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Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Tune In to Nashville: Complete Trip Planning Guide for Music Lovers
Nashville is known for its beats, bites and booze, so it's a popular destination for adult group trips. Planning your getaway can be overwhelming, so I suggest using a concert as your core activity and building your itinerary around the show. Concert travel didn't start with Taylor Swift. I've been gig-tripping for years, traveling to Dublin for Springsteen, Tulsa to see Bob Seeger and Pasadena's iconic Rose Bowl for an Ed Sheeran concert. If your destination is Music City, a concert trip just feels right. When in Rome, as the saying goes. So, pack your Stetson, sequins and boots. Or not. There's a Nashville for everyone. Here's how to discover yours. The trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. If there's no big concert in town during your visit, book the Grand Ole Opry. The show, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, has multiple weekly performances and there's always a Saturday show. Featured performers on any given night vary. On my recent visit, there were seven different sets, including traditional bluegrass, teen Maddox Batson making his Opry debut and comedian Henry Cho. Combine the performance with a backstage tour pre- or post-show to learn about the history of the Opry. You'll see the artist entrance, performer dressing rooms and Opry member mailboxes. SheBuysTravel Tip: Send your fan letter to your favorite country singer if they're an Opry member: Grand Ole Opry[Performer's Name]2804 Opryland Dr.,Nashville, TN 37214 Following are the large and mid-size Nashville concert venues. I've noted artists performing in 2025 to give you a feel for the type of acts each venue hosts. Nashville's Top Music Venues Nissan Stadium (Coldplay, CMA Fest)Bridgestone Arena (Mary J. Blige, Kane Brown)Grand Ole Opry (Vince Gill, The Gatlin Brothers)The Pinnacle (Eric Church, Alessia Cara)Ryman Auditorium (Kacey Musgraves, Amos Lee)Nashville Symphony Hall (Lyle Lovett, Indigo Girls)Ascend Amphitheater (Halsey, Teddy Swims) Once you've locked in your main event, add in attractions to flesh out your trip. I highly recommend a visit to one or more of the city's music museums. Although there's a heavy emphasis on country music, I found many exhibits appealing to a broad range of musical tastes. Country Music Hall of Fame The largest museum and a must-see in my opinion, is the Country Music Hall of Fame. Start your visit with the third-floor timeline tracing the development of country music from the Appalachian hills to the world stage. Guided tours are available before and after museum opening hours. Other add-ons include a tour of the on-site Hatch Show Print presses and a round-trip visit from the Hall of Fame to tour RCA Studio B, where music legends, including Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley, recorded their hits. Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum Detour off Broadway to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum to see an outstanding cache of collectibles. Superstars from Jimi Hendrix to Glen Campbell to Bruce Springsteen are represented. I was jazzed to see the Steinway piano Elton John played at the Caribou Ranch recording studio. Exhibits also pay tribute to legendary session musicians, including Garth Brooks' G-Men, who have supported the country star on all of his recordings. Admission to the museum includes the GRAMMY Museum Gallery, an interactive facility where you can try songwriting, singing, playing the drums and mixing tracks to experience the record-making process. National Museum of African American Music The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is an immersive celebration of the Black artists who inspired and created more than 50 genres in the American soundtrack. Begin your visit to the museum in the Roots Theater. The introductory film provides an overview of the history of Black music. Then, weave through the six galleries to learn more about the genesis of different music forms, popular artists and music's social impact. Step into a booth to don a gown and sing a gospel hymn with a choir. Or show off your best dance moves in the One Nation Under a Groove gallery. Throughout the space are listening stations equipped with headphones. Take time to discover new music and artists, and when you find tunes you'd like to save, tap your RFID-enabled bracelet to email yourself the playlists. Schedule time in your itinerary to sample an activity or attraction that's not music-related. I'm a huge fan of taking a bus tour in a new city, so consider starting your Nashville trip with a Gray Line open-air double-decker sightseeing tour. Then, check out some other fun Music City things to do. Discover an Art Deco Delight The Frist Art Museum does not have a permanent collection. Instead, the museum hosts rotating temporary exhibits. The building, a showcase example of Art Deco design, was the city's main post office. Free Architecture Tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 pm. SheBuysTravel Tip: Love Art Deco? Consider trips to New York City and Miami Beach to see examples of the popular design style. Make a Music City Souvenir A fun group activity is candle-making at Paddywax. Anthropologie fans will recognize the brand. Step-by-step instructions guide you through the assembly process, which takes about 30-45 minutes. Feel free to