In an unusual travel activity for use, we booked two tours of iconic places in Nashville. We had originally thought we might go see a show at the Grand Ole Opry, but at ticket prices between $185 and $300 we abandoned this idea almost immediately. The backup idea was to go to The Bluebird Cafe, but no tickets were available. Hence, the tours!
Following breakfast, we boarded Ms. Merlot at 9AM for the 12-mile drive to the Grand Old Opry. Yep, you probably knew it was not in center city Nashville anymore, but we discovered it was quite outside of town in conversation with a security person at the Ryman Auditorium when we were geocaching on Saturday.
Fortunately we were able to find a free parking spot in the shade of a tree in the mall parking lot. Just a short walk to the box office for help getting our phone to display the tickets and waiting about 10 minutes for our tour time. The tour of the Grand Old Opry was great. Learned a few things from the tour guide and enjoyed seeing the backstage operations.
Geocaching & City Scenes
Grand Ole Opry
We were back in Ms. Merlot (still in the shade) around 11 AM for the drive to center city for some geocaching and a tour of the Ryman Auditorium. Parked in the library garage for $10 for the day. Then we were off to find some geocaches. Lunch at the Shake Shack near the garage before the Ryman.
Self-guided Tour of the Ryman
Started our self-guided Ryman tour around noon and were finished about 3 PM. Just as we were returning to the parking garage, the sky opened up with heavy showers. Made it just in time before the heaviest rain.
Back to the hotel for a quiet evening.
Looks like a fun and interesting day! It was a nice way to spend Father’s Day, even if I only got to talk to you on the phone. I was looking for Minnie Pearl’s hat price tag on the statue but couldn’t see it. Enjoy your drive to the next destination!
Nashville looks like a really great place to visit and just hang out. You guys seem to be taking it all in.