Need Advice RE: Grand Ole Opry

[misskitty100]

My husband, our 2yr old son and I are going to be in Nashville in May for vacation. I am assuming a show at the Grand Ole Opry is a "must see". Am I correct? I called and found out they only do shows 3 days a week during the time we will be there. And they won't know who the performers are until 3 weeks before or possibly even a 1 week before the date of the show Should we make sure and go? What about our 2 yr old -- do we bring him or leave him at the hotel with Grandma & Grandpa?

Thanks for any advice....

[BarbaraL]

I was at the Grand Ol Oprey about 14 years ago (business trip), so I don't know what things are like now. It was the funniest thing I'd ever seen. The shows were originally radio shows, and they followed the same format. The performer was singing his/her heart out in front; meanwhile, other cast and crew were walking around all over the stage, moving equipment, and getting into position, etc, and generally paying no attention to the performer. There were 4 backup singers (2 men, 2 women), who sat on barstools and chatted . . . every once in a while, they'd get up, saunter over to the microphones, sing wonderfully at the proper time, then go back to their stools and resume their conversation. Also, there were commercials (for Little Debbie and the like) all throughout the evening. NOT what I was used to from the New York theater!

I wasn't particularly knowledgeable about country music, so I didn't know many of the performers; I just went for the experience. Hope someone with more up-to-date information can answer your questions.
Have a wonderful trip!

[Elizabeth B]

Hi Miss Kitty - I'm here in Nashville and have been to the Opry before. You will probably want to leave your son with Grandma and Grandpa because the show is a little long for most 2 year olds. You'll enjoy it more if you're familiar with country music but even if you're not, it's still fun. They work very hard to put together a good lineup.

I hope you have a great time!

[tperes]

Hi misskitty100,

I can't weigh in on the Grand Ol' Opry (I am not from Nashville, but have been a number of times, and am moving to the area in July). However, a really good rest. to go to is the "Pancake Pantry." We saw it when we first got to town, and several locals recommended it to us the first day we were there. It is awesome. Not light food by any stretch of the imagination, but hey, you will be on vacation!
Many of the wait staff have worked there for 20 and 30+ years. If you are there on a weekend be prepared to wait in line. But don't be put-off by the line. I remember it moving pretty quickly.

[funniegrrl]

Long-time Nashville resident here ...

Is the Opry a "must see?" Well, it depends. It IS a Nashville and country music institution, and some would say a trip to Nashville isn't complete without it. It isn't "like" an old-time radio show, it IS an old-time radio show, almost as old as radio itself. The purpose of the show is to serve as a live music broadcast; there is a live audience as an afterthought, almost. If you are disdainful of country music I would say don't bother. If you appreciate roots music but don't know anything about it, you won't get as excited as some people do but you will enjoy it. Some of the acts will be "name" acts that you will recognize even if you don't follow country music, some will be well-known with country music fans, some will be people who haven't had a hit record in 20 years but performing at the Opry every week is their regular gig. It is very professional and very entertaining. I highly recommend going to http://www.opry.com/05_history/05_origins.asp and reading about the history of the Opry to get a good sense of what it's all about.

I went to a show at the Ryman auditorium (the original home of the Opry) in November, a pop/rock show with 3 different acts. All of the performers were under 30, and it was their first time performing on this stage. Without exception they were awed and humbled at performing on that stage that had been home to the Opry for so many years, where so many legendary performers had been.

P.S. I agree about leaving small children at home -- it's much too long a show for young 'uns.

P.P.S. Yes Pancake Pantry is another institution worth a visit. If you need any other restaurant or site-seeing info, let me know.

[sharon kopenski]

WE went this past year and I'd say don't bother to go. I was the youngest person in the audience(I'm 58) and felt very old after 2 hours. We saw some name acts but they only do one or two songs and then you are back to really hillbilly stuff. If you like that, then do go, but if you are a current country western fan you won't see too much of the current music. What you see on TV is pretty much what it is except the commercials are done right on stage as part of the show. Walking through the attached hotel is much more impressive.

[donleyk]

I haven't been to the Opry (not a fan) but have been to the Opryland Hotel. It was awesome when I went. It's been a few years but worth the trip IMO. Here's a link.

http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland/

[momswann]

As a native of Nashville, I have been to the Opry several times, I Sharon had it correct. It is for old people. The shows are really slow and not a lot of showmanship. Very overrated. Go to the Ryman and see a show there. The history is there and it is a much more lively crowd.
Also, Pancake Pantry is fabulous! Get the pumkin pancakes. The line is longish, the staff surly, but... you might see someone famous there.
Also, San Antonio Taco Company or SATCO is wonderful as well!
Good luck!

[Violanan]

Go to the Country Music Hall of Fame...a much better overview of country music.It's in a newish building that is interesting in itself, downtown near the Gaylord Center where pro hockey and arena football are played.
Music Row is interesting...be sure to see the controversial dancing maidens in the circle there!
Second Avenue nightlife is interesting.

If you're there on a Saturday, schedule a "Nash Trash" tour...leaves from Farmers' Market...2 crazy ladies take you on a tour of country stars homes, Nashville sights, etc, and it's so funny!

A little of the Opry goes a long way with me...I might go just for the televised portion and then leave...and the Opryland Hotel is fabulous....if you're there at 9:00 pm you can see the dancing waters...a fountain/light show that's cool!
And we've had good food is some of the upscale restaurants in the hotel...the rest aren't worth the effort!

Enjoy!