BYOB. Leave your candles to cure and return to pick them up later in the day – shipping is also available. And, if you live near a Candle Bar, you can refill your candle when it's spent or repurpose the empty container. They make cute vases. SheBuysTravel Tip: If you're flying out of BNA, don't pack your candle deep in your suitcase. I was flagged by TSA for additional screening. So were 3 other people in my line carrying candles. They're okay to transport, but they need to be inspected so keep them readily available. Take a Shoppable Stroll If a trip isn't a trip until you shop 'till you drop, head to The Gulch or 12 South, two of Nashville's neighborhoods with boutiques worth browsing, including celebrity retailers: Reese Witherspoon's Draper JamesCraig Conover's Sewing Down SouthKristin Cavallari's Uncommon James Got GAS? I gasped when I entered Carter's massive showroom. Rows of acoustic and electric guitars sit, waiting to be strummed. The inventory of used and new instruments at Carter Vintage Guitars is lovingly maintained by owner Ben Montague and a talented crew of authentication and restoration specialists. Montague retained the Carter name after acquiring the company; the relocated showroom opened in 2024. The consignment inventory is ever-evolving as Carter absorbs private collections from individuals afflicted with GAS, or, as Montague explained, "Guitar Acquisition Syndrome." There are two smaller showrooms for rare instruments that include performance spaces. Musicians are filmed during weekly drop-in shows; check out the Carter social sites for these micro concerts. SheBuysTravel Tip: Carter's has an awesome selection of merch, including Strings for Hope jewelry fashioned from recycled instrument strings. Proceeds '…support work development opportunities for survivors of substance use disorder, human trafficking or domestic violence.' Check Out Cheekwood Located in West Nashville, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is a complete 180 from Broadway's honky tonks. The 55-acre property includes the grand 1930s mansion, 13 different gardens and a 1.5-mile walking trail. Seasonal garden highlights include 250,000 blooming spring bulbs, summer concerts on the lawn and an illuminated holiday lights trail. Swing by the children's garden to meet the resident rescue turtles. Cheer for the Home Team Nashville is sports heaven. On NFL game days, you can stroll across a pedestrian bridge to Nissan Stadium to see the Tennessee Nashville Predators play their National Hockey League games at Bridgestone Arena. The team was named for the prehistoric saber tooth tiger remains found during stadium site the Nashville Sounds, the Milwaukee Brewers' Triple-A team, play their games at First Horizon Park in Germantown. You can't miss the guitar-shaped scoreboard in the outfield. Cocktails. Mocktails. Booze, bourbon or wine. Whatever your pleasure, you can find a place to have a drink in Nashville. Here are some fun options. Monday Night Preservation Co. Housed in a former meat-packing facility, Monday Night Preservation Co. is a taproom featuring 24 draft beers, cocktails, wine, snacks and indoor and outdoor seating. Check the event schedule. They host trivia, food trucks and song bingo on different evenings. I tried the very refreshing Taco Tuesday lager with a slice of lime. A tempting zero-proof cocktail was The Other Pink Drink featuring blackberries, lime, ginger, coconut water and ginger beer. Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery Head to Belle Meade, a 30-acre site that was once a premier thoroughbred horse stud farm. Many of today's champions can trace their bloodlines back to Bonnie Scotland and Enquirer, two of Belle Meade's most successful sires. Ticketing options include three guided tour choices or a grounds pass. Every ticket also includes a complimentary wine tasting. Of the four wines I tried, the Red Muscadine, made with local grapes, was my favorite. The grape flavor was pleasantly jammy. Not surprisingly, its suggested pairing is with peanut butter. If you're in town with a group, look into private wine and bourbon tastings and food pairings on property. They're held in the historic circular stone icehouse and the chic carriage house. Corsair Distillery Nashville is home to several stops on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, a promotional campaign by 30 participating distilleries. Corsair Distillery is located in Marathon Village, a unique renovation of Nashville's historic Marathon Motor Works automobile factory. Take Corsair's 30-minute tour that includes a tasting of five spirits. The Spiced Rum is a winner. Then, wander around the complex. The halls are lined with historic tools and machine parts used in the car manufacturing process. The dining scene in Nashville is popping. Music City was recently rated the most underrated food city in the US by Resy. During my latest visit, dining rooms were filled on weekday nights and lines formed at popular brunch spots by 9 am. Gather your restaurant choices and make reservations to avoid disappointment. Recommended hot spots include: Husk: Acclaimed American chef Sean Brock sources local ingredients to create modern Southern dishes at this fine-dining restaurant. My first-course featuring bull's blood beet, blood orange, mint and orange blossom cream was Shareable Italian plates that taste like they danced right out of Nonna's kitchen. A new menu addition – campanelle pasta with shrimp in a creamy lemon sauce – was