Nashville

[asta]

Seeking honest opinions....

We've decided our dates in Nashville will be 12/29 - 1/2. What do you all think about a split stay of 2 nights at Gaylord & 2 nights at Omni? That would save us over $200, but I'm not sure it's worth it. If you would do a split stay, which hotel would you stay at first? If we went this route, we'd be at the second hotel on NYE. Should we just forget the idea completely & stay at Omni all 4 nights?

Speaking of NYE, the schedule shows performances at Ryman on the 30th & 31st. Will there definitely be a show those dates? It looks like we'll be too late for the Christmas show at GOOH. We'd go the week before Christmas, but DS's school doesn't start winter break until the 16th. Hopefully, we'll at least be able to take the tour.

I agree with Mandy, just stay all four nights at the Omni. I don't know what will be at the Grand Ole Opry House but there is a good chance it will not be music focused. Last year it was a How the Grinch Stole Chtistmas play. If you have time I would drive out and walk around the hotel. The lights and decorations are very pretty.

Nashville has a huge, free New Years Eve concert at the foot of Broadway. Big names but it gets very crowded! My daughters have paid for a New Years package at Acme Feed & Seed and think it is a good deal. You have to buy this ahead of time and it will sell out. Acme is located right beside the stage for the free concert. You can even pay a little more for access to the roof top where you can see the stage. Some of the bars who never charge a cover fee will charge one for New Years Eve.

 

[asta]

There's a Goo Goo store? Someone suggested one at a gas station once, and ever since I've bought a box to distribute as souvenirs, but I always just grab them at the airport on the way home.

Personally I found more to do in Memphis than Nashville, but I've been to Nashville more times, so maybe in the aggregate I've done more stuff. In Memphis there's Sun Studio and Stax. And Graceland, though I only went to the gate, it was definitely decorated for Christmas. For non-music related things there's the Civil Rights Museum and Pink Palace which has a Piggly Wiggly exhibit. I think you could easily do a lot in 2 days in Memphis. If you want to make it a little bit more a road trip you could detour to Shiloh battlefield on the drive there.

My husband loved walking around the battlefields at Shiloh but he is a history buff and loves Civil War stuff. Chances are the weather could be a problem touring this during the winter.

 

[asta]

Also want to add that there is usually a big paid concert in the Bridgestone Arena on NYE. I remember big country acts but several times it has been Bassnectar (for some reason I thought it had been Skrillex). That is some type of Electronic Music/light show. Not my taste but he must be popular because he keeps coming back on NYE.

I don't know when all of thus will be announced but it is too early now.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

QUOTE="mandy200587, post: 55632106, member: 121628"]Probably about October maybe you get a good idea...it's never though fully finalized[/QUOTE]

Thanks

Definitely make a stop over in Chattanooga, if you have time. That's my hometown, my favorite place in the world no other town like it!



Edit: I guess it's a city, but I still call it a town it has grown so much!

DH worked in Chattanooga for awhile many years ago. It is a great city. I can only imagine how much it's grown in 20 years. I'd love to go back for a visit. Unfortunately, due too GOOH's schedule, we're going to have to change our plans. It looks like our extra days will need to be spent somewhere between NC & FL. The NC dates can't be changed & we're having to go to Memphis & Nashville, before going there, due to GOOH being dark after Christmas.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Just stay all four nights at the Omni, traffic is crazy at that time. You'll be able to take in much more without stressing with the traffic and parking. There will be for sure shows at the Ryman...if a 1000 year flood doesn't stop the Opry then nothing will. I don't think you'll be able tour the Grand Ole Opry House during that time either because after the Christmas shows end the annual refurb begins.

During New Years Eve time frame, we have what's known as music city bowl...the day before the game there's a big battle of the bands down on broadway

I agree with Mandy, just stay all four nights at the Omni. I don't know what will be at the Grand Ole Opry House but there is a good chance it will not be music focused. Last year it was a How the Grinch Stole Chtistmas play. If you have time I would drive out and walk around the hotel. The lights and decorations are very pretty.

Nashville has a huge, free New Years Eve concert at the foot of Broadway. Big names but it gets very crowded! My daughters have paid for a New Years package at Acme Feed & Seed and think it is a good deal. You have to buy this ahead of time and it will sell out. Acme is located right beside the stage for the free concert. You can even pay a little more for access to the roof top where you can see the stage. Some of the bars who never charge a cover fee will charge one for New Years Eve.

Thanks for the input. We'll stay at the Omni the whole time.

I think the vacation Gods are messing with me. Every time I think I have a plan, something messes it up. After seeing your posts, I asked DS which things he'd rather see/do. He said seeing GOOH is top priority. That means we have to choose dates before Christmas. Before we decide on dates that won't work again, should the tour be running at least once between Dec. 19th & Dec. 23rd? Also, should GOOH have the Christmas show multiple nights that week? I can't find a calendar of the Christmas show or tour that goes out that far. Last years info just says that it's over for the year & to check back later for this years info. I know when Ryman is having a show. The challenge is trying to fit everything in.

