Music Monday: When in Nashville

Musicians and country music fans alike have swarmed to Nashville over the years in hopes of making it big or hearing an upcoming musician in the career infancy. What started in the 1960s as a place for songwriters and guitar pickers to cut their teeth in the industry has turned into the bachelorette party capital of the country. On any given night, you’ll see Lower Broadway lit up with those familiar neon lights, people laughing and dancing as they cross the street, and party buses full of people drinking and celebrating life milestones. As Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny put it, 

“There’s a million things that you can find, 

Bartender conversation or a pair of blue eyes, 

Your true love or next broken heart, 

Maybe a party crowd on a friday night

Long necks, long lines and neon signs, hell

Sometimes that’s where it all starts

At the end of a bar”

The Honky Tonk Highway (or Lower Broadway as it’s formally known), is home to dozens of bars named after your favorite artists- from Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar to the FGL House, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone (including celebrities…Jason Mamoa was most recently spotted partying downtown)! Want to release your inner rockstar? Head over to WannaB’s and sing karaoke on Broadway. 

The Ryman Auditorium takes visitors to church in the pew-filled concert hall that has invited legendary musicians to its stage for the last 130 years. What was originally home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, the Ryman still brings tears to the eyes of those who have the opportunity to perform there for the first time. Drew Green, who was able to stand on the infamous stage for the first time last year, says “it’s a surreal feeling that he may never get used to.” The Ryman offers concerts of almost every genre throughout the year, so be sure to check out their website for upcoming shows.

Standing in the Circle at the Grand Ole Opry is something every country musician aspires to do. You can experience that indescribable feeling with your favorite artists multiple times a week while you’re in town. In addition to the music venue, the Gaylord Opryland Resort should be at the top of your list for places to stay. Boasting an incredible indoor garden with a river and boutique shops in the center of the resort, this hotel is truly one of a kind. Take a boat ride down the river to explore the hotel or ice skate and check out one of the most stunning Christmas light displays in Nashville during the winter. There’s always something exciting going on for the whole family. Still looking for more to do When in Nashville? Check out their tourism website for more information: www.visitmusiccity.com