my fave.5th & Taylor: This upscale restaurant occupies a grand space dominated by a floating statue of General Francis Nash, the city's namesake. I chose scallops served with butternut squash and radicchio. They were good, but there was audible purring coming from my tablemates as they consumed their beef Southern Steak & Oyster: A great spot for lunch in SoBro (South Broadway) if you don't want to eat on Broadway. Fast Casual Options If you can't secure a reservation, you still have options. Assembly Food Hall is a massive food court with more than 30 eateries and bars, including Prince's Hot Chicken, the originator of Nashville's spicy signature fowl. Assembly is open from 9 am – 10 pm daily and features one of the best views of Broadway from its rooftop. Pitmaster Carey Bringle lost his leg to cancer but not his sense of humor. You'll find meats smoked daily and homemade sides at Peg Leg Porker, a come-hungry, leave-stuffed outpost in The Gulch. The mac and cheese is killer and don't skip the Kool-Aid pickles. You can wash down your award-winning BBQ with Bringle's smoky bourbon named the best at the 2023 Tasting Alliance World Championship. The bourbon's available in 13 states and you can have the ribs, pulled pork and sauces delivered to your door. Another fast bite option is Joyland. Husk's Sean Brock created this ode to hamburger joints. It's colorful, quick and the curly fries rock. If you've still got some giddyup, head to one of Nashville's small clubs for intimate performances and a nightcap. You might have heard of The Bluebird Cafe. It's where a teen named Swift got her start. You can sample these tiny venues during the annual Tin Pan South songwriters' festival. It's a 5-day event with twice-daily shows at 11 different clubs. The slate of scheduled performers take the stage together and perform song rounds interspersed with stories about themselves and their music. Broadway or Bust You might be tempted to skip the noisy, crowded honky-tonks on Lower Broadway. Don't. They're fun, even mid-day. Most are multi-level with rooftops to catch cool breezes and great views. Be on the lookout for famous musicians who pop in for pop-up performances. And, if you need a giggle, park yourself by the mechanical bull at Whiskey River Saloon. My nephew tried riding. His 20 seconds of fame were priceless. Choose a downtown hotel if your activities are based in and around Broadway. Or, If you don't mind driving or using rideshare, check out Nashville's 21 neighborhoods. You might discover a better fit for your trip. Four Seasons Hotel Nashville The Nashville skyline dramatically changed with the 2022 opening of the 40-story Four Seasons skyscraper. The luxury hotel has 235 rooms and suites, plus private residences on the upper floors. The SoBro location is ideal for exploring downtown on foot. After touring, escape to the 7th-floor infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium. Or book a massage or facial at the in-house spa. Rooms feature small touches that make the brand a standout. Returning from a long first day in town, I was happy to find a chocolate '45 record and a trio of macarons left as part of the evening turndown service. Thompson Nashville World of Hyatt members can use or earn points at The Thompson, a 224-room boutique hotel located in The Gulch. Trendy shops and restaurants line the streets and the rooftop restaurant serves up city views, cocktails, bites and brunch. It's serene during the day and clubby at night. Rooms at The Thompson have a "Mad Men" mid-century vibe with walnut furniture and brushed bronze accents. The bar has a retro Bluetooth speaker that's easy to pair to blast your Nashville playlist. There are two taps in each hallway dispensing still and sparkling water. Fill the glass carafe in your room or your personal water bottle and grab individually packaged ice pouches from the refrigerated drawers. It's a nice sustainability touch. Additional SheBuysTravel Music City Recommended Stays: Union Station Hotel: Marriott property across the street from the Frist MuseumHyatt Centric: Downtown property with a rooftop poolGaylord Opryland: Destination resort with a waterpark, known for its extravagant holiday decor The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. maintains a robust website for pre-trip information. When you're in town, swing by the downtown Music City Visitor's Center. It's hard to miss. Look for the semi-circular glass building attached to the Bridgestone Arena with a radio tower springing from the roof. Friendly staff are available seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm to answer questions and give advice about where to eat, stay and play. There's great merch too, and restrooms. SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan to visit several paid attractions, ask about discount pricing offers. Nashville retired its Total Access Pass in 2024. Experience 'Slow Travel' Just a Day Trip Away from the Urban Bustle of Nashville18 Best Places to Visit in Tennessee for Music, History and AdventureHyatt Centric Downtown Nashville Review: Great Downtown Music City LocationBranson's Best Things to Do: Live Music, Shopping & Spas The post Tune In to Nashville: Complete Trip Planning Guide for Music Lovers appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
National Geographic
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- National Geographic
Nashville is one of the hottest destinations in the U.S. Here's why you should go.
