The Best of Nashville's Country Music Attractions

	Music Row: The Headquarters of Nashville's Country Music Scene1

THE BEST MUSEUM WITH A MUSICAL DESIGN

Depending on what angle one looks at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from, they may see an entirely different music scene. While viewed from the front, the building's long, slender, tinted windows give the effect of a giant piano, but from the sky the museum's shape noticeably resembles that of a bass clef. In 2001, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled its wondrous, new 37-million-dollar downtown design to the public. Highlights within the museum include the Hall of Fame, over 600 instruments, more than 800 glittery stage costumes, around 23,000 moving images, an extensive archive, classic automobiles and many more displays all relating to the history of country music.

THE BEST WAY TO WALK AMONG THE STARS

After checking out the Hall of Fame, visitors should make the trek down the star-studded Music City Walk of Fame to see some of country music's biggest names. Located on Nashville's Music Mile, the Walk of Fame honors those who have made a profound impact on the music industry. Every year the sidewalk becomes brighter with red, platinum and granite stars and guitars as new members are inducted to the walk during special ceremonies. As visitors explore the Walk of Fame a few names to look out for along the way include Wynonna Judd, Rodney Crowell, Reba McEntire and Jimi Hendrix.

Ryman Auditorium2

THE BEST PLACE TO HAVE A “GRAND OLE” TIME

Regarded as “Country Music's Most Famous Stage,” the Grand Ole Opry House is the place where artists dream of performing. The Opry House is the current home of America's most well-known country music radio show, the Grand Ole Opry. Started as a barn dance radio show in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has introduced the nation to many of the industry's top country artists over the years. Due to the program's increasing popularity, the show moved several times to larger venues, including the Ryman Auditorium, before settling in the 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. Fans who want to watch a live Opry show at the theater can do so from March to December, otherwise, backstage tours of the Grand Ole Opry House are conducted year-round. To learn even more about the show, guests can visit the nearby Grand Ole Opry Museum, which tells the history of the Opry with fun scenes, dioramas and wax figures.

THE BEST FESTIVAL FOR LETTIN' LOOSE TO COUNTRY TUNES

Every June thousands of hardcore country music fans from across the globe head to Nashville to catch a show at the CMA Music Festival. The annual four-day event has been attracting country listeners to the city since its creation in 1972. Although the first festival featured an impressive 20 hours of music, the event now treats attendees to over 150 hours of live entertainment. The festival's line-up also includes hours of meet-and-greet sessions. At the autograph booths visitors can expect to see anyone from up-and-coming local talent to big stars like Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and LeAnn Rimes.

THE BEST SPOT FOR A ONE-OF-A-KIND RED HEADED STRANGER SOUVENIR

Named after legendary country artist Willie Nelson, the Willie Nelson and Friends General Store and Museum is the source for all things Willie. A few of the museum's personal Willie Nelson items include one of his guitars and old photographs. While the establishment features a ton of Willie Nelson memorabilia it also houses displays on other iconic country stars such as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and the Wilburn Brothers. The center has an extensive gift shop, too, with a line of Red Headed Stranger bandanas, collectibles and Nashville keepsakes.

THE BEST AREA FOR CREATING MUSIC SENSATIONS

	Piano-key Detail of Bronze Statue at Owen Bradley Park3

In the 1973 hit “Down on Music Row,” Dolly Parton belts out, “if you want to be a star, that's where you've got to go.” The Nashville area that Parton sings about is the spot where many of country music's most promising talents are turned into stars. The district is dominated by record labels, recording studios, publishing houses, radio stations and many other music businesses. As visitors tour the area, some of the district's names may sound familiar, such as RCA Studio B where Elvis Presley recorded hundreds of songs. If in need of a break from the busy, executive-suit-clad streets of Music Row, guests can visit the district's small urban oasis Owen Bradley Park to relax and admire the life-like bronze statue of the record producer at a piano.

THE BEST HONKY TONK AT WHICH TO WATCH NEW COUNTRY TALENT

It's hard to talk about Nashville's honky tonk scene without singling out Tootsie's Orchid Lounge. Once famous for serving as a hangout for Opry performers, due to its proximity to the Ryman Auditorium, the lounge is now recognized worldwide for showcasing some of the industry's best upcoming acts. Live music starts blaring in Tootsies at around 10 am and lasts into the wee hours of the morning. As visitors sit back in the orchid-painted lounge to enjoy an evening of country music they just may see the next Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings or Terri Clark. All of these musicians were on Tootsie's line-up during the early days of their careers.

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