Nashville Awaits Your Arrival for #OTOMTG23
There is much for you to see and do in Nashville, Tennessee, during the AAO-HNSF 2023 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, from September 30 to October 4. Known worldwide as “Music City,” Nashville is a southern, cultural city with amazing food and entertainment. It is teeming with country legends, songwriting superstars, and a legacy of diverse music encapsulated in a town with live performances, stunning exhibits, charming shops, culinary treasures, and architecture. Nashville has emerged into a destination city bustling with visitors eager to explore everything it has to offer.
Fun Facts About Nashville
The year that the first FM-broadcasting license went to Nashville’s WSM radio station
The year that Nashville was founded
Vanderbilt University student Morris Frank, who was blind, brought the first service dog back to the U.S.
Musical Entertainment in Nashville
Known for being the ultimate hub for live performances and music opportunities, Nashville has over 100 venues to choose from while visiting. Many popular figures in music have graced the stages of these establishments, turning them from small-town cafes to big-time attractions. Along with an increase in visitors, these venues continue to produce high-quality performances time after time. To further enhance your visit to Nashville during the AAO-HNSF 2023 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, we have compiled a list of venues that are sure to entertain you.
The Grand Ole Opry
Known as the show that made country music famous, the Grand Ole Opry consists of an ever-changing lineup of live performances by well-known artists and country legends. The venue offers daily tours of the facility and backstage passes for VIP participants.
The Bluebird Café
Nashville’s songwriting scene is showcased extremely well by the popular Bluebird Café. This small venue is where many artists, including Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Garth Brooks, first got their start. The venue also gives songwriters the opportunity to perform songs they wrote but were popularized by other artists.
Ryman Auditorium
A living museum that continues to be an iconic music venue for musicians from around the world, the Ryman Auditorium is an excellent place to explore Nashville’s rich musical roots and appreciate the space in which some of the biggest artists have performed. It was also once home to the Grand Ole Opry.
Ole Red
Located near the Ryman Auditorium, this upbeat establishment offers great food, drinks, and performances by top talents in country music.
Honk Tonk Central
Described as a great environment with delicious food and live performances daily, Honky Tonk Central provides visitors with the ultimate Southern experience. This three-level pub is a great spot to unwind and can be found in the lively atmosphere of Lower Broadway, a popular thoroughfare in the heart of downtown Nashville.
The Listening Room Café
Live performances are the main attraction at the Listening Room Café. Paired with locally sourced food and drinks, this venue is perfect for all fans of music.
The Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom
The Ray Stay Stevens CabaRay Showroom offers a unique experience of fine dining and live performances by the legendary country artist himself, Ray Stevens. This venue seats over 500 guests while maintaining a level of authenticity and intimacy.
Dining in Nashville
Not to be outmatched by its amazing music scene, Nashville also has an impressive array of food options to choose from. The diversity of the city’s culture is evident in its dining, with tastes ranging from Southern BBQ to Mexican cuisine to a large variety of vegan dishes.
Live Entertainment and Food: If you’d like to experience the best of both worlds, there are several local establishments that offer live entertainment while you eat, most of which can be found in Lower Broadway.
Budget Friendly: If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat that is not only tasty but inexpensive, there are several local food options to choose from.
Vegan Eateries: Nashville’s array of vegan food has improved drastically over the years. There is a variety of vegan dining options to choose from. Below are just a few that may satisfy your tastebuds.
Fine Dining: Satisfy your palate by experiencing the best Nashville has to offer with these fine-dining establishments.
Nashville Hot Chicken: Hot Chicken is a Nashville original! This fried chicken dish doused in fiery spices and served on a bed of white bread with a pickle can be found at restaurants throughout the city, with heat levels ranging from mild to extremely hot.
Other Things to Do While in Nashville
In case you were wondering how to truly experience Nashville during the AAO-HNSF 2023 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, we have provided a sample of activities to partake in during your visit.
Tennessee State Museum: The Tennessee State Museum showcases the history of Tennessee. There are several rotating exhibits, many of which cater to children, making it the perfect destination for families to visit.
Parthenon: Add the Parthenon to your list if you consider yourself a connoisseur of art. This Greek inspired structure contains a variety of nineteenth- and twentieth-century art represented by paintings, sculptures, and antiques.
The National Museum of African American Music: The National Museum of African American Music is the only museum in the United States that highlights and preserves the contributions made in music by Black musicians. By integrating history and interactive technology, the museum brings musical heroes of the past into the present all while sharing the story of the American soundtrack through expertly-curated collections.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: An expansive structure that holds an ample collection of artifacts, culture, and contributions related to the country music genre, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the perfect location to visit during your down time. It will also be the site of the Opening Ceremony, Sunday morning, 8:00 – 9:00 am (CT), to kick-start your Annual Meeting experience.
Football Games: October is a great time for football fans. During your stay, both Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee Titans have home games.
Tour the City: Explore various parts of Nashville within a couple of hours. There are plenty of tours available such as the Old Town Trolley that visits 13 destinations, has two level seating, and provides knowledgeable guides.
Walk Eat Nashville: Take a guided food tour with Walk Eat Nashville, one of the nation’s top 15 food tours to date. For three hours, you’ll get the opportunity to visit five restaurants, enjoy personal interactions with the chefs, and eat a variety of delicious foods.
Madame Tussauds Nashville: If you’ve ever wanted to see some of your favorite celebrities up close, you have to visit Madame Tussauds in Nashville. It contains some of the most legendary figures in the music industry remade into wax figures and put on display for visitors to interact with. Attendees can use this promo code for a discount during their visit.
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere: If you love animals, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is a must visit destination while in Nashville. Conference attendees can you this promo code to get discounted pricing during their visit!
Nashville Public Library: Nashville Public Library presents curated exhibits in the Main Library Courtyard Gallery and at Branch Libraries. Galleries are open during regular library hours. All exhibits are free and open to the public. Visit the Nashville Public Library to learn more about the current exhibits.
Annual Meeting #NashvilleNuggets
Did you know that the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, honors musicians from all genres of music, who have played on thousands of iconic recordings? Check out the museum exhibits, including the Grammy Museum Gallery, an interactive experience including songwriting and playing instruments, while attending AAO-HNSF 2023 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience, September 30 – October 4. Follow us on follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @AAOHNS.
