The beginning of November we did a tour of the Grand Ole Opry, the new one that is, which was right around the block from our campground. This theater, as we learned, is actually the 5^th location of the Opry, the first being a downtown radio studio opening in 1925. From there it moved to 2 more locations before moving to the Ryman theater in 1943 where we also went to see a show a few days prior. It remained there until moving to its current location in 1974. We also learned that it’s more than just a theater, it’s a coveted membership and singers have to be invited to sing there and become members. They even have mailboxes there for every member where they can receive fan mail or any kind of mail.

The tour took you backstage through the dressing rooms and corridors that the artists use to go through and make their entrance. We also learned what it takes to become a member of the Opry. When management decides to induct a new member, they have an existing member publicly ask them to join usually during a live performance. It was a fun and educational tour and definitely worth going on.

After the tour we had dinner at the Marriott hotel nearby which is a pretty spectacular hotel. They have a huge indoor atrium with water running through it and the restaurant had an outdoor feel to it with ceiling imitating a night sky with stars and all. We had dinner at their steakhouse. Great place to eat if you’re looking for a good restaurant experience in Nashville.