What You Will Do
This is a tour for music lovers and those wanting the inside story of how Nashville became Music City.
Your friendly guide is Grammy-nominated music journalist Bill DeMain, a writer with over thirty years experience who’s contributed to publications such as MOJO and Rolling Stone. He is also a Nashville correspondent for the BBC.
DeMain has interviewed an A-Z of pop and country music superstars, including Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, David Bowie and Stevie Nicks.
An acclaimed songwriter, DeMain has had songs covered by such artists as Marshall Crenshaw, Kim Richey and Curtis Stigers. He’s also one half of the acclaimed pop duo Swan Dive. His songs have appeared in TV shows such as Sons of Anarchy and Private Practice.
A long-time Nashville resident, DeMain will take you through decades of musical history, from country to rock ‘n’ roll, for a tour experience that will make your visit to Nashville an unforgettable one.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
At the entrance to Legislative Plaza. Look for the guide with the cowboy hat and microphone headset.
1
The Hermitage Hotel
5 minutes
Tennessee's only 5-star hotel, built in 1910. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, JFK, Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton.
2
Woolworth Theatre
5 minutes
F.W. Woolworth's, opened in 1913, was the site of Nashville's sit-ins, led by the legendary freedom rider and proponent of "good trouble," John Lewis.
3
The Arcade
10 minutes
"Nashville's oldest shopping mall," built in 1902. We will visit The Peanut Shop, which opened in 1927.
4
The Peanut Shop
5 minutes
First opened in 1927 as Planter's Peanuts, this is one of the oldest surviving businesses in downtown Nashville. It's like stepping into a time capsule. Friendly, fun service and free samples!
5
Printer's Alley
15 minutes
Once the heart of Nashville's red light district, it was long the center of music performance and backstage deals. Everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Johnny Cash to Tim McGraw performed here.
6
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville
5 minutes
Once the site of Nashville's grandest hotel and the first place the celebrated coffee was served. What's the real story behind "Good to the last drop?"
7
Ryman Auditorium
20 minutes
The crown jewel of downtown Nashville. Built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892, it was the home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74. Stories about everyone from Hank Williams to Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley
8
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
10 minutes
The city's most famous honky tonk was once songwriter's central, overseen by the colorful den mother Tootsie Bess. Her jukebox introduced demos of songs like "Hello Walls," "Crazy," "A-11" and "Sunday Morning Coming Down."
9
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
10 minutes
The best of the music-related museums in Nashville, with a wonderful permanent collection and ever-changing exhibits.
10
Skull's Rainbow Room
10 minutes
Legendary nightclub that has hosted such artists as Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Dolly Parton and Andy Griffith. Paul McCartney once wrote a song in the club.
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