A weekend in Nashville

And the country-western beat goes on. You can tune in to some of what makes Nashville “Music City, USA” in only one weekend.

Friday – Let’s get it started
Check into America’s largest non-gaming facility, the Gaylord Opryland Resort, where you may immediately encounter live music in their tropical-themed atrium. And the almost 3,000 guestroom hotel is located very close to the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Spend the evening hobnobbing and dancing in Nashville’s happening honkytonks, the most popular being Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, Legends Corner and Robert’s Western Wear. Many country music stars started their careers in these unpretentious clubs, so it’s possible that you may hear the next big country music sensation there.

Saturday – Music mania
With so much to see and do, rise early. Have breakfast in one of the hotel’s restaurants, like the Water’s Edge Marketplace, or grab a quick bite at one the numerous bakery counters scattered throughout the property.

Start your day of country music mania at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (CMHFM). Opened in 2001, this state-of-the-art venue showcases two centuries of country music’s history through enthralling exhibitions and fun interactive displays. You’ll experience the soul of country music as you discover the story behind this music genre and the people who performed it. Also purchase a ticket to the RCA Studio B, (dubbed the “Home of 1,000 Hits,”) along with your CMHFM admission. It’s worth it just to walk in the footsteps of Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Charlie Pride, the Everly Brothers, and the many other music giants who recorded in that legendary studio.

From there, visit the Ryman Auditorium, a.k.a. the “Mother Church of Country Music.” Blessed with perfect acoustics, this National Historic Landmark has presented a host of celebrated performers from across the music spectrum -- Patsy Cline and Bruce Isaac to James Brown and Bruce Springsteen. It will always be remembered as the former home of the Grand Ole Opry.

Pay homage to those musicians whose signature sound helped make your favorite hit songs more memorable. The Musicians Hall of Fame and Music showcases the musicians behind the best recordings of Elvis, Hank Williams, Sr., George Jones, Chicago, Otis Redding, and many more. View the unforgettable exhibits of their instruments and memorabilia, hear their music and learn their stories.

Tonight dine at the Wildhorse Saloon, a multi-genre music and dance club that serves award-winning barbecue and scrumptious Southern food.

Lucky it’s Saturday because here’s your chance to experience a live performance at the illustrious Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest running radio show. You’re sure to see a dynamic show featuring some of country music’s up-and-coming stars or perhaps a real headliner.

Sunday – Chow down
Line up for an authentic country breakfast at Nashville’s popular Loveless Café. The cottage was once the rural home of Lonnie and Annie Loveless who began selling chicken and biscuits from there. The building with its dishtowel curtains, knotty pine walls and plastic checked tablecloths still maintains a “down-home” atmosphere. The food does the rest. Gorge yourself on the “All-You-Can-Eat-While-In-Your-Seat” breakfast of fresh-cut fruit, bacon or sausage, country ham, hash brown potato casserole, grits, scrambled eggs and their famous biscuits. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself seated next to a country music celebrity. Enjoy!