Cynthia Dial

Signage on the brown non-descript door learn, “Grand Ole Opry Stage Door” – the doorway I walked by means of throughout a efficiency of Nashville’s most famous musical manufacturing. Instantly to the proper was an encased-in-glass show – Dolly Parton’s purple bedazzled pantsuit worn on March 16, 1974, opening evening of this Grand Ole Opry Home. Across the nook was a financial institution of numbered Opry-member mailboxes (be aware: Keith City’s PO field, #176, overflowed with probably the most correspondence).

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Of the 18 backstage dressing rooms, all had been themed in a different way; however in these occupied, all had guitars and their circumstances. Amongst highlighted quotes discovered on assorted partitions: “My dad all the time stated, ‘You already know, it doesn’t matter what awards you win, you haven’t made it till you get to play the Opry.’”– Eddie Montgomery. And from Taylor Swift –“Oh, my God, I’m on the Opry!”

The ultimate candle on this one-of-a-kind cake was standing within the wings to look at the efficiency – reside. Solely in Nashville, I believed. So true, solely in Nashville.

Tip: The VIP Backstage Expertise gives an up-close-and-personal Grand Ole Opry encounter (full with a private welcome from a performer, on-stage seating and extra).

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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 many nation’s oldest working letterpress poster retailers – Hatch Present Print (owned and operated by the Nation Music Corridor of Fame) and a 1.2 million-square-foot conference heart distinguished by its guitar-shaped roof.

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MUSEUM MECCA

The Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum has been referred to as the Smithsonian of Nation Music, and very similar to the Smithsonian’s everlasting show of First Women’ inaugural robes, had been shows of iconic costumes – from Taylor Swift outfits to Hank Williams’ custom-made boots. Recommendation given to me from an area was to start out on the highest flooring (fourth degree), work my method down and leisurely stroll from one exhibition to a different – all the time to music.

Tip: Don’t miss Elvis’s gold-plated automotive.

Ryman Auditorium, a Nationwide Historic Landmark often known as the “Mom Church of Nation Music,” was probably 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.

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Whereas it was a small-ish museum, the Gallery of Iconic Guitars (positioned on the Belmont College campus) showcased a formidable assortment of this stringed musical instrument. At $400,000, probably the most valued piece was the purple 1980 Gibson Les Paul Commonplace guitar. Arms-on, the museum supplied the chance to play certainly one of six or so guitars that rotate each three to 4 months from a group of about 50.

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The Nationwide Museum of African American Music was positioned lower than two miles from Jefferson Road, Music Metropolis’s long-ago heart for rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues – assume such luminaries as Etta, Aretha and Otis. Devoted to the numerous musical classes influenced by African People, interactive displays allowed guests to get pleasure from their favourite style. My choose: Motown.

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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). Identified for 23 sorts 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 could 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 consumers at Arnold’s Nation Kitchen. As probably the most iconic of the town’s “meat-and-three” eateries (translation: a Southern custom of 1 meat accompanied by three sides), Arnold shared his finest praise: “You make factor we don’t like style 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 identify.

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Beneath the helm of celeb chef/James Beard Award semi-finalist, Arnold Myint, the delicacies of Worldwide Market has been acknowledged by the Royal Thai Authorities. A weekly-changing menu influenced from his mom’s recipes, to not be missed was the matriarch’s Miang Kham Lettuce Wraps. 

Meeting Meals Corridor, simply off Decrease 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 number of cultures.

Tip: Attempt 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 (be aware: the patio includes a premium view of the Ryman Auditorium).

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Folks – Positioned 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 Crimson, a Germantown treasure headed up by Chef Julia Sullivan has acquired a fame by means of recognition by such prestigious pubs as GQ and Meals & 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 numerous ranges of ‘warmth’), the fieriest providing at Hattie B’s is called Shut the Cluck Up. Paying homage to the favourite taste, Poppy & Peep – a handcrafted chocolatier – has the Nashville Sizzling Rooster chocolate bar, made with the identical seasoning as Prince’s (one other famous purveyor of the town’s well-known sizzling rooster).

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ONE SIP AT A TIME

The out of doors, rooftop patio bar of Rosemary & Magnificence Queen, once more in East Nashville – positioned in an previous, yellow home – was an actual discover as a post-dinner cease.

Tip: To finest get pleasure from, seize a ‘swing’ (no typo) seat on the bar, order a Home Outdated Original, sip and twirl away.

Although simply blocks from the power of the 30-plus Honky-Tonks of Decrease Broadway, Nashville Barrell Firm Distillery and Whiskey Bar appeared a world away. Along with 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, “Belief me, you possibly 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!”). Beneath the steering of co-owner, Bailey Spaulding, this was the town’s first brewery to can its beer (2013).  

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BACK TO MUSIC

After a correct introduction to Nashville, reminders of its knack for storytelling appeared like encompass sound. Anthem Leisure gave the chance to witness the songwriting technique of producer/songwriter Phil Barton. As co-creator of the Lee Brice hit, “A Lady Like You” (as soon as described as “what each man desires to say and what each lady desires to listen to”), Barton’s perception – given in his down-to-earth fashion – was easy. “Going into an appointment, you all the time hope somebody simply had their coronary heart damaged.” 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!

Ultimately, 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.