Nashville is seeing a surge in tourism as a major stop in the Americana Music Triangle. Plus, with the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches, and new flight routes from Vancouver, Orlando, Palm Beach, Indianapolis and beyond, 2025 is the year to visit Nashville. See a show at the Grand Ole Opry You don't have to be a country music fan to know (and love) the Grand Ole Opry. This iconic music venue is celebrating Opry 100 all year with special events and performances. Tour the museum during the day, and come back at night to be part of the iconic show, broadcast live on WSM radio. 'We're standing on the shoulders of the legends who got us here, honoring their legacy every night, while also swinging the doors wide open and inviting everyone in to be part of the next chapter,' says Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry's executive producer. 'We're unveiling Opry 100 Greatest Songs, a tribute to the music that's defined generations of country fans, and a new series, Opry 100 Honors, that recognizes the artists, songwriters, and industry trailblazers who've shaped the Opry's legacy.' (How to spend a day in Nashville, America's soulful southern city) Catch a game Nissan Stadium, home field of the Tennessee Titans, is close to downtown. Photograph by Zoonar GmbH, Alamy Stock Photo One surprising note is that the Music City is also becoming a big sports destination. Geodis Park, featuring FIFA World Cup matches this summer, has the largest soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. and Canada. The Nashville Predators hockey team is hugely popular with locals, as are the Tennessee Titans and the minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, has a scoreboard appropriately shaped like a giant guitar. Hop on Taylor Swift's tour bus Called the 'Smithsonian of country music,' the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has three floors of musical artifacts like Elvis' gold-plated Cadillac, and rotating exhibits. The Taylor Swift Education Center features a replica of her tour bus, where visitors can go inside and step into a recording booth, just like the megastar. While you're there, don't miss the separately-ticketed tours of Historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and Waylon Jennings recorded, and the Hatch Show Print where visitors can make their own music posters. (Meet the female rappers carving out a home in Nashville, America's Music City) Cruise around the city General Jackson Showboat has been cruising down Nashville's Cumberland River since April 20, 1985. Photograph by Newcastle, Shutterstock There are multiple ways to tour Nashville, but newcomers looking to get their bearings should consider a guided tour. The narrated Old Town Trolley makes stops at 13 popular downtown locations and guests can hop on and off throughout the day. To see the city from a different perspective, take a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat for live performances, and a dinner cruise at night. The Victorian paddlewheel steamboat has been entertaining visitors on Nashville's Cumberland River since April 20, 1985. Tour the musical museums Located downtown, the Johnny Cash Museum takes about an hour to tour. Photograph by iStock Editorial, Getty Images The Ryman Auditorium is considered the "mother church of country music" and the city's most recognized landmark. Visitors can stand on the stage where musical legends performed before moving to the Grand Ole Opry's current location. Within blocks, visitors can also tour the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, National Museum of African American Music, and the Johnny Cash Museum, which has an expansion scheduled to be completed in late summer. Treat your senses Goo Goo Clusters is home of the namesake "goo goo cluster," which is the first combination candy bar, originally created in 1912. Guests can schedule a factory tour and make their own chocolate creation. After a sweet treat, stop by one of the city's many live music venues. The Bluebird Cafe is famous, and The Listening Room is where songwriters for country music stars perform original live music. Where to shop Check out Fifth + Broadway and the Food Assembly Hall. If you're looking for locally made products, check out the Nashville Farmers' Market or 12South, the trendy neighborhood a short drive from downtown. Scratch-made pastries from The Butter Milk Ranch are worth the drive alone, but plan to arrive early to beat the crowds before taking a stroll through the boutiques. What to eat Hot chicken is a Nashville staple and can be found all over the city. Photograph by Brent Hofacker, Alamy Stock Photo Hot chicken is synonymous with Nashville, and there is no shortage of places to find it. Prince's Hot Chicken proudly displays the legend of how hot chicken began, with Thornton Prince's scorned lover during the Great