By Linda Holloway
Travel to the perfect multi-generational destination, Nashville Tennessee. Autumn temperatures are dropping and many Tuscaloosa schools will take a fall break. This is the ideal time to invite grandparents and other mature family members for a nostalgic trip of tracing the roots of country music and more. Get ready for the kids to belt out present-day country tunes on the way.
The key to a successful multi-generational trip is finding something for everyone, and we found the perfect mix. Nashville has rightfully earned the name “Music City,” where there are dozens of attractions and venues for music lovers of all ages. Here, your kids can write a song, watch an exhilarating game of hockey, get up close to Meerkats, and travel to the stars at a state-of-the-art planetarium. There is also a replica from Greece to explore and numerous famous museums to visit. Make plans now to visit a place where the music never stops--Nashville, Tennessee.
Embassy Suites: Downtown Nashville
First, secure reservations at Embassy Suites Downtown located at 708 Demonbreun Street. Here, you will be centrally located with a 5-minute walk to Bridgestone Arena, Broadway, and the Ryman Auditorium. Valet your car at the hotel, and, if grandparents get tired, simply select the Lyft app on your phone; and in minutes, your ride will be waiting. Our Embassy Suites room was an expansive Panoramic Corner Suite with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. The skyline at night was mesmerizing, and, with a touch of a switch, the luxurious drapes opened and closed automatically.
There is a comfortable pull-out sofa for the kids, and the primary suite is huge with a great view of the skyline. The living area comes complete with a table and chairs, mini fridge, and a coffee machine. This is one of the largest and well-appointed hotel rooms we have lodged in. Ask about other options with connecting rooms for grandparents and large families.
Recreational amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center. The concierge service is valuable when planning your daily itinerary. A big plus for families is the free made-to-order breakfast and complimentary evening reception. Ask for details. Check out the hotel’s restaurants, from casual to an upscale steakhouse.
Nashville’s Historic Treasures: The Ryman Auditorium, and The Grand Ole Opry
Visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, once home to the Grand Ole Opry. The Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark and active performance venue plus museum. The venue has hosted artists from Charlie Chaplin and Hank Williams to Taylor Swift. Take your time on this self-guided tour, but make sure you view the informative film upstairs first. Pose on the stage for a free 5X7 photo.
Reserve tickets before leaving home for a Grand Ole Opry Show. The Opry honors its rich history with a mix of country music legends and contemporary chart toppers. A few years ago, we were lucky to see Keith Urban inducted into the Opry. You can also reserve Daytime Tours, Post-Show Tours, VIP tours or Acuff House Tours. Once, we got to see Vince Gill. You never know who you will see backstage.
Grandparents will enjoy spending time with the kids while you explore the city. Nashville is home to more than 180 live music venues with artists from every genre. We opted for a serene evening at the Listening Room. This popular venue highlights songwriters through writers’ sessions. The talented songwriters Eric Van Houten, Blake Chaffin and Adam Hambrick shared stories of how they got started in the business and the stories behind the songs, including who recorded them. It was pure entertainment when they sang their songs for us.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to country music. Through exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the museum is a family favorite. Here, you will see artifacts, permanent objects, and collection documents. There are more than eight hundred costumes, over six hundred instruments, and hundreds of other objects from microphones to automobiles. Yes, they even have Elvis’ gold-plated Cadillac.
Kids and teens will dance, twirl and sing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s current exhibits, including American Currents – State of the Music Exhibit. The music is electrifying, and the mood changes instantly. The latest installment included artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and more. Big screens showcase the music from the new wave of artist sweeping the U.S. Luke Combs: The Man I Am, is another must-see exhibit. Bill Monroe’s mandolin is on display. Stop by the Patty Loveless – No Trouble with the Truth exhibit.
The Taylor Swift Education Center at the museum is a kid and teen favorite that includes three classrooms, a hands-on instrument room, and a children’s exhibit gallery for interactive exhibits. The $4 million donation by Swift is the largest donation to the museum. Here, family and youth programs are perfect for kids. We witnessed kids coloring and writing songs at the song writing station. After they finish writing their song, they place them on a magnetic grid. Be sure to add a ticket to Hatch Show Print, located within the museum building, where the entire family can get in on the action. View 140 years of music history in vintage posters and prints, attend a workshop, or take home your own piece of music history. Ask about printing your own keepsake.
Historic RCA Studio B tickets can be purchased at the Country Music Hall of Fame. You will board a bus that takes you a few minutes from downtown to the historic building, known as the home of 1,000 hits. We met a couple who traveled to Nashville from the Netherlands, and they mentioned that the studio was their first stop--proving the international popularity. Our tour guide was informative and humorous. Since 1957, hits have been recorded here. Charley Pride recorded “Kiss an Angel Good Morning” at the studio. At the end of our tour, the guide turned off the lights and played the song that Elvis recorded on the piano there in the dark, “Are you Lonesome Tonight?” Everyone on the tour has a chance for the guide to take a photo of them with their cell phones sitting at the 1942 Steinway piano—Elvis’ favorite recording piano.
The Adventure Science Center and Beyond: The Adventure Science Center will be a Nashville family favorite. Here, you can explore 175 hands-on exhibits. Body Quest was a popular stop with a mini med center and ambulance, and Space Chase is fun for all ages. Make sure to view 6.5 million stars in the center’s immersive Sudekum Planetarium. The Nashville Zoo is home to the popular Meerkats. Climb in a clear bubble to view them up close. Secure tickets for an exciting game of the Nashville Predators, Professional Ice Hockey team at the Bridgestone Arena.
For open-air green space to allow the kids to run and adults to rest, visit Nashville’s Centennial Park that claims a full-size replica of the Parthenon complete with the 42-ft high statue Athena, the tallest indoor sculpture in the western world. We also rode by at dusk where the glow of the soft lights was beautiful.
Restaurants: Little Wonder Nashville was tagged, “Best Restaurants in the U.S., 2024 by Food + Wine. Kids will enjoy The Pancake Pantry in downtown where they will proclaim the pancakes are the best in town. For a variety of food try Assembly Food Hall on the second floor of the Fifth +Broadway complex. Prince’s Hot Chicken is a favorite, and enjoy Desano Pizzeria and Hattie Jones Creamery. The Finch was our favorite restaurant for evening dining. We noticed it was where the locals eat—always a good sign the food is great. Try the Volcano Rock Shrimp for an appetizer, and I honestly can say the Filet Mignon was delicious and cooked to perfection. My husband raved about the Shrimp and Grits. Be sure and order the Alfredo Mac & Cheese for the kids. Top off your meal with the amazing Peanut Butter Cake—a family favorite.
Time spent with extended family are golden moments, and the memories will live on through our children. Nashville, a perfect memory-maker destination.
For Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown Reservations, call 615-736-7100 For Nashville Convention & Visitor tourist information, visit www.visitmusiccity.com
Lead photo courtesy of: Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
All other photos: Larry Holloway Photography
Comments