Thinking about making a trip to Nashville

dparel · May 9th, 2006, 01:22 AM

I'm taking some time off of work starting May 21 through June 4. I just usually take my vacation to get away from work. Never go away on vacations. I'm a single guy and love country and all kinds of music. Been playing guitar in country/rock bands for the past 10 or so years here in California. I've been kicking around the idea of checking out Nashville. I could never find any friends that wanted to go there. So I'm thinking about just going by myself. Maybe check out the music scene, all the history, music stores. I found some packages that include airfare, hotel and a car for a week ranging from $800-$1600.

I did see that Brent Mason is playing at Lindseys twice during my time off and I could probably catch him one of those weeks. What is the live music scene like there. Are there bands all over all day 7 days a week? Maybe someone could fill me in on things I could do there and if it would even be worth me going there for a week by myself. I love checking out music stores. Maybe the Grand ole' Opery would be another option. Or maybe I should bring that song I recorded and try to pitch it for 7 days there. ha ha ha ha yeah right.

vincentspades · May 9th, 2006, 03:12 AM

I actually just got done goin to TN, out of california (i'm only a little ways from sacramento) but uhm, i really recommend memphis. Memphis was incredible. Nashville is really nice too, the music scene is good, just make sure you get yourself a decent hotel, i stayed in a bad part of town and listenin to people fight outside was a bit irritating for me because the windows just let all the noise in. I really recommend visiting some music stores while there. Also the broadway area is where the shows are. Good luck on that trip man.

dparel · May 9th, 2006, 07:01 AM

Which hotel did you stay in? I was looking at some cheaper packages but don't want to stay in a horrible part of town.

Is there music during the week alot on the strip?

vincentspades · May 9th, 2006, 07:08 AM

there is music all over, it's amazing, and make sure to stock up on the buy one pair of cowboy boots get two free, it's a great deal. I stayed in a motorlodge, a very bad one, everything else was booked. as long as you stay away from the heading north aspect on... (damn forgot the freeway) you should be alright, stick to the entrance of the city west end i believe it was.

Guitarzan · May 9th, 2006, 03:25 PM

Nashville has things worth seeing, music-related and not.

Non-music wise, the Parthenon is worth checking out. There are civil war battlefields not too far as well.

The country music hall of fame, Ryman Auditorium, Opryland hotel, performances at the Grand ole Opry, various music stores including Gruhn's, (Guitar Heaven moved to Murfreesboro if I remember correclty), various performance places at Printer's Alley, Tootsie's on Broadway. Writers' nights at the Bluebird, 3rd and L, and Douglas Corners used to be one. (I don't know if DC still is).

The Vandy students will be gone then, but there is some surprising talent there to be a fairly difficult school to get into.

And don't forget Deja Vu, 99 pretty girls and 3 ugly ones.

Fendermojoman · May 9th, 2006, 05:55 PM

Just a quick reply from someone who lives in Nashville but owns a home up in Grass Valley. There are some very nice, low cost places to stay near the airport on Donelson PK. My suggestion is to rent a car, you can take the first exit from the airport on Briley Pkwy all the way to Opryland hotel and look around-they have a huge Gibson showcase store next door in the mall. You can see all the Country Music places downtown right off the interstate and have a good time at all the honky tonks on lower Broad street. Book early because there are many country music related venues happening in June!

oltimeyrider · May 9th, 2006, 09:54 PM

Nashville has it’s down-side, but if you go to the right places, you’ll stay away from the “Hats” and see some awesome stuff.

1. Robert’s on lower Broadway - Thursday through Sunday, 6-10, The Don Kelley Band plays. Don always has the best players in town with him. Guaranteed you’ll leave this place with your head spinning. As a side note - This building used to be the location of Sho-Bud instruments - the place Clapton bought Blackie.

