Cynthia Dial
Signage on the brown non-descript door learn, “Grand Ole Opry Stage Door” – the doorway I walked by throughout a efficiency of Nashville’s most famed musical manufacturing. Immediately to the correct was an encased-in-glass show – Dolly Parton’s pink bedazzled pantsuit worn on March 16, 1974, opening evening of this Grand Ole Opry House. Around the nook was a financial institution of numbered Opry-member mailboxes (notice: Keith Urban’s PO field, #176, overflowed with essentially the most correspondence).
Cynthia Dial
Of the 18 backstage dressing rooms, all had been themed in a different way; however in these occupied, all had guitars and their circumstances. Among highlighted quotes discovered on assorted partitions: “My dad always said, ‘You know, no matter what awards you win, you haven’t made it until you get to play the Opry.’”– Eddie Montgomery. And from Taylor Swift –“Oh, my God, I’m on the Opry!”
The closing candle on this one-of-a-kind cake was standing within the wings to observe the efficiency – reside. Only in Nashville, I believed. So true, solely in Nashville.
Tip: The VIP Backstage Experience gives an up-close-and-personal Grand Ole Opry encounter (full with a private welcome from a performer, on-stage seating and extra).
Cynthia Dial
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Nashville overflowed with milestones and superlatives – residence to the globe’s longest operating radio present, the “Grand Ole Opry” (centennial anniversary: November 28, 2025); the world’s most music museums; one of the nation’s oldest working letterpress poster outlets – Hatch Show Print (owned and operated by the Country Music Hall of Fame) and a 1.2 million-square-foot conference heart distinguished by its guitar-shaped roof.
Cynthia Dial
MUSEUM MECCA
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been referred to as the Smithsonian of Country Music, and very similar to the Smithsonian’s everlasting show of First Ladies’ inaugural robes, had been shows of iconic costumes – from Taylor Swift outfits to Hank Williams’ custom-made boots. Advice given to me from an area was to start out on the highest ground (fourth stage), work my means down and leisurely stroll from one exhibition to a different – all the time to music.
Tip: Don’t miss Elvis’s gold-plated automobile.
Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark often called the “Mother Church of Country Music,” was essentially the most well-known residence of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). Staging greater than 200 reveals yearly, an on-site tour replicated a go to into historical past.
Tip: To see the Grand Ole Opry on the Ryman, go in December.
Cynthia Dial
While it was a small-ish museum, the Gallery of Iconic Guitars (situated on the Belmont University campus) showcased a formidable assortment of this stringed musical instrument. At $400,000, essentially the most valued piece was the pink 1980 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar. Hands-on, the museum provided the chance to play one of six or so guitars that rotate each three to 4 months from a group of about 50.
Cynthia Dial
The National Museum of African American Music was situated lower than two miles from Jefferson Street, Music City’s long-ago heart for rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues – assume such luminaries as Etta, Aretha and Otis. Dedicated to the numerous musical classes influenced by African Americans, interactive reveals allowed guests to take pleasure in their favourite style. My choose: Motown.
Cynthia Dial
MENU, PLEASE
A go to to the unique Pancake Pantry appeared a blast to the previous (particularly 1961, the 12 months of the diner’s inception). Known for 23 varieties of scratch-made pancakes (together with such flavors as peanut butter with chocolate chips and cinnamon roll), all had been terribly mild and fluffy.
Tip: It can be a mistake to miss the nice and cozy cinnamon cream syrup, even within the espresso.
“Guys, how we doing? Doing good?” requested Khalil Arnold of prospects at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. As essentially the most iconic of the town’s “meat-and-three” eateries (translation: a Southern custom of one meat accompanied by three sides), Arnold shared his finest praise: “You make thing we don’t like taste good,” in reference to such veggies as turnip greens.
Tip: Ask Arnold to share the story of Dolly Parton’s impromptu rendition of “Jolene” for a younger buyer of the identical title.
Cynthia Dial
Under the helm of celeb chef/James Beard Award semi-finalist, Arnold Myint, the delicacies of International Market has been acknowledged by the Royal Thai Government. A weekly-changing menu influenced from his mom’s recipes, to not be missed was the matriarch’s Miang Kham Lettuce Wraps.
Assembly Food Hall, simply off Lower Broadway – a group of 30-plus informal eateries, 9 uniquely themed bars, two full-service eating places and three reside efficiency phases – introduced a scrumptious illustration of the town’s selection of cultures.
Tip: Try the regionally-beloved banana pudding at Honeyfire Barbeque Co., the watermelon margarita at Agave Maria and for a premier sit-down meal, go to Sixty Vines (notice: the patio contains a premium view of the Ryman Auditorium).
Cynthia Dial
Folk – Located in East Nashville, a neighborhood lengthy recognized for its quirky vibe, it’s turn out to be the turf of nationally acknowledged cooks and James Beard recognition. This restaurant’s specialties are pizzas and veggie-forward plates. And the tiramisu (caramel, amaro, espresso and chocolate) proved an addictive finale.
Henrietta Red, a Germantown treasure headed up by Chef Julia Sullivan has acquired a status by recognition by such prestigious pubs as GQ and Food & Wine. It featured a uncooked bar and served up shared plates. Standouts included seared scallops and risotto with Carolina Gold rice, walnut and celeriac.
Tip: A metropolis recognized for its Nashville sizzling rooster (rooster coated in a cayenne-based sauce and served at varied ranges of ‘heat’), the fieriest providing at Hattie B’s is known as Shut the Cluck Up. Paying homage to the favourite taste, Poppy & Peep – a handcrafted chocolatier – has the Nashville Hot Chicken chocolate bar, made with the identical seasoning as Prince’s (one other famous purveyor of the town’s well-known sizzling rooster).
Cynthia Dial
ONE SIP AT A TIME
The outside, rooftop patio bar of Rosemary & Beauty Queen, once more in East Nashville – situated in an previous, yellow home – was an actual discover as a post-dinner cease.
Tip: To finest take pleasure in, seize a ‘swing’ (no typo) seat on the bar, order a House Old Fashioned, sip and twirl away.
Though simply blocks from the power of the 30-plus Honky-Tonks of Lower Broadway, Nashville Barrell Company Distillery and Whiskey Bar appeared a world away. In addition to serving up whiskey, moonshine and wine tastings, all had been accompanied by a dose of humor – whether or not it was the acquisition of a bottle of whiskey with one’s personal photograph on the label or the saying, in neon, “Trust me, you can dance” – Whiskey.
Jackalope Brewing Co. featured round 30 handcrafted beers (they modify seasonally), a dog-friendly patio and a enjoyable vibe (signage on the bar: “We I.D. Y’all!”). Under the steering of co-owner, Bailey Spaulding, this was the town’s first brewery to can its beer (2013).
Cynthia Dial
BACK TO MUSIC
After a correct introduction to Nashville, reminders of its knack for storytelling appeared like encompass sound. Anthem Entertainment gave the chance to witness the songwriting course of of producer/songwriter Phil Barton. As co-creator of the Lee Brice hit, “A Woman Like You” (as soon as described as “what every guy wants to say and what every girl wants to hear”), Barton’s perception – given in his down-to-earth model – was simple. “Going into an appointment, you always hope someone just had their heart broken.” And when he honored a request to play the award-winning tune, the response was applause – from these of us within the room, even these within the foyer.
STANDING OVATION!
In the top, my intro to Nashville, a metropolis the place music is right here, there and in all places, introduced a perfecta – toe tapping, behavior forming and . . . mouth-watering.
So, bon appétit y’all.
