Honky Tonk Nashville. Dive into the heart and soul of Nashville. Appreciate the journey everyone is taking in this loveable Honky Tonk town.
Follow me as I share valuable tidbits on how to dive into the heart and soul of Nashville.
Honky Tonk Roadmap
- See and Feel Nashville
- Let The Magic Pull You In
- Honky Tonk Beat of Nashville
- Printers Alley
- Mother Church of Country Music
- A Story About Tootsie’s
- Major WOW
- Honky Tonk Mischief
- Brides to-be drunk
- Honky Tonk Saloons
- Touristy Attractions
See and Feel Nashville
Sitting on my bar stool I stared, mouth agape as fire flew from her fingertips. Awestruck, I witnessed the energy radiating out, over the crowded room, seeking me out and pulling me in. It hugged me as tight as the boots on my feet. It pulled us all in.
Sipping an ice cold beer on a hot day, enjoying a fried bologna sandwich, honky tonk style, I sat captivated by the spell of the music.
My eyes followed them. Watching as they walked down Broadway. Guitars hanging from shoulders, dreams hanging in hearts.
SEE and FEEL Nashville
Don’t be a passive observer. See it, feel it, become part of it. Allow it to envelope you.
Wonder about the stories of musicians you pass on the street.
Think of the legends that once walked the same street (and still do). Their struggles, their triumphs.
When you sit on a barstool, wonder what legend once sat in that very spot, wondering themselves if that night would be the night they were discovered.
Allow yourself to be part of the beat. Close your eyes and really listen to the music.
Immerse your Self in the experience. Take it all in.
Let The Magic Pull You In
Redneck Riviera
Redneck Riviera was my first. It cast a spell that can never be unbroken and for that it will always have a special place in my heart.
There I was, wearing my cool new hat, strutting down the avenue, and it happened. The magic spun from two amazing woman pulled me in like a powerful potion.
Early as it was, I grabbed my vegetable juice (Mary) and enjoyed their melodies early on a Thursday morning. Janis Joplin, Bad Company, Bonnie Rait. Oh yeah, that’s the way to start your day! Can you feel me?
Who knew I would find myself at Redneck Riviera later that day, only this time at the rooftop bar!
It makes the top of my list for it’s laid back vibe, but most of all patriotism! America all the way baby! Redneck Riviera pays fine tribute to our brave soldiers. There’s a very cool beer can flag surrounded by law enforcement patches from all over the U.S.A.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out their bathrooms. No spoiler alert here, just go and see for yourself.
I would love to hear who cast the spell on you in Nashville! Share your story with us!
Honky Tonk Beat of Nashville
My head swims with the names of all the amazing musicians that have come through this honky tonk town (ok, and maybe it swims with a little beer too; but I digress…..)
We’re talking names like Elvis, Dierks Bentley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kid Rock, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Bon Jovi, LeAnn Rimes, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban….the list goes on.
These are the famous stars we know about.
Have you ever thought about the stars we don’t know about?
Or all the people who help make the star, that we don’t see? Those in the band, the songwriters, the roadies, the vocal coaches.
What about the YOUniquely talented artists, that are just as incredible and equally awe-inspiring, waiting for their spotlight?
Any idea what it takes to be a bartender in Nashville? Me neither, but I can tell you they work their butts off, and they sure know what the heck they’re doing! But is this their dream? What’s their YOUnique path? What brought them to Nashville? Maybe it is. I don’t know.
What I do know, as I walk down the avenue, taking it all in, is that I LOVE THEM ALL! And I am in love with this honky tonk town.
On your visit, try to feel, see, and love it all. Appreciate the journey everyone is taking in this crazy little town called Nashville.
Printers Alley
Oh how grateful I am to the person that told me to check out Printers Ally!!
KENNETH WRIGHT & FRIENDS
BOURBON STREET BLUES AND BOOGIE BAR
Don’t think about it, just do it.
Go see Kenneth Wright & Friends. Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar located in Printer’s Alley.
You will not be disappointed.
I have seen him at least 5 times and each time I think dang it, this dude is one cool cat.
I LOVE his music, style, endearing personality, and his storytelling. A little bit of ‘norleans, honky tonk style.
Plan to stay for his whole set, and be sure to buy him a shot of vodka.
Quick History Lesson
Traditionally the center of Nashville’s nightlife, in its earlier days the alley was a series of posts where men bound for the nearby courthouse and saloons hitched their horses.
In the early 1800s, President Andrew Jackson’s law office was on Union Street; he used to board horses along the alley.
By the early 19th century the alley became the center of Nashvilleโs printing industry. At one time, Nashvilleโs two largest newspapers, The Tennessean and the Nashville Banner, had offices here.
The street soon contained hotels, restaurants and saloons, many of the latter becoming speakeasies when Prohibition went into effect in 1909.
Nightclubs opened in the 1940s, and the alley became a showcase for performers including Waylon Jennings, the Supremes, Hank Williams and Jimi Hendrix.
www.tennessean.com
Mother Church of Country Music
No visit to Nashville is complete without a visit to the iconic Ryman Auditorium. Here’s a taste of the fascinating story of how the Ryman came to be the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’.
Originating as a Gothic Revival church, built in 1892, commissioned by Thomas Ryman, a steamboat captain. After Ryman died in 1904 it was renamed the Ryman.
Lula Naff became recognized as the Ryman’s manager in 1920, booking historical performers including Katharine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin and Harry Houdini. It was Lula who brought the Grand Ole Opry to the Ryman in 1943. Read more here. (I love a good ‘woman in history’ story, and this is a good one!!!!)