2. The Station Inn - Great Bluegrass. I’ve never been disappointed at this place. This place is pure heart and soul.

3. Country Music Hall of Fame - A must see. They do a great job of pointing out the importance of those who came before... Lots of cool guitars and clothes. Make sure you add on the Studio B tour and try to get Bob (just ask for the one who plays the piano) as your guide - he is a musician and has lots of cool stories the other guides don’t.

4. Hatch Show Print - Also not to be missed. Get yourself something cool for the wall of your listening room.

5. Gruhn - No guitar player can go to Nashville and not go to Gruhn. It’s too expensive to buy, but you won’t be able to stop drooling.

6. Cotten Music - Near Vanderbilt (sp?). Another great guitar shop.

7. The Rhyman - Make sure to do this tour. It’s pretty cool.

7. The Pancake Pantry - Great breakfast.

8. Hog Heaven - Great pulled pork sandwiches.

9. Prince’s Hot Chicken - Unless you have no tongue, order the mild. Seriously.

10. Ernest Tubb Record Shop - Great place for country cd’s.

11. Lawrence Record Shop - Right next to Ernest Tubb. Lot’s of great old vinyl. Country and bluegrass only. I’ve found some gems in there.

12. The Great Escape - Another great shop. Cd’s records, comics, you name it. Take some time to peruse the vinyl. Last year I found three, long out of print, instrumental Buckaroos records there in E+ condition and bought them all for under $20.

13. Katy K Ranch Dressing - Cool cowboy clothes that aren’t available anywhere else.

14. Bluegrass Nights at the Rhyman - This is awesome. I think it’s every Thursday night throughout the summer.

15. The Bluebird Cafe - Cool songwriter nights where they get together in a circle and swap stories and songs.

16. The Opry Museum - This is next to the “new” Opry by the big mall. The museum is pretty cool. Again more great guitars and clothes. There’s also some pretty cool old Hatch prints there and Marty Robbins’ home office. Pretty cool, indeed.

My advice to you is try to stay as close to downtown as possible. The Hilton is a bit $, but it is one block from a lot of the things I mentioned above. There’s also a Renaissance, a Sheraton and a Days Inn I believe all in that area as well.

Memphis:

Memphis has always disappointed me I hate to say. If you go there, I would recommend staying at the Hampton Inn near Beale Street. Not because it’s close to Beale, but because it’s nice, cheap and central.

1. Sun Studios - The garden of Eden for Rock and Roll. You have to stand in the room where all those songs were laid down.

2. Graceland - Words cannot describe it. Just go.

3. Stax Museum - This is really well done. I learned a lot there.

4. Al Green - If you’re there on a Sunday morning, you can catch Reverend Al giving one of his 3 hour sermons at his Full Gospel Tabernacle.

5. The Rock and Soul Museum - Good, but not as good as the others. If you’re pressed for time and you have to cut one, this is the one I would cut.

6. Wild Bill’s - A juke joint where you can only buy 40’s with plastic cups.

7. Interstate Bar-B-Q - A bit south of town on Highway 61. Of all the BBQ joints in Memphis, this one is my fave. Awesome sauce. Whatever you do, don’t believe the hype about Rendezvous.

8. The Civil Rights Museum - Where MLK was shot. Pretty cool installations.

9. Beale Street - I guess no trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Beale Street. So walk down it, but do it fast. It’s a bust. Stop in at Shwab’s and have a look around. Stay away from the clubs. Tourist traps showcasing half-baked blues for the un-initiated.

If you’re a blues fan at all, I would recommend a hasty visit to Memphis and take the time for a nice slow drive down Highway 61 into the Mississippi Delta. There a plenty of unmarked sights along the way if you know what you want to see. The Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale is fantastic. And Cathead Records is a great shop with hard to find books, memorabilia and folk art. After Clarksdale, there’s Parchman, Dockery, Vicksburg and lots of other names you’ve heard referred to on old blues records, but it sounds like you’re just going to go to Tennessee. If you want Mississippi info, just let me know.

Have fun.

I’m jealous.

