Things to do with Your Family in Nashville, Tennesee

by Francine Brokaw

Nicknamed "Music City, USA" some people are surprised to know that music is not the main industry in Nashville, however when you're there it certainly seems so. Music is everywhere. And, if you're wondering, health care is the number one industry.

The Grand Ole Opry is what most people associate with Nashville. It is the longest running live radio show in the country and every Friday and Saturday nights visitors can be part of this entertaining event. The Grand Ole Opry House is always filled with country music loving people, and once you're there, if you haven't been a fan of country music, you just might change your mind. The excitement of being there along with the good music is enough to turn a non-country music fan into one in just a few minutes. Country songs tell wonderful stories with catchy tunes, and you'll find yourself tapping your toes and really getting into the songs while you're listening and watching the show.

Gaylord Opryland is a huge complex which houses more than just the Opry House. The Opryland Hotel is referred to as America's largest non-casino resort. Also at Opryland is the Opry Mills Mall, with dozens of stores so you can shop to your heart's content.

Downtown Nashville is home to many major recording labels along "Music Row." Check your CDs and odds are many of them will say they were recorded in Nashville. The Country Music Hall of fame is an interesting, fun, and interactive way to get acquainted with the major country music stars of the past and present. And the Ryman Auditorium, established in 1892, is referred to as the "The Mother Church of Country Music." It is where the legends in the business have performed and today is still used for concerts and televised events. The Ryman was home to the Grand Ole Opry until 1974 when it moved to the new Opry House at its current location. The restored Ryman is a fascinating theater to visit.

The Bluebird Cafe is small, the chairs are uncomfortable, the food is fair, the tables are crammed closely together and the parking lot is too small. So, why go to the Bluebird Cafe? Because it's fun and if you go to Nashville, it's a real treat. This is a place where songwriters and musicians get together and have a good time. It's a real Nashville experience. Sitting in a circle, the artists take turns talking about then singing their songs, both old and new. It's not a jam session. It's better. There are usually two sessions each night and they do get crowded, so be sure to make a reservation. The Grand Ole Opry is one thing, but the Bluebird Cafe is quite another.

When you're in Nashville, the Union Station Hotel is a nice place to stay. Originally a train station, this wonderfully restored hotel is located in the heart of downtown, and the staff can hook you up with reservations for dining and other events as well as the several different Gray Line Tours which give visitors a look into the city and its history.

Whether you're a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll, Nashville is a fun place for a family vacation. Kids enjoy music, and this is the best place for it. Nashville is truly America's Music City.

The Union Station Hotel - http:

www.wyndham.com/hotels/BNAUS/main.wn/GrayLineTours

www.graylinenashville.com/tours.cfm/GrandOleOpry

www.opry.com

Bluebird Cafe www.bluebirdcafe.com

Opryland

www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland