While there is plenty to keep you busy at the Gaylord Opryland Resort during a visit to Nashville, Tenn., there are many nearby attractions that are also worth checking out. A shuttle service is offered at no charge to guests going to the General Jackson Showboat, Opry Mills and Grand Ole Opry. A downtown shuttle is also offered for a small fee and it makes stops at the Ryman Auditorium, Wildhorse Saloon and Country Music Hall of Fame.
We began our get-away to Nashville with a night out at the General Jackson Showboat for the new “Country Music USA” show. The country review provided some amazing talent, and the meal was wonderful. Often meals served on such a large scale aren’t that great but this wasn’t the case on the General Jackson. The prime rib was wonderful and the asparagus and potatoes were perfect side dishes. We topped it off with strawberry shortcake that rivaled any home-made desserts I’ve tried.
The country review included classic country and Opry favorites, including music from Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, Hank Williams Sr., Kitty Wells, Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Charlie Rich and Conway Twitty. I grew up listening to all of these country stars so it was a great to hear their music. The show was inspired by the popular show at the former Opryland Themepark.
It’s always fun to take an excursion on the General Jackson, a 300-foot paddlewheel riverboat with four large decks. The productions are presented in the two-story Victorian theater. For more information, go to www.GeneralJackson.com or call 866-567-5225.
We headed downtown one morning to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’ve been many times but there is always something new. A special exhibit on the Williams family is on display now and we enjoyed learning about the interesting life of Hank Williams Sr. and his family.
“Family Tradition: The Williams Family Legacy” will be featured at the museum through Dec. 31. This 5,000-square-foot exhibit highlights the lives of Hank Williams Sr. and Hank Williams Jr. and explores the family that inspired some of the most influential country music ever recorded.
Hank Williams Jr., Jett Williams and members of the Williams family have offered over 200 artifacts never seen by the public, including two buckskin jackets worn by Hank Jr. The voices and music of all family members are heard throughout the exhibit in interactive displays. The exhibit also features never-before-seen personal Williams family photos.
Another display featured at the museum through Dec. 31 of this year is a spotlight area on Carrie Underwood, which includes the merlot silk taffeta gown she wore at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards. The dress features 120 yards of fabric and an eight-foot-long train.
In addition to these special exhibits, you will also find memorabilia from country stars from years past and those topping the chart today. You will also find the Hall of Fame Rotunda which features all plaques honoring members of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
For more information, go to www.countrymusichalloffame.com.
While in downtown, head to the Wildhorse Saloon for some of its famous Southern smokehouse cuisine. A must to get your meal started is fried pickles. They are just right not too salty and light. They are great with red salsa dip. I had never tried them with this kind of dip before and was pleasantly surprised. Next up was a pretzel bread ham melt, smoked ham and baby Swiss cheese with a spicy mustard on a warm pretzel roll. Another great choice is the grilled apple BLT, grilled golden delicious apples, apple-wood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato on a toasted grain bread.
We also enjoyed watching line dancing while we lunched. There is usually some kind of entertainment going on. Check their website, www.wildhorsesaloon.com, for more information.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