KuuKOO · May 10th, 2006, 09:49 AM

I went to Nashville and Memphis back in March for the first time and had a blast.

Seriously, Oldtimey's list is all you need.
I wish I had it before I went. I couldn't find Prince's though, so make sure you have the address (if they moved) before you go.

If you have the bucks, stay at the Hermitage-- very pricey but probably the best hotel I've ever stayed at, and I've seen a few. Once you go, you'll never forget it. I went and saw Wilco at the Ryman, which was incredible.

I liked the Broadway scene for a few nights-- very touristy but fun. Gruhn's is a museum. Cotten's had some great acoustics. Both were $$$$$. There was another store called Chambers that had a GREAT selection and very reasonable prices.

Memphis was a bit sketchier but still a good time. I probably just didn't have the right info but the Gibson factory tour was good. If you have time stop at the country buffet in Jackson for some biscuits and cracklin :).

KK

Geo · May 10th, 2006, 11:27 AM

Places to stay.....
Near Donelson Pike and intersecting is Elm Hill Pike
which also has good places to stay. Elm Hill has
entrance and exit ramps to Briley Parkway. The
Opry area is off Briley a few miles from the
Elm Hill and Donelson area. Donelson Music is nearby
too in Donelson on Lebanon RD.

Check Nashvillescene.com or Tennessean.com for
more info on entertainment, restaurants and things
to do.

Have fun!

Big Smokey · May 10th, 2006, 01:04 PM

When we were house shopping, we stayed at the Holiday Inn on Broadway and 9th. It was well priced and walking distance to half of the stuff on oldtimeyrider's list. We stayed out at Music Valley road the first time, and found it a bit too far from everything except the Opry...

I would also suggest Rotier's in the West End for an old fashioned "meat & threes" southern lunch; and Grimey's Records if you are looking for a more "hipster" record store...

oltimeyrider · May 10th, 2006, 03:45 PM

Big Smokey reminded me of the "meat & three" places. I forgot to mention that. Never been to Rotier's, but of all the ones I've been to, I thought Arnold's was the best. I had some wickedly good chicken and dumplings there last summer...

Guitarzan · May 10th, 2006, 04:10 PM

Mack's is usually popping for lunch. You'll see all types, from cops, truck drivers, mailmen, businessmen and people from music row. Chet Atkins, for example, was a frequent diner. Back when in the aearly 90's when I frequented the place, and he was in remission and healthy enough to get out, I can't hardly remember going there when he wasn't there.

I don't think that anyone mentioned Corner Music or Classic Ax is the lists above.

Is the Sportsman's Grill still in business?

dparel · May 11th, 2006, 05:58 PM

Any of this worth catching? Here are the dates I'm considering going? Sorry for the long list.