Since you all said the hotels book up early, I'm trying to book Omni ASAP. I'm afraid to wait for them to put the dates on their site.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

There's a Goo Goo store? Someone suggested one at a gas station once, and ever since I've bought a box to distribute as souvenirs, but I always just grab them at the airport on the way home.

Personally I found more to do in Memphis than Nashville, but I've been to Nashville more times, so maybe in the aggregate I've done more stuff. In Memphis there's Sun Studio and Stax. And Graceland, though I only went to the gate, it was definitely decorated for Christmas. For non-music related things there's the Civil Rights Museum and Pink Palace which has a Piggly Wiggly exhibit. I think you could easily do a lot in 2 days in Memphis. If you want to make it a little bit more a road trip you could detour to Shiloh battlefield on the drive there.

Thanks for the Memphis info. As soon as I get our Nashville hotel booked, I'm going to start researching our stay there. Unfortunately, my free time is very limited these days, so there's not a lot of time for planning. Without the very much appreciated help on this thread, I'd be in trouble.

We'll definitely go to Graceland & any Studios we can tour, but that's about all I know at the moment. I'll look up your other suggestions ASAP.

 

[mandy200587]

Thanks for the input. We'll stay at the Omni the whole time.

I think the vacation Gods are messing with me. Every time I think I have a plan, something messes it up. After seeing your posts, I asked DS which things he'd rather see/do. He said seeing GOOH is top priority. That means we have to choose dates before Christmas. Before we decide on dates that won't work again, should the tour be running at least once between Dec. 19th & Dec. 23rd? Also, should GOOH have the Christmas show multiple nights that week? I can't find a calendar of the Christmas show or tour that goes out that far. Last years info just says that it's over for the year & to check back later for this years info. I know when Ryman is having a show. The challenge is trying to fit everything in.

Since you all said the hotels book up early, I'm trying to book Omni ASAP. I'm afraid to wait for them to put the dates on their site.

Let me double check but I think there are no tours at all during the Christmas at the Opry house but I'll have to dig for that bit of info.

 

[asta]

Thanks for the input. We'll stay at the Omni the whole time.

I think the vacation Gods are messing with me. Every time I think I have a plan, something messes it up. After seeing your posts, I asked DS which things he'd rather see/do. He said seeing GOOH is top priority. That means we have to choose dates before Christmas. Before we decide on dates that won't work again, should the tour be running at least once between Dec. 19th & Dec. 23rd? Also, should GOOH have the Christmas show multiple nights that week? I can't find a calendar of the Christmas show or tour that goes out that far. Last years info just says that it's over for the year & to check back later for this years info. I know when Ryman is having a show. The challenge is trying to fit everything in.

Since you all said the hotels book up early, I'm trying to book Omni ASAP. I'm afraid to wait for them to put the dates on their site.

I'll defer to Mandy on the Grand Ole Opry House tour information. My opinion, and it is just an opinion, I think the real interest is in seeing the Grand Ole Opry show itself not necessarily the new auditorium. Unless you have access to some kind of tour backstage (and I don't know if they have those) then you are seeing the same show that is moved downtown for the Christmas season. The Ryman is the place that has the historical interest whether a show is there or not. The Ryman also has a more intimate experience. You feel close to the stage even in the balcony. I hope this all makes sense.

You are right to book early. With the huge New Years Eve celebration downtown all of the downtown hotels book up fast. I think they also go up on their rates.

 

[mandy200587]

Backstage tours run from February through October at the grand old Opry house. The show itself is year round either at the ryman or at the Opry house.

Def book early though for December...because once hockey, college football, New Year's Eve performers are announced prices will jump.

 

[SgtTibbs]

If hotel WiFi speed matters to you, it's never bad to check HotelWiFiTest

For example: The Nashville Omni ranks at the bottom of the heap for WiFi speed.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I'll defer to Mandy on the Grand Ole Opry House tour information. My opinion, and it is just an opinion, I think the real interest is in seeing the Grand Ole Opry show itself not necessarily the new auditorium. Unless you have access to some kind of tour backstage (and I don't know if they have those) then you are seeing the same show that is moved downtown for the Christmas season. The Ryman is the place that has the historical interest whether a show is there or not. The Ryman also has a more intimate experience. You feel close to the stage even in the balcony. I hope this all makes sense.

You are right to book early. With the huge New Years Eve celebration downtown all of the downtown hotels book up fast. I think they also go up on their rates.

Backstage tours run from February through October at the grand old Opry house. The show itself is year round either at the ryman or at the Opry house.

Def book early though for December...because once hockey, college football, New Year's Eve performers are announced prices will jump.

It's too bad there are no tours in Dec. DS said he'd like to see the original Grand Ole Opry location, so that works out in our favor. Now I need to decide if we should go the week before Christmas to try to catch the Christmas show at GOOH or give up on GOOH completely & be there for NYE.

Frustratingly, my guys are no help. It was like pulling teeth to get that much out of DS. He & DH say anything is fine, then expect everything to magically fall in place, when we get there. Trying to get opinions out of them is a hopeless endeavor.

