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Offered languages
- English
This is a tour for music lovers 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, for an experience that will make your visit to Nashville an unforgettable one.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
At the entrance to Legislative Plaza. Look for the guide with the cowboy hat and microphone headset.
Itinerary
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1The Hermitage Hotel
Tennessee's only 5-star hotel, built in 1910. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, JFK, Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2Woolworth Theatre
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
3The Arcade
"Nashville's oldest shopping mall," built in 1902. We will visit The Peanut Shop, which opened in 1927.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
4The Peanut Shop
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 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5Printer's Alley
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6Millennium Hotel Maxwell House Nashville
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?"
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7Ryman Auditorium
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
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
8Tootsies Orchid Lounge
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."
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
9Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The best of the music-related museums in Nashville, with a wonderful permanent collection and ever-changing exhibits.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
10Skull's Rainbow Room
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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