Sun 05/21/06 Alejandro Escovedo 3rd & Lindsley
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 Sonya Kitchell 3rd & Lindsley
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 Lucie Diamond Bluebird Cafe
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 Palmetto State Quartet General Jackson Showboat
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 World Party Mercy Lounge
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 "Champions On Ice" Municipal Auditorium
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 Minus The Bear Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 Thursday Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 We're All Broken Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 mewithoutYou Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/21/06 The Crabb Family The Stage
Monteagle,TN
Sun 05/21/06 Skyla Spencer Tootsie's
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/22/06 Lucie Diamond Ga' Dang!
Nashville,TN
Tue 05/23/06 Lucie Diamond Commodore
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/24/06 Lucie Diamond Coktails
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/24/06 Kings X Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/24/06 Locash Cowboys Gaylord Opryland Resort
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/24/06 Jakob Dylan Ryman Auditorium
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/24/06 T Bone Burnett Ryman Auditorium
Nashville,TN
Thu 05/25/06 Patrice Pike 3rd & Lindsley
Nashville,TN
Thu 05/25/06 This Day And Age Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Thu 05/25/06 This Providence Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Thu 05/25/06 Valencia Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Thu 05/25/06 Lucie Diamond French Quarter Cafe
Nashville,TN
Thu 05/25/06 Rockie Lynne Giles Heritage Theatre
Pulaski,TN
Fri 05/26/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway
Nashville,TN
Fri 05/26/06 Danielle Peck Wildhorse Saloon
Nashville,TN
Sat 05/27/06 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Grand Ole Opry House
Nashville,TN
Sat 05/27/06 The Pfeifers Opryland Hotel
Nashville,TN
Sat 05/27/06 Josh Brister The Stage On Broadway
Nashville,TN
Sat 05/27/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/28/06 Mat Kearney 3rd & Lindsley
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/28/06 River City High Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/28/06 The Transit War Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/28/06 Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Sun 05/28/06 Brian Regan James K. Polk Theater
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 As Cities Burn Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Poison The Well Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Since By Man Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Underoath Rcktwn
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Film School The Basement
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Margot & The Nuclear So And Sos The Basement
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Dog Fashion Disco The Muse
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Look What I Did The Muse
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Tub Ring The Muse
Nashville,TN
Mon 05/29/06 Lucie Diamond Tin Roof
Nashville,TN
Tue 05/30/06 Lucie Diamond Commodore
Nashville,TN
Tue 05/30/06 Gary Bennett (Of BR549) Dark Star
Bowling Green,KY
Wed 05/31/06 Brandi Carlile Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/31/06 Gran Bel Fisher Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Wed 05/31/06 Luce Mercy Lounge
Nashville,TN
Thu 06/01/06 Herring, Rodgers And Sipe Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Thu 06/01/06 D.R.I. The Muse
Nashville,TN
Thu 06/01/06 Subzero The Muse
Nashville,TN
Thu 06/01/06 Locash Cowboys Wildhorse Saloon
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Jeff Coffin Mu'Tet 3rd & Lindsley
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Hem Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 New Monsoon Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Over The Rhine Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Unknown Hinson Springwater
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Logan Square The Anchor
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 The Pink Mountaintops The Basement
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway
Nashville,TN
Fri 06/02/06 Emerson Drive Wildhorse Saloon
Nashville,TN
Sat 06/03/06 Billy Joe Shaver Music City Motorplex
Nashville,TN
Sat 06/03/06 Josh Brister The Stage On Broadway
Nashville,TN
Sat 06/03/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway
Nashville,TN
Sat 06/03/06 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike Wartrace Musicfest
Wartrace,TN
Sun 06/04/06 Edwin McCain 3rd & Lindsley
Nashville,TN
Sun 06/04/06 Joe Ely Exit / In
Nashville,TN
Sun 06/04/06 Ricky Lynn Gregg Nashville Super Speedway
Lebanon,TN
Sun 06/04/06 Monument Quartet Parker's Creek Baptist Church
Burns,TN
Sun 06/04/06 Cattle Decapitation The Muse
Nashville,TN
Sun 06/04/06 Ricky Lynn Gregg Wildhorse Saloon
Nashville,TN

oltimeyrider · May 12th, 2006, 12:21 PM

IMHO, there is nothing on that list that will come close to measuring up to what you'll see at Robert's when the Don Kelley Band plays. Believe me.

May 9th, 2006, 01:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
dparel TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 71	Thinking about making a trip to Nashville I'm taking some time off of work starting May 21 through June 4. I just usually take my vacation to get away from work. Never go away on vacations. I'm a single guy and love country and all kinds of music. Been playing guitar in country/rock bands for the past 10 or so years here in California. I've been kicking around the idea of checking out Nashville. I could never find any friends that wanted to go there. So I'm thinking about just going by myself. Maybe check out the music scene, all the history, music stores. I found some packages that include airfare, hotel and a car for a week ranging from $800-$1600. I did see that Brent Mason is playing at Lindseys twice during my time off and I could probably catch him one of those weeks. What is the live music scene like there. Are there bands all over all day 7 days a week? Maybe someone could fill me in on things I could do there and if it would even be worth me going there for a week by myself. I love checking out music stores. Maybe the Grand ole' Opery would be another option. Or maybe I should bring that song I recorded and try to pitch it for 7 days there. ha ha ha ha yeah right.