Depression. Another staple, Hattie B's, has a hot meter ranging from the mild "Southern style," all the way up to the hottest style, "shut the cluck up." (Where to find the best Nashville hot chicken) If you prefer barbecue, check out one of Martin's Bar-B-Que three Nashville locations for authentic West Tennessee whole hog. For those looking for a taste of the honky tonk nightlife, take a stroll along Lower Broadway. Here, you'll find numerous restaurants and bars named after some of the most popular country starts like Morgan Wallen's This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen and Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up Cookin' and Drinkin'. Where to stay If you need something a little stronger, try the "Whiskey and Vinyl" experience at the Thompson Nashville. This small group experience is led by local whiskey connoisseur, AJ Soldo, and explores the deep-rooted connection between Tennessee whiskey and the region's rich musical heritage. For 2025, the hotel partnered with country star Eric Church to create the ultimate fan package for country music lovers visiting Nashville featuring a carefully curated vinyl collection and in-room Victrola. Another new hotel addition to the city is The Printing House, at the crossroads of Third Avenue and Peabody Street, near the historical Printer's Alley. Trudy Haywood Saunders is a nationally syndicated freelance writer covering travel, history, Southern culture, food, lifestyle, and more. View her portfolio at
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Country Star, 66, Leaves Fans 'Crying' with Surprise Opry Appearance
Legendary Country Star, 66, Leaves Fans 'Crying' with Surprise Opry Appearance originally appeared on Parade. just helped to make one country music fan's dreams come true. The legendary country music singer, 66, gave one fan the "surprise of a lifetime" on Saturday night, after he joined Love on the Spectrum star Tyler White on stage at the Grand Ole Opry for an unforgettable moment. 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 White took the iconic stage in Nashville, Tenn., on June 21, where he performed Travis' famous song "Deeper Than The Holler"—only to be surprised by the actual country icon himself. As seen in the wholesome clip posted on social media, White had just finished his performance when Travis unexpectedly came out on stage, walking out alongside his wife Mary Davis. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grand Ole Opry (@opry) "Tyler, we just wanted to thank you so much for loving country music, especially Randy Travis," Davis told White during the sweet interaction. "Keep doing what you're doing, Tyler." Travis, who has been battling various health issues following a near-fatal stroke in 2013, made fans emotional over the unexpected appearance, with several users on Instagram commending him for pulling off the "amazing" surprise. "Seein Randy walk after what he's been though even if it's assisted makes me cry," one user wrote in response to the heartfelt clip, while another user called the video "so wholesome." "What an amazing moment- God Bless Randy Travis a true country music icon! So happy for Tyler for that once in a lifetime experience!" another commented added. Someone else wrote, "This is so special!" while adding, "Randy Travis is such a legend!""Can't stop crying," another person said. "Thank you, @opry for this on so many levels. Music belongs to us all." Legendary Country Star, 66, Leaves Fans 'Crying' with Surprise Opry Appearance first appeared on Parade on Jun 22, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Irish Examiner
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Nashville: Ship off to the capital of country music
Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready to tap your feet, because Aer Lingus now flies direct from Dublin to Nashville, the Country Music Capital of the World. The Tennessee capital is also home to the Grand Ole Opry which, as well as being the world's longest running radio broadcast, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Opry has been held at its current location, Opry House, only since 1974. This is about a 20-minute drive northeast of Downtown, where I started my Nashville explorations at the historic, iconic Ryman Auditorium ( where tour options allow you to venture backstage, learn more about its long connection with the Opry's past, or see a live performance on almost any night of the week. Ryman Auditorium. Naturally, live performance is something that Nashville does exceptionally well. Strolling 10 minutes from the Ryman, I found myself in the thick of the action: on Honky Tonk Highway, where bars such as Nudie's, Second Fiddle, Robert's, and The Bootlegger's Inn typically have bands playing from 10am until 3am. By night, this strip becomes a dazzling confection of old-school neon signs — and entrance to every venue