The Grand Ole Opry had it’s last show at the Ryman in 1974. The Ryman went dark for nearly 20 years, when it was restored and reopened as a performance hall and museum in 1994.
The stained glass windows, and beautiful wood pews, are gorgeous; but they pale in comparison to the magnitude of what you feel standing in the ‘Mother Church of Country Music’.
The Ryman is about as iconic as anything can get in Nashville and is an absolute must-see when visiting this honky tonk town.
Tootsies
I promise this story is going somewhere….
My very first Bee’nYOUnique blog was posted from my phone while I sat in a shuttle bus on my way to downtown Nashville.
Over 20 hours to write the blog, 5 hours fixing problems, and 4 hours learning WordPress. It was finally ready, but the shuttle but was coming. Taking the next shuttle was not an option. I would miss too much time in Nashville!!
Onto the shuttle I went, phone in hand and dreams in my heart. There I sat, on a shuttle bus, following my own boulevard of dreams, palms sweaty, heart beating, praying I would get it right. Wondering if the world would think I had gone mad.
The blog: ‘5 Deep & Meaningful Exercises For A Journey of Self Discovery‘.
As I walked from the shuttle down the street to Tootsies, I shared the post link with everyone I knew.
The Significance of My Story
Tootsie was known to slip $5s and $10s into the pockets of luckless writers and pickers.
https://tootsies.net/our-legacy/
Let’s hope I’m not completely luckless.
Tootsies Orchid Lounge is painted the color of Orchids; which was not as intended. Check out this website to learn about that story and Tootsie’s legacy.
A stage by the front door, a stage by the back door and a stage up on the rooftop. Sticky floors and happy people. My kind-a place.
The legends playing at the Ryman would come out the back/side door into the alley and pop into Tootsie’s. They would have celebratory cocktails much like I was doing!
Yes, I have just compared myself to legends. But you know what? Inside, we are all doing the same thing. Just Bee’nYOUnique and trying to find our way down that boulevard of dreams.
For me, I had a smile that touched each ear as I toasted myself, by myself, while digging on some very awesome country music.
Yeah, that was a great moment.
Go and check out Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Marvel at the pictures on the wall, pay tribute to the history, and go to my favorite spot – the back stage. Give some respect to the talent on the stage.
Major WOW
When in Nashville, do yourself a favor and look up what’s happening at the downtown Presbyterian Church.
Popping up on my Facebook feed was an add for a string quartet playing Vivaldi by candlelight. It looked good, so I went.
BLOWN AWAY. Absolutely spiritual. My pictures do not do it justice.
I don’t know much about classical music, but let me tell you, now I know Vivaldi’s four seasons. Four beautiful, talented musicians, walked the audience through each composition. Explaining how each season was composed and what to listen for as they played. It was hauntingly beautiful.
This experience left an indelible mark on my soul. I pray this show, or something of equivalence, is happening when you are in town.
Honky Tonk Mischief
Nashville gives new meaning to tractor pulls. What is better than drinking your way through town with your own bar on wheels! They are everywhere, each party competing for the loudest singing, laughing and all around best time. Good stuff. Something to look into for sure!
Bachelorette Party Honky Tonk Style
THEY….. ARE….. EVERYWHERE!!!! You have been warned.
Brides to-be drunk, crazy chicks having FUN!
If you are getting married, ladies, you should definitely consider Nashville for a bachelorette party destination.
Just had to share the twins. They seem to be available ladies, in case things don’t work out with that wedding.
Honky Tonk Saloon Scene
Nashville has them all.
You can dance on a bar, Coyote Ugly style. Hang up high on the rooftops of ‘Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n Roll Steakhouse‘ or ‘AJ’s Good Times Bar’ (Alan Jackson’s place).
Sign up and grab the mic on stage at Wild Beaver Saloon…. which I did… and loved every off-key moment. I wasn’t even embarrassed when I not-so-gracefully fell down the stairs as I made my way off the stage. You see, it doesn’t matter what others think. It matters what you think, and I think I had a fine time making like an artist on that state, Bee’n Me. Oh, and while you’re at Wild Beaver Saloon, ride the bull!
As for my favorites, I like the smaller saloons. A good ‘ol Pabst Blue Ribbon with a fried bologna sandwich at ‘Robert’s Western World’. I pop in every time I visit Nashville. Last time I caught a woman who I swear was channeling Loretta Lynn herself.
Touristy Attractions
Check out the full scale replica of the Parthenon. Inside stands a massive 42ft gold statue of Athena. There was also a really cool ‘drum art’ exhibit.
The farmer’s market in Centennial Park is worth the stop if you’re in the area.
I’ve done the very touristy trolley ride that brings you to the Parthenon, Centennial Park, Music Row, among other places. It’s definitely cool to do, you learn a lot of the history… like you find out why Tennessee is called the ‘Volunteer State’. I won’t spill the beans, no spoiler alert here. ๐
Museums! The Johnny Cash Museum was my favorite, but then again I am a Johnny Cash fan. Check out his words below. Love them. His museum is worth your time.
For the most musical fun, check out the Musician’s Hall of Fame. This is not the same as the Country Music Hall of Fame. What I love about the Musician’s Hall of Fame is that it pays tribute to not just the front line musicians, but to all the people that helped make the musician. Also, you get to play musical instruments, sing into microphones, work in sound booths, just really fun, cool stuff. Check it out! It’s also a short walk away from Centennial Park, and you get to pass the capital building on your way way.
Honky Tonk Nashville, Self Discovery & Bee’nYOUnique
No matter what you do, what you see, places you visit in Nashville, make it YOUnique for you.
Become part of it.
Who knows? You may discover a new love.
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Peace & Love,
Lorraine
