Nashville is an interesting place, let's start off with the airport and work our way through. Very nice airport, plenty of food, beer, and shopping to do in the airport. Also keep your eyes open for Country artists. I was right next to Trace Adkins in baggage claim (nice, down to earth guy) and it is likely you will see one too :)
The shuttle to the hotel from the airport is the way to go, there is a desk below baggage claim when you head down the escalator, it is reasonable and takes you directly to the Gaylord.
The Gaylord property is enormous, and it is also kind of an island unto itself, so going off property will require a taxi or use the free shuttles to get to the mall or the Grand Ole Opry, and back to the hotel.
The Gaylord has several restaurants, they are not cheap, but they are typically good. They do have sandwich, and pizza stands which are pretty reasonable and could be your go to's if you are on a budget. Better yet, you can walk (10 minutes) off property to a few restaurants that are nearby and quite a bit cheaper, and still pretty good. We went to the Scoreboard, which is acrosss the street and right behind Cooter's Museum for the Dukes of Hazard. Food is great, drinks are decent and they have music on certain nights.
The pool at the Gaylord is nice and the sun shines bright for most of the day, they have a bar and grille out there as well. Do not bother with the boat ride, it's ok but it's not real so...Walking around at night is very romantic and there are lots of little nooks and corners where you can just relax.
The sports bar is also fun and the food there is probably the most reasonable, and there are lots of TV's to view everything going on.
The Grand Ole Opry is very close by and is a MUST DO! We also took the backstage tour and got to see some of the artists as they were leaving and all the dressing rooms and sets they use for the show, you also get to stand on the stage and take pictures, etc. Very fun and informational. The entertainment was AWESOME. We saw the Henningsen's, Kix Brooks, and a few other legends.
Nashville has lots of talent and you can go downtown ($20 cab ride, which takes 12-15 minutes), and go to several bars, restaurants, and concerts. We went to Rippy's which is across from the famous Tootsie's (which is ALWAYS packed) they had great food, drinks, and some great musical talent. Rippy's and Tootsie's are right close to the Ryman Auditorium so you can eat and drink before or after the show.
We also went to Etch restaurant downtown, and it is excellent. The Butter Tasting is a must try appetizer.
All in all a great trip, nice people around the area, and if you like music you will never get enough...plan your trip if possible around a great concert and it will make it even better. Enjoy Nashville!
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