Signage on the brown non-descript door read, “Grand Ole Opry Stage Door” – the entrance I walked through during a performance of Nashville’s most renowned musical production. Immediately to the right was an encased-in-glass display – Dolly Parton’s red bedazzled pantsuit worn on March 16, 1974, opening night of this Grand Ole Opry House. Around the corner was a bank of numbered Opry-member mailboxes (note: Keith Urban’s PO box, #176, overflowed with the most correspondence).
Of the 18 backstage dressing rooms, all were themed differently; but in those occupied, all had guitars and their cases. Among highlighted quotes found on assorted walls: “My dad always said, ‘You know, no matter what awards you win, you haven’t made it until you get to play the Opry.’”– Eddie Montgomery. And from Taylor Swift –“Oh, my God, I’m on the Opry!”
The final candle on this one-of-a-kind cake was standing in the wings to watch the performance – live. Only in Nashville, I thought. So true, only in Nashville.
Tip: The VIP Backstage Experience offers an up-close-and-personal Grand Ole Opry encounter (complete with a personal welcome from a performer, on-stage seating and more).
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Nashville overflowed with milestones and superlatives – home to the globe’s longest running radio show, the “Grand Ole Opry” (centennial anniversary: November 28, 2025); the world’s most music museums; one of the country’s oldest working letterpress poster shops – Hatch Show Print (owned and operated by the Country Music Hall of Fame) and a 1.2 million-square-foot convention center distinguished by its guitar-shaped roof.
MUSEUM MECCA
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been called the Smithsonian of Country Music, and much like the Smithsonian’s permanent display of First Ladies’ inaugural gowns, were displays of iconic costumes – from Taylor Swift outfits to Hank Williams’ custom-made boots. Advice given to me from a local was to start on the top floor (fourth level), work my way down and leisurely walk from one exhibition to another – always to music.
Tip: Don’t miss Elvis’s gold-plated car.
Ryman Auditorium, a National Historic Landmark known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” was the most famous home of the Grand Ole Opry (1943-1974). Staging more than 200 shows annually, an on-site tour replicated a visit into history.
Tip: To see the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, go in December.
While it was a small-ish museum, the Gallery of Iconic Guitars (located on the Belmont University campus) showcased an impressive collection of this stringed musical instrument. At $400,000, the most valued piece was the red 1980 Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar. Hands-on, the museum offered the opportunity to play one of six or so guitars that rotate every three to four months from a collection of about 50.
The National Museum of African American Music was located less than two miles from Jefferson Street, Music City’s long-ago center for rock’n’roll and rhythm and blues – think such luminaries as Etta, Aretha and Otis. Dedicated to the many musical categories influenced by African Americans, interactive exhibits allowed visitors to enjoy their favorite genre. My pick: Motown.
MENU, PLEASE
A visit to the original Pancake Pantry seemed a blast to the past (specifically 1961, the year of the diner’s inception). Known for 23 varieties of scratch-made pancakes (including such flavors as peanut butter with chocolate chips and cinnamon roll), all were extraordinarily light and fluffy.
Tip: It would be a mistake to overlook the warm cinnamon cream syrup, even in the coffee.
“Guys, how we doing? Doing good?” asked Khalil Arnold of customers at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. As the most iconic of the city’s “meat-and-three” eateries (translation: a Southern tradition of one meat accompanied by three sides), Arnold shared his best compliment: “You make thing we don’t like taste 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 young customer of the same name.
Under the helm of celebrity chef/James Beard Award semi-finalist, Arnold Myint, the cuisine of International Market has been recognized by the Royal Thai Government. A weekly-changing menu influenced from his mother’s recipes, not to be missed was the matriarch’s Miang Kham Lettuce Wraps.
Assembly Food Hall, just off Lower Broadway – a collection of 30-plus casual eateries, nine uniquely themed bars, two full-service restaurants and three live performance stages – presented a delicious representation of the city’s variety of cultures.
Tip: Try 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 (note: the patio features a premium view of the Ryman Auditorium).
Folk – Located in East Nashville, a neighborhood long known for its quirky vibe, it’s become the turf of nationally recognized chefs and James Beard recognition. This restaurant’s specialties are pizzas and veggie-forward plates. And the tiramisu (caramel, amaro, coffee and chocolate) proved an addictive finale.
Henrietta Red, a Germantown treasure headed up by Chef Julia Sullivan has acquired a reputation through recognition by such prestigious pubs as GQ and Food & Wine. It featured a raw bar and served up shared plates. Standouts included seared scallops and risotto with Carolina Gold rice, walnut and celeriac.
Tip: A city known for its Nashville hot chicken (chicken coated in a cayenne-based sauce and served at various levels of ‘heat’), the fieriest offering at Hattie B’s is named Shut the Cluck Up. Paying homage to the favorite flavor, Poppy & Peep – a handcrafted chocolatier – has the Nashville Hot Chicken chocolate bar, made with the same seasoning as Prince’s (another noted purveyor of the city’s famous hot chicken).
ONE SIP AT A TIME
The outdoor, rooftop patio bar of Rosemary & Beauty Queen, again in East Nashville – located in an old, yellow house – was a real find as a post-dinner stop.
Tip: To best enjoy, grab a ‘swing’ (no typo) seat at the bar, order a House Old Fashioned, sip and twirl away.
Though just blocks from the energy of the 30-plus Honky-Tonks of Lower Broadway, Nashville Barrell Company Distillery and Whiskey Bar seemed a world away. In addition to serving up whiskey, moonshine and wine tastings, all were accompanied by a dose of humor – whether it was the purchase of a bottle of whiskey with one’s own photo on the label or the saying, in neon, “Trust me, you can dance” – Whiskey.
Jackalope Brewing Co. featured around 30 handcrafted beers (they change seasonally), a dog-friendly patio and a fun vibe (signage at the bar: “We I.D. Y’all!”). Under the guidance of co-owner, Bailey Spaulding, this was the city’s first brewery to can its beer (2013).
BACK TO MUSIC
After a proper introduction to Nashville, reminders of its knack for storytelling appeared like surround sound. Anthem Entertainment gave the opportunity to witness the songwriting process of producer/songwriter Phil Barton. As co-creator of the Lee Brice hit, “A Woman Like You” (once described as “what every guy wants to say and what every girl wants to hear”), Barton’s insight – given in his down-to-earth style – was straightforward. “Going into an appointment, you always hope someone just had their heart broken.” And when he honored a request to play the award-winning tune, the reaction was applause – from those of us in the room, even those in the lobby.
STANDING OVATION!
In the end, my intro to Nashville, a city where music is here, there and everywhere, presented a perfecta – toe tapping, habit forming and . . . mouth-watering.
So, bon appétit y’all.
