Day 1
Arrive in Music City USA and experience the Country Music Hall of FAME -The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in downtown Nashville, has been called the “Smithsonian of country music,” celebrated for its broad cultural impact, educational mission, and unrivaled collection of historically important artifacts related to country music.
Next, we visit the Ryman Auditorium- A world-renowned concert hall, Rock & Roll landmark, famous former home of the Grand Ole Opry, and music’s most iconic stage, Ryman Auditorium is the “Mother Church” bringing artists and fans together for unforgettable music moments. This beloved Nashville landmark isn’t just another nightly music venue or daytime tourist stop. This is hallowed ground.
After visiting the iconic Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium enjoy a delicious dinner at the Opry Back Stage Grill
Tonight, we experience The Grand Ole’ Opry -The Grand Ole Opry features today’s country music stars, superstars, and rising stars all on one stage, every week in Nashville, TN – Music City, USA. Our world-famous show is where aspiring stars dream of playing and music lovers connect with their favorite artists up close at the Opry House. From the radio show that made it famous in 1925 to the cultural landmark and global phenomenon it is today, the Opry is country’s biggest stage.
Day 2
This morning we visit The Parthenon- The Parthenon in Nashville is the world’s only exact-size and detail replica of the original temple in Athens, Greece. When Tennessee celebrated its 100th year of statehood with the Tennessee Centennial Exposition, Nashville took advantage of its nickname “Athens of the South” and built the Fine Art Building as a copy of Athens’ most famous building and the epitome of Greek classical architectur
After visiting The Parthenon we enjoy a lunch cruise on The General Jackson Showboat- While “rollin’ down the river,” you’ll enjoy stunning views, a delicious meal freshly prepared by our chefs and toe-tapping entertainment in our two-story Victorian Theater. One of the largest showboats ever built, the grand General Jackson is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. With its elegant lacy filigree and stately design, the boat is reminiscent of the opulence of the American Victorian era. Showboats have long been a colorful part of our nation’s history, and this most unique Nashville attraction epitomizes the grace and grandeur of the South. The General Jackson Showboat is named after the first steamboat to operate on the Cumberland River in 1817.
Next, we visit the Belle Meade Plantation- Belle Meade is dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s history, architecture, hospitality, and equestrian legacy. Guests can enjoy historic tours, family tours, Wine & Food Pairings, bourbon tastings, and chef-inspired food and wine parings, knowing that the purchase of these experiences supports the educational mission of Belle Meade. The history of Belle Meade is covered in two tours. The mansion tour tells the century-long history of Belle Meade through the stories and experiences of the Harding and Jackson families, as well as the women, men, and children who labored here. The journey to jubilee tour, invites discussion and explores the stories of the enslaved African-Americans who were brought to, and born at, Belle Meade from 1807 through the years following Emancipation. From the complimentary wine tastings to our on-site shopping loved by the locals, Belle Meade provides many activities for guests to be immersed in Tennessee history and hospitality.
Day 3
After our visit to Music City USA we travel down to Memphis, TN and experience a guided “mojo-tour” The Home of the Blues comes alive on this city tour aboard the nation’s only music bus. All of the guides on this tour are professional Beale Street musicians who play and sing selections from the city’s rich musical heritage, while entertaining you with comedy, history, and behind-the-scenes stories of your favorite Memphis personalities.
Dinner this evening is at the Blues City Café- Blues City Cafe opened in March of 1991 under the name of “Doe’s Eat Place”. Doe’s was originated in Greenville Mississippi by owners Charles and Dominic (Doe) Signa. George Eldridge was brought in as the owner in Memphis and ran Doe’s for 2 years during a push for business in downtown Memphis, particularly Beale Street. In the early 90’s, Blues City Cafe developed a menu and consistent items that would work for the Memphis and Beale Street locals, tourists, etc. Ribs became the focal point, as they are today, and other items were added over the years, such as our steaks, catfish and tamales. In October of 1993, investors bought Doe’s and changed the name to Blues City Cafe. Many of the same faces that were with Doe’s in the early 90’s remain at Blues City Cafe today. Their consistency and constant drive to better our food quality and speed of service have made Blues City Cafe what it is today, The #1 business at the #1 tourist attraction in Tennessee.
Day 4
Today we visit Graceland Home of Elvis Presley-Step inside Graceland Mansion and follow in the same steps as Elvis himself as you enjoy an interactive iPad tour of where Elvis lived, relaxed and spent time with his friends and family. One of the most famous Memphis tours, the Graceland Mansion tour includes Elvis’ living room, music room, parents’ bedroom, dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room and the famous Jungle Room.
After touring the Mansion, check out the other great parts of the 14-acre estate as you tour Vernon Presley’s business office and Elvis’ racquetball building. The final stop on the tour of Graceland Mansion is Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest.
Next stop on the tour we visit Sun Studio- Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the 50’s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n’roll. Today our goal is to spread the story of Memphis’ history and culture through the music that put Memphis on the map.
Stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded. Your tour guide will tell you the inside stories of B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and Ike Turner before Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Roy Orbison who were all drawn to the new Sun Sound.
See the priceless memorabilia from the musical legends that blended blues and country music to explode in the “big bang” of Rock’n’roll.
Hear the voices of musicians that still haunt this studio, as you listen to outtakes from recording sessions and
feel the energy of the music created here.
Dinner this evening is at the famous Central BBQ- Memphians know great BBQ. And since it opened in 2002, Central BBQ has been ranked as the number one spot for BBQ in Memphis, TN.
