22/05/2025
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Spirit of the South, as in this week's "Where to Next?" post, USA expert Jeanette Dembrey is bringing her Country Roads & City Rhythms tour to life.
"My journey began at the Virgin Hotel, a chic boutique property nestled in the heart of Nashville’s Music Row. The hotel features a stunning rooftop pool, where you can sip cocktails in a private cabana. It’s the kind of spot where you could lose an afternoon, lulled by the breeze and the city’s distant hum.
Of course, when in Nashville, you have to explore its beating heart: music. First stop, the Ryman Auditorium. A National Historic Landmark, which still hosts shows today, this was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974. Here I learnt about Lula C. Naff, the formidable woman who transformed the Ryman into the “Carnegie Hall of the South” in what was then a male-dominated world. Music by country and rock pioneer Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers reignited interest in the Ryman after it fell into disrepair following Lula's death, and after a multi-dollar renovation it is back to its former glory.
Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was another truly nostalgic experience, the building housing a sprawling 350,000-square-foot of galleries dedicated to a genre that was very much part of my childhood. Growing up with the likes of Hank Williams and Dolly Parton, I was eager to dive into the exhibits. From Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac to Taylor Swift’s education centre, the museum is a treasure trove of artefacts—stage costumes, rare recordings, and instruments that tell the story of country music’s evolution. A humbling experience, and a must for anyone visiting Nashville.
Tasting Prince’s Hot Chicken, a Nashville original, is practically a rite a passage so we made time to visit the Assembly Food Hall, a rooftop haven with over 30 eateries. A legendary dish that Nashvillians crave—the recipe, so legend has it, is the result of a lovers' quarrel. We also indulged at the Goo Goo Chocolate Company, where I crafted my own Goo Goo Cluster bar, the candy bar clusters one of the most well-known candy bars in all of the Southeast.
There was still more history to discover during our two day stay, and RCA Studio B, where over 1,000 chart-topping hits were recorded didn't disappoint. As a lifelong Elvis fan, sitting at the piano where he crafted his magic was a very special and emotional moment for me and a memory that I will cherish for a lifetime. We also got to sing a little tune ourselves.
Even the dining in Nashville has a musical connection, and at the Listening Room Café, we were treated to the sounds of a quartet of up-and-coming songwriters—Ryan Larkins, Chris Lane, Adam Hambrick, and Kelley Lovelace—who shared their hits and the stories behind them. Booking ahead is a must, but it’s worth it for such a personal glimpse into Nashville’s songwriting scene.
Of course, no trip to Music City would be complete without a night on Broadway. The honky-tonk strip buzzes with energy; from the legendary Tootsies to the lively Ole Red, Nashville is the home of country legends. Live music spills from every doorway, a mix of up-and-coming artists and seasoned performers. Savour a bourbon, tap your foot to a twangy guitar, and soak in the eclectic food scene—think smoky ribs and tangy coleslaw."
Whilst in the Music City, it's also worth taking a stroll through Centennial Park to see the Parthenon with its classical architecture; visiting the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, an original antebellum site; and stopping by the Johnny Cash Museum, a delight for fans. For something unique, try a street art tour to uncover Nashville’s vibrant murals or visit the historic Cheekwood Estate—complete with 55 acres of spectacular gardens and world-class art.
To explore Nashville or if you are looking to visit more of Southern USA reach out to our dedicated USA travel specialists. We're ready to help you create a journey tailor-made for you. Call 020 8776 8709 or email Frontier America at [email protected] for more information. ATOL PROTECTED No. 5405 ABTA W3207.
Photo credits & thanks to: ©Jeanette Dembrey, ,