May 9th, 2006, 03:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
vincentspades TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 70	nice I actually just got done goin to TN, out of california (i'm only a little ways from sacramento) but uhm, i really recommend memphis. Memphis was incredible. Nashville is really nice too, the music scene is good, just make sure you get yourself a decent hotel, i stayed in a bad part of town and listenin to people fight outside was a bit irritating for me because the windows just let all the noise in. I really recommend visiting some music stores while there. Also the broadway area is where the shows are. Good luck on that trip man. __________________ I'm drinkin' some George Jones, and a little bit of Coe Haggard's easin' my misery and Waylon's keepin' me from home Hank's givin' me those high times - Cash is gonna sing it low

May 9th, 2006, 07:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
vincentspades TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 70	there is music all over, it's amazing, and make sure to stock up on the buy one pair of cowboy boots get two free, it's a great deal. I stayed in a motorlodge, a very bad one, everything else was booked. as long as you stay away from the heading north aspect on... (damn forgot the freeway) you should be alright, stick to the entrance of the city west end i believe it was. __________________ I'm drinkin' some George Jones, and a little bit of Coe Haggard's easin' my misery and Waylon's keepin' me from home Hank's givin' me those high times - Cash is gonna sing it low

May 9th, 2006, 03:25 PM	#5 (permalink)
Guitarzan Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hotlanta, GA Posts: 892	Nashville has things worth seeing, music-related and not. Non-music wise, the Parthenon is worth checking out. There are civil war battlefields not too far as well. The country music hall of fame, Ryman Auditorium, Opryland hotel, performances at the Grand ole Opry, various music stores including Gruhn's, (Guitar Heaven moved to Murfreesboro if I remember correclty), various performance places at Printer's Alley, Tootsie's on Broadway. Writers' nights at the Bluebird, 3rd and L, and Douglas Corners used to be one. (I don't know if DC still is). The Vandy students will be gone then, but there is some surprising talent there to be a fairly difficult school to get into. And don't forget Deja Vu, 99 pretty girls and 3 ugly ones. __________________ Set an eye on 'em Amos. Make it count, son.

May 9th, 2006, 05:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
Fendermojoman TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 84	Nashville Info Just a quick reply from someone who lives in Nashville but owns a home up in Grass Valley. There are some very nice, low cost places to stay near the airport on Donelson PK. My suggestion is to rent a car, you can take the first exit from the airport on Briley Pkwy all the way to Opryland hotel and look around-they have a huge Gibson showcase store next door in the mall. You can see all the Country Music places downtown right off the interstate and have a good time at all the honky tonks on lower Broad street. Book early because there are many country music related venues happening in June! __________________ FenderMoJoMan

May 9th, 2006, 07:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
dparel TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 71	Which hotel did you stay in? I was looking at some cheaper packages but don't want to stay in a horrible part of town. Is there music during the week alot on the strip?

