Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.countrymusichalloffame.com
; 222 5th Ave S; adult/child $22/14, audio tour additional $2,
Studio B 1hr tour adult/child $13/11; 9am-5pm)
'Honor Thy Music' is the catchphrase of
this monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to
Nashville's soul. Gaze at Patsy Cline's cocktail gown, Hank Williams' guitar, Elvis' gold
Cadillac and Conway Twitty's yearbook picture (back when he was Harold Jenkins).
Written exhibits trace country's roots, computer touch screens access recordings and
photos from the enormous archives, and the fact- and music-filled audio tour is narrated
by contemporary stars. From here you can also take the Studio B Tour, which shuttles
you to Radio Corporation of America's (RCA's) famed Music Row studio, where Elvis
recorded 'Are You Lonesome Tonight?' and Dolly Parton cut 'I Will Always Love You.'
Ryman Auditorium
HISTORIC BUILDING
(
www.ryman.com
; 116 5th Ave N; self-guided tour adult/child $13/6.50, backstage tour $17/10.50;
9am-4pm)
The so-called 'Mother Church of Country Music' has hosted a laundry list
of 20th-century performers, from Martha Graham to Elvis to Katherine Hepburn to Bob
Dylan. The soaring brick tabernacle was built in 1890 by wealthy riverboat captain Tho-
mas Ryman to house religious revivals, and watching a show from one of its 2000 seats
can still be described as a spiritual experience.
The Grand Ole Opry took place here for 31 years, until it moved out to the Opryland
complex in Music Valley in 1974. Today the Opry returns to the Ryman during winter.
Tennessee State Capitol
HISTORIC BUILDING
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.tnmuseum.org
; Charlotte Ave; tours 9am-4pm Mon-Fri)
At the northeast edge
of downtown, this 1845 Greek Revival building was built from local limestone and
marble by slaves and prison inmates working alongside European artisans. Around back,
steep stairs lead down to the
Tennessee Bicentennial Mall
, whose outdoor walls are
covered with historical facts about Tennessee's history, and the wonderful daily
Farmers
Market
.
Tennessee State Museum
MUSEUM
(
www.tnmuseum.org
; 5th Ave, btwn Union & Deaderick Sts; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, 1-5pm Sun)
For history buffs, this engaging but not flashy museum on the ground floor of a