If hotel WiFi speed matters to you, it's never bad to check HotelWiFiTest

For example: The Nashville Omni ranks at the bottom of the heap for WiFi speed.

Thanks for the tip. We pretty much disconnect on vacation, but I can see how this would be important info to have for a lot of people.

 

[mandy200587]

I say do New Years, the ryman is the best place to see the Opry. Not a bad seat and acoustics are much better. The New Year's Eve is honestly one to rival New York's in term of production. We go big or we go home here.

 

[asta]

If it helps with the decision, the shows at the Grand Ole Opry House during Christmas most likely will not be about music. For many years it was a touring company of the Rockettes and then it switched to How the Grinch Stole Christmas last year.

Another thing that might help with the Honky Tonks on Broadway. Many of them have an age limit of 21 after 7 pm but I notice that Rock Bottom (near the end of Broadway) offered a New Years package for under 21. That might help with your son.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I say do New Years, the ryman is the best place to see the Opry. Not a bad seat and acoustics are much better. The New Year's Eve is honestly one to rival New York's in term of production. We go big or we go home here.

I think you've talked me into it. One last question on the dates, before I book. Will everything be business as usual on 1/1 & 1/2? Does anything close those days? I'm not concerned about things being open the 29th-31st, but we won't be leaving until sometime on the 2nd.

If it helps with the decision, the shows at the Grand Ole Opry House during Christmas most likely will not be about music. For many years it was a touring company of the Rockettes and then it switched to How the Grinch Stole Christmas last year.

Another thing that might help with the Honky Tonks on Broadway. Many of them have an age limit of 21 after 7 pm but I notice that Rock Bottom (near the end of Broadway) offered a New Years package for under 21. That might help with your son.

I'd love to see the Grinch show, but I could probably see it here. It just wouldn't be in GOOH. Oh well, it doesn't seem like seeing the show is worth missing the New Year festivites.

My DS is 24, but we'll still be interested in going places that appeal to 20 somethings, as we'll as 40 & 50 somethings. Young, party crowds don't appeal to us.

ETA: We will be willing to venture out amongst the crazies on NYE for DS to have a good time.

 

[asta]

I think you've talked me into it. One last question on the dates, before I book. Will everything be business as usual on 1/1 & 1/2? Does anything close those days? I'm not concerned about things being open the 29th-31st, but we won't be leaving until sometime on the 2nd.



I'd love to see the Grinch show, but I could probably see it here. It just wouldn't be in GOOH. Oh well, it doesn't seem like seeing the show is worth missing the New Year festivites.

My DS is 24, but we'll still be interested in going places that appeal to 20 somethings, as we'll as 40 & 50 somethings. Young, party crowds don't appeal to us.

ETA: We will be willing to venture out amongst the crazies on NYE for DS to have a good time.

Twenty four will fit in perfect with the downtown music places!

 

[mandy200587]

I think you've talked me into it. One last question on the dates, before I book. Will everything be business as usual on 1/1 & 1/2? Does anything close those days? I'm not concerned about things being open the 29th-31st, but we won't be leaving until sometime on the 2nd.



I'd love to see the Grinch show, but I could probably see it here. It just wouldn't be in GOOH. Oh well, it doesn't seem like seeing the show is worth missing the New Year festivites.

My DS is 24, but we'll still be interested in going places that appeal to 20 somethings, as we'll as 40 & 50 somethings. Young, party crowds don't appeal to us.

ETA: We will be willing to venture out amongst the crazies on NYE for DS to have a good time.

Very few things will be closed if any during that time. Most things are up and running all the time in the area. The only time this area shuts down is Christmas day

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Our hotel is booked! Now to find a Memphis hotel, then start planning what we're going to do & where we're going to eat.

Twenty four will fit in perfect with the downtown music places!

Good to know, thanks.

When should I start looking for a semi-private NYE event similar to the one your kids booked?

Very few things will be closed if any during that time. Most things are up and running all the time in the area. The only time this area shuts down is Christmas day

Sounds great.

 

[asta]

The info is probably not released until late fall. If you are staying at the Omni I would ask the concierge to keep you in the loop. I know they have a staff that has access to tickets around town. I don't mind checking for announcements, just remind me when your dates get closer.

This is a good link to activities from last year to let you know what may be available this year:
http://nashvilleguru.com/13943/new-years-eve-nashville

 

[ChattaAlley]

Definitely make a stop over in Chattanooga, if you have time. That's my hometown, my favorite place in the world no other town like it!

Edit: I guess it's a city, but I still call it a town it has grown so much!

I live in Chattanooga also. East Brainerd area. Love it here.

 

[dashofsunshine]

I live in Chattanooga also. East Brainerd area. Love it here.

My husband and I just got home to Nashville from a week at home with my folks - we love Chattanooga dearly we live on Signal Mountain! Well, my parents do still, haha, and it's where I grew up. I've been a lot of places but nowhere beats home sweet home