Nashville, Tennessee - If you like fast fiddles, catchy choruses and snazzy cowboy boots, Nashville is the place for you.
Whether you want to tap your toe, twizzle your hat, or simply sit back and soak it all in, the capital of Tennessee is also the beating heart of the country music scene.
Don't take our word for it though, just look at some of the bands that have made their name in Music City. From rock majesty like Kings of Leon to Jack White (whose Third Man Records is based here), there's honky tonks and story songs on almost every street of this big, southern river town. With so many music joints to choose from, Pieter Beyers, general manager of Luxury Gold, has picked out some of the best places to listen to live music in Nashville.
Grand Ole Opry
If country music has a home, it's at the Grand Ole Opry. Starting out as a stage for radio broadcasts in 1925, it's now a stellar destination for both country music artists and fans. Known worldwide as the show that made country music famous, the 'Opry', as it's usually called, has hosted superstars, legends, hall of famers, and up-and-coming acts including The Band Perry, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood. When travelling with Luxury Gold guests will have reserved seats at the Grand Ole Opry and attend a live taping of America's longest-running live radio programme.
Mercy Lounge
This funky lounge bar attracts more than its fair share of music enthusiasts and laidback locals looking for great live music in Nashville. Originally a mill, it hosted huge names such as Lenny Kravitz and Iggy Pop in its '80s heyday. Since 2003, it has operated more as a low-key, cozy club full of plush sofas, curvy bars and red lighting, and is still one of the finest places to see renowned national acts and the best buzz-bands.
Station Inn
Diehard country music fans love their music stripped back to the essentials. An acoustic breed of country music known for its stringed instruments, Bluegrass has long been popular in this part of America. From newbies to veterans, everybody is there to 'shred some strings', show off their 'licks' and rouse the (mostly mature) crowd at Station Inn. A great time to visit is for the jam sessions on Sunday nights, when the real talent takes to the stage for impromptu sets.
Bluebird Café
Tucked between a strip of shops in Nashville's Green Hills, Bluebird Café is a short distance from downtown, but totally worth the trek. Unusual in that it's a quiet, smoke-free place, it's nevertheless picked up a name for itself as a local favourite, and one of the best places to see live music in Nashville. Don't be surprised to be hushed by a neighbour if you talk or make too much noise during a performance - the music's why everybody is there, and they like to keep it that way.
Robert's Western World
Forgetting your cowboy boots would be equivalent to a country music crime in most Nashville joints, but at Rob's on the Broadway you're okay - they sell them there! Once you're decked out, keep your eyes peeled for both the stars and the talent-spotters. Everybody from Dolly Parton's manager to Big Ben Keith have passed through these doors to socialise and chill to its soulful sounds, and they probably fuelled their music obsession with some of Robert's Western World's finger-licking-good fried bologna sandwiches. If talk of boots, two-steps, strings and licks has you reaching for your cowboy hat, head to Nashville on Insight Vacations.
Adapted from a press release for IOL
Package special
Try the Southern Grace Luxury Gold priced from R49 950 per person twin share and explore Nashville, Memphis, Natchez and the Big Easy, New Orleans, in style. This tour includes stays in outstanding hotels such as the historic Monmouth Plantation, epicurean dining at 'Arnauds', one of New Orleans' prized restaurants and exclusive insights such as the chance to record a song at the legendary Studio B where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson have recorded.
For more information, please visit us at www.luxurygoldvacations.com or call (011) 280 8440 Join in the conversation on social media at www.facebook.com/InsightVacations and www.twitter.com/InsightVacation, using the hashtag #LuxuryGoldMoments.