Grand Ole Opry House 50th Birthday, TN- 2024

DAY 1

Hop aboard and get ready for a "Grand Ole" country music tour as Wolf's travels to Nashville, Tennessee for the 50th Birthday celebration of the opening of the Opry House, home to the Grand Ole Opry Show. The Grand Ole Opry first opened in the Ryman Auditorium, but as the show's popularity grew and so did the audiences, the need for a larger venue arose. On March 15, 1974, the Ryman hosted its last Friday night show, and the birth of a new era took place with the opening of the new Opry House on March 15 featuring the Grand Ole Opry Show. Your tour begins with meal and rest stops enroute to Abingdon, Virginia where you check-in at the Comfort Suites Abingdon (276-698-3040) for an overnight stay. The hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and business center. In-room amenities include a microwave, mini refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer and complimentary wi-fi. After a brief time to freshen up, board the motorcoach for dinner, time to shop and entertainment included at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. Enjoy a delightful meal and take time to stroll through the Marketplace home to one of the area's largest eclectic collections of art including home décor, jewelry, glass, wooden and clay pieces, from some of Southwest Virginia's most talented artisans. You will also be entertained with live music to kick off your tour. Afterwards, you return to the hotel for the night.

DAY 2

A deluxe continental breakfast is included at the hotel before you check out and board the motorcoach for travel to Bristol, VA where admission is included at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. In affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute, the museum tells the story of our music heritage. From the Bristol Sessions and beyond, this region continues to influence music around the world. The museum embodies this accomplishment and promotes Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music. Explore the museum on your own and you will see why Bristol is home to the "big band" of country music through its award-winning interactive exhibits, related objects, photographs and more. Following your visit, you depart for Nashville, TN with lunch on your own enroute. Upon arrival in Nashville, you check-in at the 4-Star Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (615-889-1000) for a two-night stay. Enjoy a memorable experience where you can explore 9 acres of airy, indoor garden atriums and a state-of-the-art fitness center during your stay. Your guestroom accommodations include a mini refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, complimentary high-speed internet and iron/ironing board. This evening features the Opry House 50th Birthday Party Dinner with live entertainment that celebrates the legendary music from the old Ryman Auditorium to the music of today's stars at the Inn at Opryland. Sit and listen to the music, or if the mood strikes you get up and clap your hands and stomp your feet! Following the show, you return to Gaylord for the remainder of the night.

DAY 3

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach for an "Only in Nashville" experience, a Troubadour Music Sightseeing Tour with a singer/songwriter guide. Your narrated tour incorporates downtown Nashville's colorful history with drive-bys of the historic Ryman Auditorium, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Honky Tonk Row, Ernest Tubb's Record Shop and the Bluebird Café. Learn about what it's like trying to break into Nashville's music scene, and your Troubadour will serenade you with some of his/her original songs. Lunch will be on your own today following your tour. Next, admission is included at the Country Music Hall of Fame where the legends and their lyrics come to life. Created by the Country Music Association in the mid-1960's, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum tells the story of America's music through dynamic exhibits including artists clothing and instruments, historic country video clips and recorded music. The museum's core permanent exhibit tells the story of country music from its pre-commercial roots in the 19th century through its vibrant life today. In addition, temporary exhibits are on display throughout the building that highlight a specific country music artist more in depth. Afterwards, you have included a guided tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, the "Mother Church of Country Music". From 1943 to 1974, the Ryman was the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It was right here that country music found an audience beyond its own back porch, and countless careers took off as deals were signed on napkins and paper scraps backstage. Learn about its storied history and the names that lit up its marquee. The Opry broadcasted its last Friday show from the Ryman on March 15, 1974. George Morgan closed out the show with "Candy Kisses." After the Opry, Johnny and June Carter sang "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" on the following Grand Ole Gospel Time to end the evening. The next night, Roy Acuff opened the first show in the new 4,440 seat Grand Ole Opry House with a performance of "The Wabash Cannonball." President Richard Nixon was in attendance and lead the Opry audience in singing "Happy Birthday" to the First Lady, Pat Nixon. Dinner is included at the Opry Backstage Grill followed by a ticket included to see the Grand Ole Opry Show at the Opry House. The show is live and unrehearsed, you never see the same show twice! After a fun-filled day, you return to the Opryland Resort for the night.

DAY 4

Once again, breakfast is included at the Opryland Resort prior to check-out and departing for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Upon arrival in Pigeon Forge, you have time to stretch your legs and grab lunch on your own at The Island featuring more than 80 shops, restaurants and attractions. Next, you take a short drive to Sevierville to check in at The Lodge at Five Oaks (865-429-8300) for your last night's stay. Guestroom amenities include a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer and complimentary wireless internet. Ahoy Matey! Dinner and entertainment tonight is included at Dolly Parton's Pirates Voyage. Join Captain Blackbeard, the most famous pirate to ever sail the seven seas, and his quartermaster Calico Jack as they lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews in an epic battle for the lost treasure on land, on deck, in water and high above full sized pirate ships. Ye will thrill at the swashbuckling excitement of spectacular acrobatic competitions, aerial feats, beautiful mermaids and more. Enjoy a fabulous feast as you witness the heart-pounding excitement. You return to the hotel afterwards for the night.

DAY 5

Enjoy breakfast included at the hotel before you pack your bags and check out of your hotel for return back home with fabulous memories of "Grand Ole" country adventure. Meal and rest stops will be made along the way.

*

***ALL WOLF'S TOURS - TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner