Travelogue For The Sound Cafe Part 2: A Nashville Pilgrimage - The Ryman, Jack Daniel’s, American Pickers & The Heart Of Country Music

After waking up early Saturday October 19th, my 60th birthday, we set out for a day packed with iconic Nashville destinations that, quite simply, you couldn’t miss if you tried. I’d always dreamed of Nashville, but it was time to see it up close, and today promised a full immersion.

We’d booked two big tours for the day, with our first stop being the historic Ryman Auditorium — a mere block away from where we were staying. The thought of visiting the “Mother Church of Country Music” had me buzzing. As we headed to meet our guide, Richie, the Nashville morning was just coming to life, filled with the scent of fresh coffee and the sound of street musicians tuning up for the day.

As we headed out, we crossed paths with an incredible group of ladies strolling the streets of Nashville with boundless enthusiasm. They were on a mission, raising money for cancer research, and all were members of the same church community. Their spirit and dedication to making a difference radiated through the heart of Broadway, reminding us of the powerful community spirit in Music City. Hats off to these inspiring women for their work and for embodying the compassion and joy Nashville is all about. Way to go, ladies — you’re making a remarkable impact!

The Ryman Auditorium: Standing in the Footsteps of Legends

The Ryman is more than just a venue; it’s the spiritual heart of Nashville, carrying over a century of musical history in its rafters. Richie, who met us outside with a welcoming grin, gave us a bit of background, sharing how the Ryman had originally been a church before it became the legendary venue it is today. Inside, you could almost feel the energy left behind by the likes of Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and so many others. There’s a kind of reverence in the air; even the polished wooden pews seem to vibrate with the memory of all the music that’s passed through.

The experience was humbling. There we were, standing in the same space where some of the greatest names in music history had poured out their hearts and made history. Even if you’re not a die-hard country fan, the Ryman’s legacy commands respect, a testament to Nashville’s living and breathing music culture.

As we wrapped up our final day, the setup was for none other than Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. What an incredible experience it was! The anticipation in the air was electric. The combination of Isbell's poignant storytelling and the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville truly made for a memorable visit.

A Tour Through The Gulch, Germantown, and Jack Daniel’s Distillery

After the Ryman, Richie piled us into his van with three other travellers, and we set off on a winding tour of Nashville’s neighbourhoods. We meandered through The Gulch, a trendy pocket of the city where sleek modern buildings and high-rise apartments stand side by side with vintage shops and restaurants. Then we cruised through Germantown, a historic district bursting with character, where cobbled streets are lined with brick buildings dating back to the 19th century.

And then, perhaps the crown jewel of the tour — our stop at the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Now, my middle name is Daniel, so why refuse a good look around ? Plus, the Jack Daniel’s name carries as much weight in Tennessee as the Ryman’s.

Richie explained the “Lincoln County Process,” more poetically known by the locals as “The Extra Blessing.” It’s a process that Jack Daniel himself had insisted on, involving a slow, careful charcoal mellowing of the whiskey drop by drop. This step takes days, with the whiskey trickling down through charcoal like honey, transforming it from a raw spirit into what Richie called “a true Tennessee treasure.” I could see why they called it “The Extra Blessing”— it felt almost ritualistic, like a baptism of sorts, bestowing Jack Daniel’s whiskey with a smoothness and character unique to Lynchburg.

After hearing about the process, the tasting room was naturally the next stop. The air was thick with the sweet, oaky aroma of the barrels, and we sampled just enough to appreciate the magic of the place. And yes, maybe it was the taste, or maybe it was just the Tennessee hospitality, but you could tell that every drop was made with a kind of reverence that fits perfectly in this town.

The American Pickers Store: Searching for Danielle

Next, we found ourselves at the “Antique Archaeology” store, home to the treasures found on American Pickers. As a fan of the show, I had to ask if Danielle was around, I admit I have a crush on her, but luck wasn’t on our side — she was off that day.

Still, exploring the store itself was a treat. It’s a carefully curated mix of vintage finds, memorabilia, and curious oddities that perfectly capture the spirit of the show. Although I was a bit gutted not to meet Danielle, it felt like another checkmark off the bucket list just to be there.

The Country Music Hall of Fame: A Treasure Trove of American Music History

Finally, we reached the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a sprawling monument to country music’s legacy and the artists who shaped it. Walking into this place, you’re struck by the sheer scale of it — this isn’t just a museum; it’s a living archive of America’s musical heritage. From its barn-inspired architecture to the walls lined with iconic records, the Hall of Fame carries the weight of decades, honouring both legendary stars and unsung heroes who built the country music legacy.