May 9th, 2006, 09:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
oltimeyrider TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 97	Nashville has it’s down-side, but if you go to the right places, you’ll stay away from the “Hats” and see some awesome stuff. 1. Robert’s on lower Broadway - Thursday through Sunday, 6-10, The Don Kelley Band plays. Don always has the best players in town with him. Guaranteed you’ll leave this place with your head spinning. As a side note - This building used to be the location of Sho-Bud instruments - the place Clapton bought Blackie. 2. The Station Inn - Great Bluegrass. I’ve never been disappointed at this place. This place is pure heart and soul. 3. Country Music Hall of Fame - A must see. They do a great job of pointing out the importance of those who came before... Lots of cool guitars and clothes. Make sure you add on the Studio B tour and try to get Bob (just ask for the one who plays the piano) as your guide - he is a musician and has lots of cool stories the other guides don’t. 4. Hatch Show Print - Also not to be missed. Get yourself something cool for the wall of your listening room. 5. Gruhn - No guitar player can go to Nashville and not go to Gruhn. It’s too expensive to buy, but you won’t be able to stop drooling. 6. Cotten Music - Near Vanderbilt (sp?). Another great guitar shop. 7. The Rhyman - Make sure to do this tour. It’s pretty cool. 7. The Pancake Pantry - Great breakfast. 8. Hog Heaven - Great pulled pork sandwiches. 9. Prince’s Hot Chicken - Unless you have no tongue, order the mild. Seriously. 10. Ernest Tubb Record Shop - Great place for country cd’s. 11. Lawrence Record Shop - Right next to Ernest Tubb. Lot’s of great old vinyl. Country and bluegrass only. I’ve found some gems in there. 12. The Great Escape - Another great shop. Cd’s records, comics, you name it. Take some time to peruse the vinyl. Last year I found three, long out of print, instrumental Buckaroos records there in E+ condition and bought them all for under $20. 13. Katy K Ranch Dressing - Cool cowboy clothes that aren’t available anywhere else. 14. Bluegrass Nights at the Rhyman - This is awesome. I think it’s every Thursday night throughout the summer. 15. The Bluebird Cafe - Cool songwriter nights where they get together in a circle and swap stories and songs. 16. The Opry Museum - This is next to the “new” Opry by the big mall. The museum is pretty cool. Again more great guitars and clothes. There’s also some pretty cool old Hatch prints there and Marty Robbins’ home office. Pretty cool, indeed. My advice to you is try to stay as close to downtown as possible. The Hilton is a bit $, but it is one block from a lot of the things I mentioned above. There’s also a Renaissance, a Sheraton and a Days Inn I believe all in that area as well. Memphis: Memphis has always disappointed me I hate to say. If you go there, I would recommend staying at the Hampton Inn near Beale Street. Not because it’s close to Beale, but because it’s nice, cheap and central. 1. Sun Studios - The garden of Eden for Rock and Roll. You have to stand in the room where all those songs were laid down. 2. Graceland - Words cannot describe it. Just go. 3. Stax Museum - This is really well done. I learned a lot there. 4. Al Green - If you’re there on a Sunday morning, you can catch Reverend Al giving one of his 3 hour sermons at his Full Gospel Tabernacle. 5. The Rock and Soul Museum - Good, but not as good as the others. If you’re pressed for time and you have to cut one, this is the one I would cut. 6. Wild Bill’s - A juke joint where you can only buy 40’s with plastic cups. 7. Interstate Bar-B-Q - A bit south of town on Highway 61. Of all the BBQ joints in Memphis, this one is my fave. Awesome sauce. Whatever you do, don’t believe the hype about Rendezvous. 8. The Civil Rights Museum - Where MLK was shot. Pretty cool installations. 9. Beale Street - I guess no trip to Memphis is complete without a visit to Beale Street. So walk down it, but do it fast. It’s a bust. Stop in at Shwab’s and have a look around. Stay away from the clubs. Tourist traps showcasing half-baked blues for the un-initiated. If you’re a blues fan at all, I would recommend a hasty visit to Memphis and take the time for a nice slow drive down Highway 61 into the Mississippi Delta. There a plenty of unmarked sights along the way if you know what you want to see. The Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale is fantastic. And Cathead Records is a great shop with hard to find books, memorabilia and folk art. After Clarksdale, there’s Parchman, Dockery, Vicksburg and lots of other names you’ve heard referred to on old blues records, but it sounds like you’re just going to go to Tennessee. If you want Mississippi info, just let me know. Have fun. I’m jealous.