is free, with punters encouraged to place their money in the tip jar that circulates after each performance. Bar-hopping the entire four-block stretch would have required more stamina than I possess, but would be, I think, well worth the effort. Live in The Listening Room, Nashville Other, less rowdy, options exist for the enjoyment of live music in the city. Established in 2006, The Listening Room ( has been in its current location since 2017 and is based simply on the idea that good music deserves to be heard without competing with the hubbub of revellers. Singer/songwriters play acoustically, sharing the inspiration for their songs with the audience, creating an atmosphere of storytelling and true musicianship, accompanied by southern comfort food and a solid drinks menu. A similar, music-first attitude prevails at The Station Inn ( where bluegrass is played in an intimate setting, seven nights a week. There's even a free bluegrass jam, which allows those with any skill, on any bluegrass instrument, to 'pick' in a circle with other musicians. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Nashville To put Nashville's musical importance into perspective, I set aside a good few hours to browse the exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ( which tells the story of country music from its simple, folky roots to the glitz and glamour with which it is associated today. I was as drawn, magpie-like, to Elvis Presley's 1960 gold Cadillac (its colour and size alone make it unmissable) as I was to the walls that gleam with gold records. Stepping into the Rotunda, where the artists who have been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame are celebrated, felt almost like stepping into church, such was the atmosphere of reverence. The record wall at Country Music Hall of Fame. FROM HANK TO TAYLOR Elsewhere, the guitars of musicians such as Hank Williams and Tom Petty are on display, as well as costumes worn by stars from Patsy Cline to Hank Thompson, and from Taylor Swift to Dolly Parton. I'm only annoyed that I hadn't timed my visit for between now and September, as this is when a special exhibition, Journey of a Seeker, dedicated to the Jolene singer and country music legend, will be on show. Tours to historic RCA Studio B leave from the foyer several times a day and, on the short bus ride, our guide provided colourful background notes. Historic RCA Studio B. Pic: Donn Jones. Known as The Home of 1,000 Hits, Studio B was Elvis's favourite recording studio, where he made around 240 songs. Of course I took my seat at the piano where he liked to warm up his voice, and stood on the floor's blue cross, which marks the acoustic 'sweet spot' for recording vocals. Once delivered back to the museum, I headed to its Rep John Lewis Way entrance for a visit to Hatch Show Print ( Hatch Show Print. In Nashville since 1879, this operation's lively, distinctive block print style has heralded countless events in the city and beyond, and visitors to the workshop can book a tour to get up close with the vintage equipment or, as I did, simply watch the designer-printers at work on a range of posters, the likes of which can be purchased in the adjacent gift shop. Hatch Show Print has, of course, designed many posters for the Grand Ole Opry over the years and, as you might have guessed, no visit to Nashville would be complete without a night at this Nashvillean stalwart, especially in this, its 100th year. Grand Ole Opry House. Credit: Chris Hollo Nashville A NIGHT AT THE OPRY Taking my seat in the auditorium was a thrill enough, even before the performers — there are never any fewer than eight in a show, combining a mix of Opry members (established, inducted artists) and burgeoning talent — took to the stage, which comprises a circle of oak, cut from the show's previous Ryman home. On a tour, there's not only the chance to stand on the famed circle yourself, but also to see the backstage dressing rooms and the Opry Mailboxes, to which fans can send letters to inducted artists. Keith Urban had a few piling up, so I was hopeful that he might swing by during my visit, but no such luck. Locals told me that he and wife Nicole Kidman are regular, low-key fixtures around town, and that no one bothers them; I'm not sure that I would have been so cool and collected (although… Kidman and I went to the same high school in Australia, so I would have had some kind of conversation opener). And speaking of stars, it is almost impossible to be this close to Memphis, and so surrounded by reminders of the King of Rock 'n' Roll's career, without taking a trip south-west to visit the performer's legendary home, Graceland. Currently, there's a special exhibition running until the end of 2025 to commemorate what would have been Presley's 90th birthday year. It features 90 curated stories told through an immense collection of Graceland artefacts, including