Our guide introduced us to some of the key exhibits, starting with the Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection, which contains over 250,000 recordings — a staggering number that includes nearly every commercially released country song from before World War II. Walking through the halls, we saw a vast array of musical artifacts, from Mother Maybelle Carter’s famed Gibson guitar to Elvis Presley’s “Solid Gold” Cadillac limousine. I think I could’ve spent hours just in front of that one exhibit alone. Seeing these relics, each with its own piece of history, you feel like you’re meeting the soul of country music in person.

But the museum doesn’t just showcase the past — it captures the entire spectrum of country music, from its folk roots through to today’s stars. They’ve preserved everything from song manuscripts and stage costumes to Jerry Reed’s Smokey and the Bandit II Pontiac Trans Am, giving fans an intimate look into the lives of their idols. And the Frist Library and Archives, with its climate-controlled collection storage, houses an astonishing half-million photographs and 30,000 moving images, preserving the history for future generations.

Printers Alley .

Before we left for Morgan Wallen's, we paid tribute to where the Nashville scene all started, just half a block from our loft: Printers Alley. It is said that Jimi Hendrix once remarked that he really learned to play guitar there. Speaking of Jimi Hendrix, we also visited a special exhibition in his honour, which was quite an emotional moment for my wife, Anne.

At the tender age of ten, her father gathered the family in 1969 and whisked them off to the Woodstock festival, where he was writing about the event. Anne can vividly remember that weekend, unlike many others a little older who were, shall we say, a bit strung out.

As we were about to leave the Country Music Hall of Fame, we wandered into the souvenir shop to browse. While we were looking at various items, we struck up a conversation with a young guy behind the counter who was intrigued by Anne's fascination with Jimi Hendrix. She shared her story about being at Woodstock and how she fell in love with his music.

This young gentleman then said, "You have to have this!" He presented her with a phial containing wood from the stage used in 1969. Needless to say, Anne bought it, and it now hangs around her neck. She shed a tear as she put it on, marking a poignant connection to that iconic moment in music history.

Reflecting on a Day of Living History

Leaving the Hall of Fame, it struck me just how alive music feels in Nashville. The city doesn’t just celebrate its heritage; it invites you to be a part of it. It’s as if every bar, every street corner, every little shop in the city holds a piece of Nashville’s soul. It’s a place where the old blends effortlessly with the new, where you can stroll past an artist busking on Broadway and then see their memorabilia preserved for future generations just a few blocks away.

As we made our way back, the day’s experiences began to settle. The Ryman had set the tone with its timeless charm, and the Jack Daniel’s Distillery added a distinct flavour to the day, one that felt like a bridge between history and hospitality. Stopping at the American Pickers store gave us a lighthearted moment in a day steeped in culture and history, and the Country Music Hall of Fame reminded us of the heart and soul that fuels Nashville’s pulse.

Everywhere we went, the people were friendly, as if they shared in the city’s magic and wanted to pass it on to visitors. I knew even as we wrapped up our tour that I was already eager to come back to Nashville, to dive even deeper into its rich tapestry of music, history, and stories waiting to be told. This was only the beginning.

After wrapping up our tours around 3pm, we decided it was time to dive into the vibrant heart of Nashville — Broadway. Known for its electrifying atmosphere and endless live music, Broadway, also called Honky Tonk Highway, is a bustling street lined with honky-tonk bars, live music, and rich history.

Recognized as a historic district and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, Broadway’s roots run deep, tracing back to its beginnings as "Broad Street," which served Nashville's shipping docks along the Cumberland River.

As we strolled along Lower Broadway, the area was buzzing with music pouring from every venue, creating an immersive experience that celebrates Nashville's musical heritage. This stretch, from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue, was once home to Jimmie Rodgers in the 1930s and became the birthplace of Nashville’s music scene. The area lost some of its appeal in the 1970s after the Grand Ole Opry left the Ryman Auditorium, but it was reborn in the '90s when the Opry brought some shows back to the Ryman. Now, Broadway offers non-stop music from 10 a.m. until the early hours, with both up-and-coming musicians and legendary performers hitting the stage.

From honky-tonk bars to iconic spots like Union Station Hotel, the Frist Art Museum, and Christ Church Cathedral, Broadway is packed with history. We also explored some of the charming retail shops and dessert spots nestled among the music venues. It’s easy to see why this street has become a rite of passage for country music stars and a must-visit for any music lover — Broadway truly is the heartbeat of Nashville.

The entire Lower Broad district, stretching from 2nd Avenue to 5th Avenue, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This designation preserves Broadway's legacy and ensures the rich tapestry of Nashville’s music culture is safeguarded for future generations. As we wandered through this lively area, it was impossible not to feel the historical significance of each building and venue.

