My youngest sister, Joy has always loved her country music and over the years, we talked about visiting Nashville. I was so excited when our schedules allowed us to book a long weekend, knowing it would be a dream come true for her. We made plans to visit the major highlights of Music City and The Grand Ole Opry was on the top of our list.
Founded in 1925 by George D. Hay, the Grand Ole Opry made its debut as a weekly hour-long barn dance on Saturday nights. The gathering eventually grew in popularity with shows lasting up to four hours. It was decided at that time that the Opry should have a more permanent home and was moved to downtown Nashville. Housed at the historical Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry was later relocated to Opryland Drive in the mid-1970s.
I was extremely surprised to find that The Grand Ole Opry experience is not only for country music lovers. Elvis Presley gave his final performance here in 1954. Other genres of music represented at the Opry include bluegrass, folk music as well as gospel.
Within a short distance from the parking lot, we reached Opry Plaza, took a few photos and checked out the upcoming shows on the marquee. Around the corner, we reached the counter where we purchased our tickets for the next guided tour.
We were instructed to wait at the Grand Ole Opry House sign where the tour began. As other guests arrived, our guide explained the rules of the venue before we were able to enter. Waiting a few minutes for any late stragglers, we were led into the entrance for a fun, unique photo opportunity. 
Holding guitars and standing near microphones, we had our photos taken at the start of the tour. We were escorted into the main facility as our guide provided a historical overview of this spectacular place. Continuing on, we noticed an outdoor garden shrine dedicated to Minnie Pearl, an American country comedian and longtime member of the Opry. When I was a child, I remembered seeing her on the country television show “Hee Haw” which was taped at this very location.
One of my favorite stops on the tour was the Grand Ole Opry Post Office. According to our guide, fan letters addressed to Grand Ole Opry inductees are delivered here and the stars can pick them up during their visit.
Another highlight of our afternoon was that we had access to the performers’ dressing rooms. Decorated in specific themes, photos of country music legends adorn the walls. It was fun to prepare for our own Grand Ole Opry debuts, as our guide allowed us to sit at the mirrors of the dressing rooms. Taking photos, we were able to memorialize our once in a lifetime experience.
My favorite dressing rooms were adorned with photos of classic country performers. One in particular was the room that showcased the famous husband and wife teams. What a tribute to some of the great artists of country music.
The dressing room decorated in creams and blues with bejeweled pillows and fancy furniture was another one of my favorites. This room represented famous women of country music to include photos of Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl and more.
Our moment had arrived as we entered the auditorium with the Grand Ole Opry stage ahead of us.
Silence fell upon the room as we walked down the aisles. An overwhelming feeling of respect and awe proceeded us as we made our way up the stairs to the stage. I couldn’t believe we would have the opportunity to stand in the exact place where so many country stars had stood before us.
Within minutes we took our place within the famous inlaid circle of wood that was once in the Ryman Auditorium. We were given the chance to sing a tune to an empty audience and it was a thrill for those who participated.
This may be the closest I ever come to fame and fortune, but believe me, it was an experience I will not soon forget. Taking our last photos, this was our final stop on the Grand Ole Opry Tour and I was just happy to have left this infamous stage on a high note.
Have you taken the Grand Ole Opry tour or sat in the audience during a concert? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Grand Ole Opry! I hope you have had the opportunity to visit here or have added this amazing place to your bucket list! Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Grand Ole Opry
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Telephone: 615 871 6779
Another reason why it was so important for us to visit The Opry, was that just a couple of years ago, the floods of Nashville nearly destroyed this historical, iconic building. We were so inspired by the country music community and their coming together to restore this magnificent music hall. It is because of them, we have the opportunity to visit The Grand Ole Opry which will forever have a place in the hearts of all music lovers.
- Admission Fee: Opry House Daytime Backstage Tours run $22 to $27 dollars per person. There are additional tours of the Ryman Auditorium as well as VIP tours during the nights of performances.
- Hours: Daily from 9:30 to 4PM with the exception of performance days and holidays. Please refer to the website to book tours online, or purchase tickets at the venue.
- Amenities: Guides, show tickets for both the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, Gift certificates are also available. Photos of your experience available for purchase.
- Scenic View: Standing on the Grand Ole Opry stage is one of the most magnificent views of all time! They will give you the opportunity to sing from the old Ryman Auditorium circle if you are brave enough!
- Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: It is best to purchase your tickets ahead of time, but there is also a counter to purchase your tickets onsite. Practice your favorite song should you want to sing a few bars on stage!
Where to Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville
310 4th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37201
Telephone: 615 277 5000
Where to Eat:
Samurai Sushi
2209 Elliston Place
Nashville, TN 37203
Telephone: 615 320 5438
I can never get enough sushi and we loved this great little restaurant in the heart of Nashville. We ordered several rolls which included the Philadephia Roll, YumYum Roll (spicy crab, cucumber, crab on top and fish roe), T.J. Roll (fried shrimp – crunch wrapped with spicy crab meat and eel sauce) and Spicy Tuna Roll and separate orders of sushi. We left the restaurant super full and satisfied.
What to Eat:
- Nashville Hot Chicken: Spicy chicken
- Meat and Three: A meat and three sides
What to Read:
- Because You’re Mine, by Rea Frey
- A Murder in Music City, by Michael Bishop
- All We Ever Wanted, by Emily Giffin
Photo Guide for Nashville:
- Downtown Broadway
- Opryland Hotel
- I Believe in Nashville mural
- Ryman Auditorium
- The Parthenon at Centennial Park
- Draper James Building
- John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge
St Thomas, USVI
