Walkin' Nashville - Music City Legends Tour
Overview
This is a tour for music lovers and those 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 ‘n’ roll, for a tour experience that will make your visit to Nashville an unforgettable one.
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 ‘n’ roll, for a tour experience that will make your visit to Nashville an unforgettable one.
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Entry/Admission - Printer's Alley
- Entry/Admission - The Arcade
- Entry/Admission - The Peanut Shop
- Entry/Admission - Skull's Rainbow Room
- Entry/Admission - Tootsies Orchid Lounge
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Tennessee's only 5-star hotel, built in 1910. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, JFK, Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Woolworth Theatre, 223 Rep John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219-1901
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Arcade, 65 Arcade Alley, Nashville, TN 37219-1905
"Nashville's oldest shopping mall, " built in 1902. We will visit The Peanut Shop, which opened in 1927.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Peanut Shop, 19 Arcade, Nashville, TN 37219-1906
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Printer's Alley, Between 3rd Ave N & 4th Ave N An alley from Union St to Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville, 2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37228, USA
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?"
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219-2309
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
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203-3931
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."
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203-4206
The best of the music-related museums in Nashville, with a wonderful permanent collection and ever-changing exhibits.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Skull's Rainbow Room, 222 Printers Aly, Nashville, TN 37201-1403
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: The Hermitage Hotel, 231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Tennessee's only 5-star hotel, built in 1910. Guests have included Charlie Chaplin, Enrico Caruso, JFK, Paul McCartney and Dolly Parton.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Woolworth Theatre, 223 Rep John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219-1901
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Arcade, 65 Arcade Alley, Nashville, TN 37219-1905
"Nashville's oldest shopping mall, " built in 1902. We will visit The Peanut Shop, which opened in 1927.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: The Peanut Shop, 19 Arcade, Nashville, TN 37219-1906
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!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Printer's Alley, Between 3rd Ave N & 4th Ave N An alley from Union St to Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Millennium Maxwell House Hotel Nashville, 2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37228, USA
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?"
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Ryman Auditorium, 116 Fifth Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219-2309
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
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Tootsies Orchid Lounge, 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203-3931
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."
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203-4206
The best of the music-related museums in Nashville, with a wonderful permanent collection and ever-changing exhibits.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Skull's Rainbow Room, 222 Printers Aly, Nashville, TN 37201-1403
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Diana L
July 2023
Great tour with Bill on a Friday morning in June. He is extremely knowledgeable about Nashville, Country Music, and the history of music in general. The tour felt very personalized, as there were only 4 visitors in our group, and we enjoyed exploring local venues, restaurants, and historical sp...
Great tour with Bill on a Friday morning in June. He is extremely knowledgeable about Nashville, Country Music, and the history of music in general. The tour felt very personalized, as there were only 4 visitors in our group, and we enjoyed exploring local venues, restaurants, and historical spots. Bill even sent recommendations for live music during our stay, along with links for some of the things he taught us about. Highly recommend!Randy622
December 2022
Bill was a great host! He was well informed about the music industry, he's a very interesting guy with lots of hands-on experience with music legends and has a passion for Nashville. It was a really nice advantage to walk the area so we could stop at highlighted spots while Bill shared stories...
Bill was a great host! He was well informed about the music industry, he's a very interesting guy with lots of hands-on experience with music legends and has a passion for Nashville. It was a really nice advantage to walk the area so we could stop at highlighted spots while Bill shared stories instead of just driving by on a bus. He was well prepared with equipment to project his voice, he was patient and willing to answer any and all questions. We even got some super restaurant recommendations from him. Would highly recommend!PhyllisLeF
August 2021
Bill's tour of downtown Nashville was excellent. Being a musician and journalist gives him a perspective and insight into the interesting stories of the musicians who have performed in the city. He puts the interest in places of interest of his in-depth knowledge and personal experiences.
Bill's tour of downtown Nashville was excellent. Being a musician and journalist gives him a perspective and insight into the interesting stories of the musicians who have performed in the city. He puts the interest in places of interest of his in-depth knowledge and personal experiences.mehorton
October 2023
Absolutely amazing tour. Bill was so personable, and just an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Nashville music scene and its history. One of the highlights of our weekend, and I would consider it a Nashville must do!
Absolutely amazing tour. Bill was so personable, and just an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Nashville music scene and its history. One of the highlights of our weekend, and I would consider it a Nashville must do!Curious590756
October 2023
If you are interested in music at all this is the only tour to take. Just a very interesting and entertaining discussion. Bill is a KING!
If you are interested in music at all this is the only tour to take. Just a very interesting and entertaining discussion. Bill is a KING!jennyincaphill
October 2023
Bill is so kind, knowledgeable, and humble and shared amazing stories of Nashville music, many from his personal experience. Our whole group really enjoyed learning about the history of music in Nashville and history of the city itself. Highly recommend!!
Bill is so kind, knowledgeable, and humble and shared amazing stories of Nashville music, many from his personal experience. Our whole group really enjoyed learning about the history of music in Nashville and history of the city itself. Highly recommend!!