Hello and Happy New Year!
I hope 2012 is the best and most adventurous year for all of us.
Warmly,
Beth

Nashville, Tennessee

Time to go Western!

Polo may be played in English, and not western saddles, but that doesn’t mean you won’t fall in love with the country western allure of swinging Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is the home of country music, knee-slapping honky-tonk bars and gracious southern hospitality. Whether you are looking for a good time, great music, grandiose history or cutting-edge art, you’ll find it in Nashville.

When you arrive take a stroll down the historic and quaint area known as Broadway Street. It’s always bustling with music, drink, dancing and general good-natured frivolity. The bright guitar and cowboy boot shaped neon signs of the honky-tonk joints are seductive calling cards to the hell-raising music and free flowing fun (and booze) inside.

You’ll find thick crowds but high spirits swaying and singing along to the seductive live country sounds. The saloon walls are cluttered with memorabilia of country history and visiting legends, and it’s easily to become immersed in the colorful décor of these glorious little bars. Inside the honky-tonks are the signatures of the famous, and not so famous, scribbled on walls and doors (add your favorite ponies’ name), and there is a tangible feeling of unrestrained playfulness backed up by a visual history of good times.

Enjoy a drink or two in a couple of Broadway’s more renowned establishments. You’ll want to hit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway), and Legends Corner (428 Broadway). And while you’re in the area visit Nashville’s most eminent country music store. Ernest Tubb Records (417 Broadway) has been doing business for over half a century and broadcasts the Midnight Jamboree (the second-longest running radio show in history).

An evening on Broadway Street in Nashville will be an unforgettable experience. Lots of people on the honky-tonk scene dress in colorful country attire which makes the atmosphere even more fun so don’t be afraid to trade in your polo duds for worn-out jeans, cowboy boots, a large belt buckle and a ten gallon hat. Whatever you do be ready to swing your hips and down some Jack Daniels for a night of hand-clapping, finger snapping, and boot scootin’ boogie.

If you’re looking for a fabulous accomodations for the night check out the Union Station Hotel. Image the glamour and elegance of a bygone age when well-dressed travelers gathered in ornate train stations with monogrammed steamer trunks and dreams of exotic destinations. Open your eyes and you’ll find yourself standing in the hotel’s exquisite lobby.

This luxury Union Station Hotel was formerly a 19th-Century railroad station and is replete with Italian marble, intricate wood carvings, gold-leaf accents, limestone fireplaces and a lobby with 65-foot vaulted ceilings and prism stained glass. Mae West traveled through these beautiful corridors as did mobster Al Capone on his way to the penitentiary. Remarkably, at one time the station even housed two alligator ponds.

The railroad station originally opened in 1900, but was converted to a hotel in 1986. In 1977, it became a National Historic Landmark. Union Station Hotel underwent an $11 million dollar renovation in 2007, and now combines the best of history with top modern-day comforts and amenities.

There are 125 guest rooms at the hotel, each having high ceilings, panoramic windows, and marble bathrooms (with complimentary Gilchrist & Soames bath products). Additionally, all rooms have a LCD flat screen television and wifi. Union Station also features the fine dining restaurant, Prime 108, as well as in room dining. www.unionstationhotelnashville.com

When you visit Nashville make an effort to check out my shortlist of exciting destinations. Beyond the infamous Broadway Street make an effort to visit:

Gruhn Guitars: Arguable the world’s most famous guitar shop, and owner George Gruhn is said to be the world’s foremost authority on guitars. Music superstars like Lyle Lovett, Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton and ZZ Top get their guitars at this eclectic music shop on Broadway. Whether you are a fan of vintage guitars or a curious tourist this is an unforgettable stop.

Jack Daniels Distillery: Located just 75 miles southeast of Nashville in Lynchburg, Tennessee, is the infamous Jack Daniels Distillery. Take the hour plus tour of the distillery and you’ll learn about the intricacies of Jack’s whiskey–making process from the milling, yeasting, fermentation, distillation and maturation. The White Rabbit Bottle Shop sells Jack’s whiskey, but due to Tennessee law it’s closed on Sundays.

The Country Music Hall of Fame: The museum is filled with video-clips, records, guitars and other fascinating memorabilia commemorating the achievements of country music legends. The Hall of Fame, originally formed in 1967, opened its doors in a $37 million dollar state-of- the-art building in 2001. The museum honors the memory of those who made significant contributions to country music industry but also serves as inspiration to aspiring musicians.

The Grand Ole Opry: A stop at the Grand Ole Opry is a “Must” when visiting Nashville. Nearly every country music legend has played on the famous round stage at the Opry, and many rising stars are currently performing today. If you can’t attend a concert, catch the two-hour radio program, America’s Opry Weekend for a taste of Nashville.

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts: The museum opened in 2001 in Nashville’s old post office building and quickly began home to Nashville’s budding art scene. There are new exhibitions every 6 to 8 weeks in the beautiful Art Deco building. This is also a great place to take the kids with over 30 interactive art stations for all ages in the Martin ArtQuest Gallery. It’s a peaceful break from the rowdy honky-tonks on Broadway.

Tennessee State Museum: The origins of the museum dates back to 1817, and the museum’s collections have been growing ever since. Everything you ever wanted to know about Tennessee is in this museum. Exhibits include prehistoric people, local explorers and pioneers to an amazing collection of Civil War items. In fact, over 60,000 square feet is dedicated to exhibitions.

Belle Meade Plantation: This is a fabulous opportunity to tour an authentic plantation home. You’ll bask in the grandeur of this architecturally magnificent home and its exquisite grounds. Learn about the life on the plantation during the Civil War, from the daily living conditions of plantation owners and slaves to the food they ate and the clothes they wore. A fascinating journey into the past.

Nashville is a wonderful mini-vacation for couples, groups of friends and families with kids. It’s classic Americana and a fun-loving way to try ‘riding western’ for the weekend.

As always – make the effort to go and make your life an unforgettable adventure!

Beth Walz
AdventureWoman.com