Nashville v.52

Did you know Davy Crockett played the fiddle?  As Nashville's first "celebrity", how could he not?!  We wondered how this visit would go, since we were brought up on rock and roll, thinking country was redneck and whiney...  We had so much fun!  What a great town!  We visited the "new" Opry House next to the Gaylord Opryland Resort. We actually did the "not so secret" parking before we knew it was a secret- it costs $20 to park by the resort, but the lot next door, by the mall, is free.  We have to add the tour of the resort for next visit- indoor gardens and all- just not enough time.

At the Ryman- the "Downtown Opry"

We timed it perfectly- completely by accident...  The Opry broadcasts a live show on Tuesday-the only night we could make it.  We went to "The Mother Church of Country Music"- the Ryman Auditorium, and enjoyed 6 performers from "just starting to break through" to "well established" doing 3 songs each.  The crowd was warmed up by "Minnie Pearl"- well, not the real Minnie, but a faithful replica!  Becca was enthralled by the announcer doing commercials- it's a live radio show!  They allow, and even encourage, photography by the audience.  Lots of fun.

Minnie Pearl's look-alike!

Becca with one of our new faves- half of "Miss Willie Brown"

We really enjoyed the 2 girl group- "Miss Willie Brown".  They looked like they were having so much fun.  I was watching the girl pictured with Becca while she was in the wings, just taking it all in as a fan of the other performers.  She was in the lobby afterward, and very happily posed with Bec.

Little Jimmie Dickens- he's 93!!

Little Big Town- "Pontoon" anyone?

We took in some live music and dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon.  The food was great, and there is no cover charge before 6PM.  There is live music everywhere.  Lots of people trying to make it in the "business".  

Line dance lesson at the Wild Horse Saloon

The Country Music Hall of Fame was excellent- there was as much history as there was music.  We encountered Elvis in statue and impersonator form!

We enjoyed a lot of what the city has to offer, but we have to come back.  We didn't see the Parthenon- yes- a full scale replica!  We missed the tour of the Gaylord Opryland Resort, and the Hermitage- the home of President Andrew Jackson.  I get overruled on all the presidential stuff.