Opryland USA

Since we were unable to book a ticket at the Opry, we wanted to get a feel for Music City USA by driving around. Since we were camped practically next door, we started with the Grand Ole Opry. This complex is built to MOVE PEOPLE! Huge hotels, tons of shopping, entertainment and restaurants galore, enormous convention center, and seemingly endless parking!!! And all built around this relatively small theater that seats 4000 people. Oh, and don’t forget the Oscar Wiener mobile.
After a short rest (ok, nap) back at the geezer-mobile to restore ourselves, we headed into town where there is supposedly music 24 hours a day, and many activities for the music fan. We saw the Ryman Theater which housed the original Opry, and still does from November through February. We have resolved to come back for a performance during those months as the theater only holds 2000 people instead of the current venue’s 4400.
We then drove down Honky Tonk Highway which was loaded with tourists sampling the competing music that blared out into the street from almost every club. We finished by driving down the music mile, but photos were foiled at every step by the harsh sun.
Gordon valiantly took on the narrow streets and heavy traffic, once doing a U-turn in right front of a policeman. He said the traffic was fine but the pedestrians were terrifying.
Satisfied, we headed back to the geezer-mobile to do our posts before heading out for dinner at the Opry Backstage Grill right down the street.Read more