorium has, as part of its stage, a six-foot circle of dark, oak wood cut from the stage of the Opry's famous former home in the Opry House stage. It features a well worn circle that gives musicians the opportunity to sing on the same spot where once famous country singers preformed, such as: Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams and other famous singers. This allows singers to have the opportunity to perform on the same boards from the greats in country music.
Accommodations
Fine selections abound, all offering the fine hospitality that the area is known for. The plushy Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is recognized for its extraordinary surroundings and service. The luxurious accommodations offer first-class entertainment and ambience. Under majestic, climate-controlled glass atriums, guests are surrounded by nine acres of lush indoor gardens, winding rivers and pathways, and sparkling waterfalls. Highlights also include a 44-foot waterfall. Additional nearby accommodations also include: the Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, the Hermitage Hotel and the Fairfield Inn.
Restaurants
Selection of foods has many diverse options to tempt your taste buds. Nashville specializes in New Southern and Southern fusion, a blend of down-home cooking and uptown dining. For example, restaurant Zola serves popular cuisines such as Mediterranean. The South Street Original Crab Shack & Authentic Dive Bar is a popular location for barbecue and seafood.
Shopping
Get on your walking shoes here as a myriad of options for shopping range from posh boutiques, guitar stores filled with instruments, and fashionable selections. As shoppers browse, an array of shopping avenues are offered.
Major Events
There is so much to see and do, that it may take some priority planning, depending on the timeframe available, to enjoy all of the attractions. For some real local “down home” choices, there’s a section of downtown that captures the essence of the uniqueness of Nashville including authentic honky tonks, Victorian charm, to nightclubs. It’s referred to as “the district” and includes ambiance in entertainment and showcases key points of the areas’ history.
The Ryman Auditorium, known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," is a National Historic Landmark. It got its start as a church in 1892 and offers ongoing popular musical venues. The Ryman Auditorium has received past recognition being named the Theatre of the Year at the Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. The Ryman has been only five venues in the country nominated for the prestigious award.
Surrounded by lush, rolling hills and sparkling, blue lakes translates into great golfing available at five resort courses or eight public golf courses. Some of the select choices include: the Vanderbilt Legends Club of Tennessee, designed by Tom Kite and Bob Cupp. The 36-hole championship course features both membership and resort play.
The Legends Club features a 19-acre practice facility and a full-service clubhouse. Great golf is also to be experienced at the Springhouse Links and the Greystone Golf Course. While enjoying Opryland, other opportunities to participate in are the: Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art, Nashville's Athena Parthenos (the tallest indoor sculpture in the Western world), and the Belle Meade Plantation. The huge Old South plantation is home to an impressive Greek Revival mansion and is surrounded by immaculately manicured gardens. The Plantation was famous for breeding thoroughbred horses.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
