Walkin' Nashville - Music City Legends Tour

This is a tour for music lovers wanting the inside story of how Nashville became Music City. Your friendly guide is Grammy-nominated music journalist Bill DeMain, a writer with over thirty years experience who’s contributed to publications such as MOJO and Rolling Stone. He is also a Nashville correspondent for the BBC. DeMain has interviewed an A-Z of pop and country music superstars, including Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, David Bowie and Stevie Nicks. An acclaimed songwriter, DeMain has had songs covered by such artists as Marshall Crenshaw, Kim Richey and Curtis Stigers. He’s also one half of the acclaimed pop duo Swan Dive. His songs have appeared in TV shows such as Sons of Anarchy and Private Practice. A long-time Nashville resident, DeMain will take you through decades of musical history, from country to rock, for an experience that will make your visit to Nashville an unforgettable one.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   5 min

   Tennessee's only 5-star hotel, built in 1910. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, JFK, Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton.

2. 2

   Woolworth Theatre

   5 min

   F.W. Woolworth's, opened in 1913, was the site of Nashville's sit-ins, led by the legendary freedom rider and proponent of "good trouble," John Lewis.

3. 3

   The Arcade

   10 min

   "Nashville's oldest shopping mall," built in 1902. We will visit The Peanut Shop, which opened in 1927.

4. 4

   The Peanut Shop

   5 min

   First opened in 1927 as Planter's Peanuts, this is one of the oldest surviving businesses in downtown Nashville. It's like stepping into a time capsule. Friendly, fun service and free samples!

5. 5

   Printer's Alley

   15 min

   Once the heart of Nashville's red light district, it was long the center of music performance and backstage deals. Everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Johnny Cash to Tim McGraw performed here.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   5 min

   Once the site of Nashville's grandest hotel and the first place the celebrated coffee was served. What's the real story behind "Good to the last drop?"

7. 7

   Ryman Auditorium

   20 min

   The crown jewel of downtown Nashville. Built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892, it was the home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74. Stories about everyone from Hank Williams to Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley

8. 8

   Tootsies Orchid Lounge

   10 min

   The city's most famous honky tonk was once songwriter's central, overseen by the colorful den mother Tootsie Bess. Her jukebox introduced demos of songs like "Hello Walls," "Crazy," "A-11" and "Sunday Morning Coming Down."

9. 9

   Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

   10 min

   The best of the music-related museums in Nashville, with a wonderful permanent collection and ever-changing exhibits.

10. 10

    Skull's Rainbow Room

    10 min

    Legendary nightclub that has hosted such artists as Willie Nelson, Roger Miller, Dolly Parton and Andy Griffith. Paul McCartney once wrote a song in the club.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.