never seen before personal effects, such as an engraved nunchuck and a poem dedicated to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie. STAY SPARKLY The best way to get there? On a day tour with Grayline ( which leaves from Nashville at 7am and takes in Sun Studios and Beale Street as well as granting VIP access to Graceland. The experience of being immersed in Elvis' colourful life makes standing in the Garden of Meditation, where he is buried alongside his parents, grandmother, daughter, and grandson, incredibly poignant. I can't deny having welled up. After seeing so many extravagant jumpsuits on display, how could I resist a spot of Nashville shopping? Hip stores abounded, from Garage Sale Vintage to Boot Barn, but my favourite was undoubtedly Any Old Iron which screamed 'star quality' in everything from its cheeky slogan tees to its razzle-dazzle suits. No wonder its creations have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Elton John. 'Stay sparkly!' called the store attendant to me, as I left. Heading back down to the bright lights of Honky Tonk Highway, it was hard to feel anything but. Sarah was a guest of Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp and Tennessee Department of Tourism ESCAPE NOTES Aer Lingus operates four direct flights per week from Dublin to Nashville. One-way fares from €299.99 each way, including taxes and charges. Learn more about Nashville at Learn about holidaying in Tennessee at WHERE TO EAT There's a dizzying array of food options available in Nashville, and the portion sizes are no less impressive. My advice? Come hungry, and pace yourself. Nashville is all about the energy, so this is no place for a food coma.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Rocker, 84, Making Grand Ole Opry Broadcast Debut on Saturday, June 14
Legendary Rocker, 84, Making Grand Ole Opry Broadcast Debut on Saturday, June 14 originally appeared on Parade. A legendary and influential rocker is making his Grand Ole Opry broadcast debut on Saturday, June 14, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. , 84, of the worldwide smash British band made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage back in February, but it is now going to air for all the world to enjoy on Saturday, June 14. You can watch a couple of preview clips here. The full concert will stream on Saturday evening beginning at 8 p.m. CT on Circle Country TV and the Opry's Facebook and YouTube pages. The Ringo Starr and Friends Opry Live show is part of the Opry celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Starr was there to promote his new country album, Look Up. He was joined by Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Mandy Barnett as well as musicians Molly Tuttle and Mickey Guyton. The press release trumpeting Starr's new album reads, "Starr's lifelong love of country music has been apparent and celebrated throughout his illustrious career. He performed and wrote numerous country and country-tinged songs throughout his years with The Beatles (i.e. 'Act Naturally,' 'What Goes On,' 'Don't Pass Me By') as well as with the earlier Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, and recorded a country album, Beaucoups of Blues, in 1970 as his second solo album."His love of country and the blues led him to try and emigrate from London to Texas while still a teen, after reading that Lightnin' Hopkins lived in Houston. Starr's new album comes after a chance meeting with T Bone Burnett at an event in Los Angeles in 2022 (the two had first met in the 1970s), where Starr asked Burnett to write a song for an EP he was recording. Taking the task to heart, Burnett returned with nine songs, all in a country vein, which happily put Starr on a path to record Look Up." Ringo Starr and Friends will also air on Sky Arts in the United Kingdom on August 29, so that his fans across the pond can enjoy the Opry performance as well. Upcoming Opry Live premieres include Riley Green, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Ashley McBryde on June 21; a July 4 special featuring Scotty McCreery, Justin Moore, Sara Evans, and Old Crow Medicine Show on July 5; Opry Honors Loretta Lynn featuring Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Emmy Russell, Twitty & Lynn, Carly Pearce and Crystal Gayle on July 19; and Carrie Underwood, HARDY, and BRELAND on July 26. Additional upcoming Opry Live premieres on Sky Arts in the U.K. include Jon Pardi, Zach Top, and Ashley McBryde on June 13; Keith Urban, Scotty McCreery, and 49 Winchester on June 27; Darius Rucker, Nate Smith, and Ashley McBryde on July 18; and Jelly Roll, Gabby Barrett, and Brandon Lake on July 25. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Legendary Rocker, 84, Making Grand Ole Opry Broadcast Debut on Saturday, June 14 first appeared on Parade on Jun 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
