Grand Ole Opry

The music heritage of Nashville is generally credited to WSM a radio station started by an insurance company whose slogan was We Shield Millions. Their Barn Dance eventually became the Grand Ole Opry radio show. Although no longer broadcast from Ryman Auditorium in the heart of Nashville, the show still goes out live, complete with commercials, and the music still sparkles.

History of Nashville Music

The historical highlight (besides paying homage at Ryman) is certainly the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Their permanent exhibit, Sing Me Back Home, tells the story of country music through photographs, original recordings, archival video, newly produced films, touchscreen kiosks, and listening stations. Hear Lizlu Belle sing Wish I Were a Single Girl Again from 1939. Watch clips of Carl Perkins doing Blue Suede Shoes. Listen to Charlie Pride, and Patty Lovelace reminisce about their songs and music. Another clear highlight is the museum's collection of every record certified gold or platinum.

Pull open specially marked record panels and listen to a sample of the award winning album. Want a celebrity narrated tour carry around a special wand and learn about the exhibits.

Music City Walk of Fame is a tribute to those from all genres of music. Plaques are embedded into the walkway between the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Hilton through a small urban park.

Nearby the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is the "is the one and only museum in the world that honors the talented musicians who actually played on the greatest recordings of all time." We all know the Beach Boys, but do we know L.A session drummer Hal Blaine? This museum truly honors the musicians behind the music, and it is a fascinating look behind the big names.

Gray Line offers tours for all tastes and interests. We sampled the Making of Music City tour for a great overview and history of the musical city.

Frist Center for Visual Arts

For an nonmusical treat visit the Frist Center for Visual Arts. The Frist, which opened in 2001, is considered a "shell" museum there are no permanent collections. Instead, they mount temporary exhibits with a schedule that has new art flowing through every 6 to 8 weeks. Oddly enough, this is a family-friendly place and the Martin ArtQuest Gallery will appeal to everyone, but bring a child with you, if you can, to give you an excuse to play.

The unique building started as a post office in1934 and was in use until 1987. Envisioned as a classical building, the interior is filled with silver, black, and steel Art Deco touches. It's a wonderful space for an ever-changing palette of art.

If You Go
We stayed at the Hilton - Nashville Downtown which combined the comfort and services of the luxury hotel with a superb location just a couple of blocks from the music of Broadway.

Nashville offers everything from casual to the elegant dining. Visit Jack's for the fantastic BBQ. My personal favorites are the ribs and the brisket and do get the traditional mustard potato salad. For upscale dining, the Watermark Restaurant is an elegant setting for delicious eclectic cuisine. Another good choice is the more laidback but excellent Acorn, described as Contemporary American or American Bistro. Head out of the heart of Nashville for the quirky Loveless Motel and Cafe‚ (originally owned by Lon and Annie Loveless). It is old fashioned country cookin' that is the epitome of comfort food, and the Loveless Cafe is a local favorite for good reason. Country ham and red eye gravy, Southern-fried chicken, and scratch biscuits with homemade preserves. And, no, there is no motel there any more. The rooms have been turned into Loveless Motel Shops.

And speaking of shopping... stop into Hatch Print Shop on Broadway. Located in a historic building on Broadway, it preserves the Hatch print shop look and atmosphere. Walk back into printing history and walk out with a very cool souvenir.

For more information on visiting Nashville, contact the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau at VisitMusicCity.com

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© 2008