May 10th, 2006, 09:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
KuuKOO TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver Posts: 92 2 Photos	I went to Nashville and Memphis back in March for the first time and had a blast. Seriously, Oldtimey's list is all you need. I wish I had it before I went. I couldn't find Prince's though, so make sure you have the address (if they moved) before you go. If you have the bucks, stay at the Hermitage-- very pricey but probably the best hotel I've ever stayed at, and I've seen a few. Once you go, you'll never forget it. I went and saw Wilco at the Ryman, which was incredible. I liked the Broadway scene for a few nights-- very touristy but fun. Gruhn's is a museum. Cotten's had some great acoustics. Both were $$$$$. There was another store called Chambers that had a GREAT selection and very reasonable prices. Memphis was a bit sketchier but still a good time. I probably just didn't have the right info but the Gibson factory tour was good. If you have time stop at the country buffet in Jackson for some biscuits and cracklin :). KK

May 10th, 2006, 11:27 AM	#9 (permalink)
Geo Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hendersonville, TN Age: 59 Posts: 2,466 15 Photos	Places to stay..... Near Donelson Pike and intersecting is Elm Hill Pike which also has good places to stay. Elm Hill has entrance and exit ramps to Briley Parkway. The Opry area is off Briley a few miles from the Elm Hill and Donelson area. Donelson Music is nearby too in Donelson on Lebanon RD. Check Nashvillescene.com or Tennessean.com for more info on entertainment, restaurants and things to do. Have fun! __________________ "Somewhere between culture and agriculture"

May 10th, 2006, 01:04 PM	#10 (permalink)
Big Smokey Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 544	When we were house shopping, we stayed at the Holiday Inn on Broadway and 9th. It was well priced and walking distance to half of the stuff on oldtimeyrider's list. We stayed out at Music Valley road the first time, and found it a bit too far from everything except the Opry... I would also suggest Rotier's in the West End for an old fashioned "meat & threes" southern lunch; and Grimey's Records if you are looking for a more "hipster" record store... __________________ www.bigsmokey.com

May 10th, 2006, 03:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
oltimeyrider TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 97	Big Smokey reminded me of the "meat & three" places. I forgot to mention that. Never been to Rotier's, but of all the ones I've been to, I thought Arnold's was the best. I had some wickedly good chicken and dumplings there last summer...

May 10th, 2006, 04:10 PM	#12 (permalink)
Guitarzan Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Hotlanta, GA Posts: 892	Mack's is usually popping for lunch. You'll see all types, from cops, truck drivers, mailmen, businessmen and people from music row. Chet Atkins, for example, was a frequent diner. Back when in the aearly 90's when I frequented the place, and he was in remission and healthy enough to get out, I can't hardly remember going there when he wasn't there. I don't think that anyone mentioned Corner Music or Classic Ax is the lists above. Is the Sportsman's Grill still in business? __________________ Set an eye on 'em Amos. Make it count, son.