Beyond Lower Broadway, we encountered several notable historical landmarks, each one a testament to Nashville's architectural and cultural heritage. Union Station Hotel, for instance, a former train station dating back to the 19th century, boasts intricate stained glass and vaulted ceilings. Nearby, the Frist Art Museum, a Grecian Moderne-style building that once served as a post office, now showcases the work of local and international artists.

Meanwhile, Hume-Fogg High School and the Customs House, with their Norman-Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture, respectively, add a distinctly timeless character to the city’s skyline. Christ Church Cathedral, another historic Gothic structure, continues to serve as a place of worship and an architectural marvel for visitors and locals alike.

Walking Broadway was like flipping through a well-loved storybook, where every block, from historic buildings to vibrant music venues, told a different chapter of Nashville's past and present.

Here’s a snapshot of each legendary spot we visited on Nashville’s famed Broadway, each venue offering its own unique experience and vibe:

1. Tootsies Orchid Lounge

   A true Nashville institution, Tootsies Orchid Lounge has been hosting country legends and rising stars for decades. Located directly across the alley from the Ryman Auditorium, this world-famous honky tonk features four stages and three bars, each bringing live music nightly. With a lineup of local talent covering everything from original songs to classic and modern country hits, Tootsies has seen the likes of Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash grace its stage. Its “Wall of Fame” is adorned with photos and memorabilia, making it a historical treasure trove for country music fans.

   
   

2. The Stage

   Known for its lively, authentic honky tonk atmosphere, The Stage is a popular dive bar with a dance floor fit for any country fan. The bar’s centerpiece is an original oil painting of The Highwaymen, a treasured piece that once hung in Waylon Jennings’ Nashville home. From its intimate stage, you can hear some of Nashville’s best country musicians, surrounded by decades of history and echoes of classic country performances that made this venue a Broadway favourite.

   
   

3. Legends Corner

   Located right at the corner of Broadway and 5th Avenue, Legends Corner provides classic dive bar charm alongside top-notch country music. Its west-facing wall features a mural of country music legends, once including Taylor Swift—who was later replaced by Brad Paisley, sparking a bit of controversy. Inside, the music never stops, and with each performance, the bar pays homage to the icons and sounds of traditional country music.

   
   

4. Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up

   Just a block away from Broadway on 3rd Avenue, Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up brings a taste of the West and a bit of Louisiana flair to Nashville. With Lainey Wilson memorabilia lining the walls and a menu inspired by her Louisiana roots, this spot has quickly become one of the biggest and most sought-after rooftops in downtown. The multi-level honky tonk replaced the popular FGL House, and now combines Southern comfort with a buzzing, modern atmosphere.

   
   

5. JBJ’s

   Fusing rock ‘n’ roll with Nashville’s love of country, JBJ’s is Jon Bon Jovi’s contribution to the Broadway scene. Located on Broadway and 4th Avenue, this venue spans four floors with two rooftop patios, each with its own live band stage. The main stage on the first level offers a unique vantage, with bands visible from the 1st to 4th floors, giving visitors the full JBJ’s experience. Here, rock and country unite, making it a standout destination for music lovers of all kinds.

   
   

Each of these stops brought its own charm, history, and unforgettable live performances, capturing the essence of Nashville’s vibrant music scene. From Tootsies' storied walls to the rooftop views at Lainey Wilson’s and JBJ’s, Broadway truly came to life with the sounds of country, rock, and everything in between. Then we got tired after a full day, so we headed back to the Music City Loft.

To cap off our incredible Nashville journey, we had to check out of our loft by noon. By 11am, we were packed and ready but couldn’t resist one final stop just a block away: Morgan Wallen’s for one last toast to Music City. We soaked in an unforgettable three-hour set, savouring every song as we looked back on an incredible long weekend.

When it was finally time to head to the airport, we breezed through check-in and security. The WestJet ground crew in Nashville treated us with top-notch hospitality, ensuring our final moments in Nashville were seamless. We touched down in Toronto a bit later than expected after adjusting for the time difference, but the spirit of Nashville stuck with us long after we left.

This was a musical journey for the ages — one of the best musical trips of our lives, and we’re already dreaming up our next visit. Music lovers, you simply have to go to Nashville. Music City is everything it promises and more, and The Sound Cafe is sure to be back in Nashville very soon.

There are so many things to see and so many iconic venues to visit in Nashville. We had many people give their advice on what to do, but when it came down to it, Nashville is what you want it to be. Make your way there and let your heart take in the places that come into your space. It truly is a magical city, full of the most amazing talent imaginable.

Our experience in Music Row, Broadway, and the surrounding areas of the downtown core was safe and friendly. We love you, Nashville, and we’ll be back!