May 11th, 2006, 05:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
dparel TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 71	From Pollstar Any of this worth catching? Here are the dates I'm considering going? Sorry for the long list. Sun 05/21/06 Alejandro Escovedo 3rd & Lindsley Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 Sonya Kitchell 3rd & Lindsley Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 Lucie Diamond Bluebird Cafe Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 Palmetto State Quartet General Jackson Showboat Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 World Party Mercy Lounge Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 "Champions On Ice" Municipal Auditorium Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 Minus The Bear Rcktwn Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 Thursday Rcktwn Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 We're All Broken Rcktwn Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 mewithoutYou Rcktwn Nashville,TN Sun 05/21/06 The Crabb Family The Stage Monteagle,TN Sun 05/21/06 Skyla Spencer Tootsie's Nashville,TN Mon 05/22/06 Lucie Diamond Ga' Dang! Nashville,TN Tue 05/23/06 Lucie Diamond Commodore Nashville,TN Wed 05/24/06 Lucie Diamond Coktails Nashville,TN Wed 05/24/06 Kings X Exit / In Nashville,TN Wed 05/24/06 Locash Cowboys Gaylord Opryland Resort Nashville,TN Wed 05/24/06 Jakob Dylan Ryman Auditorium Nashville,TN Wed 05/24/06 T Bone Burnett Ryman Auditorium Nashville,TN Thu 05/25/06 Patrice Pike 3rd & Lindsley Nashville,TN Thu 05/25/06 This Day And Age Exit / In Nashville,TN Thu 05/25/06 This Providence Exit / In Nashville,TN Thu 05/25/06 Valencia Exit / In Nashville,TN Thu 05/25/06 Lucie Diamond French Quarter Cafe Nashville,TN Thu 05/25/06 Rockie Lynne Giles Heritage Theatre Pulaski,TN Fri 05/26/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway Nashville,TN Fri 05/26/06 Danielle Peck Wildhorse Saloon Nashville,TN Sat 05/27/06 Rhonda Vincent & The Rage Grand Ole Opry House Nashville,TN Sat 05/27/06 The Pfeifers Opryland Hotel Nashville,TN Sat 05/27/06 Josh Brister The Stage On Broadway Nashville,TN Sat 05/27/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway Nashville,TN Sun 05/28/06 Mat Kearney 3rd & Lindsley Nashville,TN Sun 05/28/06 River City High Exit / In Nashville,TN Sun 05/28/06 The Transit War Exit / In Nashville,TN Sun 05/28/06 Zolof The Rock & Roll Destroyer Exit / In Nashville,TN Sun 05/28/06 Brian Regan James K. Polk Theater Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 As Cities Burn Rcktwn Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Poison The Well Rcktwn Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Since By Man Rcktwn Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Underoath Rcktwn Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Film School The Basement Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Margot & The Nuclear So And Sos The Basement Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Dog Fashion Disco The Muse Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Look What I Did The Muse Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Tub Ring The Muse Nashville,TN Mon 05/29/06 Lucie Diamond Tin Roof Nashville,TN Tue 05/30/06 Lucie Diamond Commodore Nashville,TN Tue 05/30/06 Gary Bennett (Of BR549) Dark Star Bowling Green,KY Wed 05/31/06 Brandi Carlile Exit / In Nashville,TN Wed 05/31/06 Gran Bel Fisher Exit / In Nashville,TN Wed 05/31/06 Luce Mercy Lounge Nashville,TN Thu 06/01/06 Herring, Rodgers And Sipe Exit / In Nashville,TN Thu 06/01/06 D.R.I. The Muse Nashville,TN Thu 06/01/06 Subzero The Muse Nashville,TN Thu 06/01/06 Locash Cowboys Wildhorse Saloon Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Jeff Coffin Mu'Tet 3rd & Lindsley Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Hem Exit / In Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 New Monsoon Exit / In Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Over The Rhine Exit / In Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Unknown Hinson Springwater Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Logan Square The Anchor Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 The Pink Mountaintops The Basement Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway Nashville,TN Fri 06/02/06 Emerson Drive Wildhorse Saloon Nashville,TN Sat 06/03/06 Billy Joe Shaver Music City Motorplex Nashville,TN Sat 06/03/06 Josh Brister The Stage On Broadway Nashville,TN Sat 06/03/06 Mitchell Oglesby The Stage On Broadway Nashville,TN Sat 06/03/06 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike Wartrace Musicfest Wartrace,TN Sun 06/04/06 Edwin McCain 3rd & Lindsley Nashville,TN Sun 06/04/06 Joe Ely Exit / In Nashville,TN Sun 06/04/06 Ricky Lynn Gregg Nashville Super Speedway Lebanon,TN Sun 06/04/06 Monument Quartet Parker's Creek Baptist Church Burns,TN Sun 06/04/06 Cattle Decapitation The Muse Nashville,TN Sun 06/04/06 Ricky Lynn Gregg Wildhorse Saloon Nashville,TN

May 12th, 2006, 12:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
oltimeyrider TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 97	IMHO, there is nothing on that list that will come close to measuring up to what you'll see at Robert's when the Don Kelley Band plays. Believe me.