This summer, members will attend the Biennial Conference in the FOP’s home city, Nashville. Of course, Nashville is Music City to legions of country music fans because it’s home to the Grand Ole Opry, “country’s most famous stage.” They flock there to see their favorite performers, but music isn’t the only attraction in the Tennessee city.
“It’s a unique town. We’re looking forward to everyone coming to Nashville and enjoying what we have to offer,” says Johnny Crumby, president of the Tennessee State FOP Lodge and member of Andrew Jackson Lodge #5.
The local lodge is hosting the 63rd Biennial FOP Conference from August 27 to 31 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Organizers have assembled a comprehensive collection of seminars and presentations. Additionally, attendees can peruse the products showcased by hundreds of exhibitors. Of course, there’ll be plenty of downtime to explore and experience the local sights, sounds and flavors, starting with a concert for FOP members and their families.
“We’ll provide what we consider is a ‘Welcome to Nashville’ concert. There’s also the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday night, which is a typical Opry show, but this week will be our show,” says Crumby. “While country music is a big draw, there are plenty of things for everybody to do. Nashville is a hot spot for everybody to visit.”
To find out which spots to add to your must-see list, check out the following Nashville guide.
Grand Ole Opry
MUSIC NOTESSaturdays at the Grand Ole Opry are a must. Country music royalty including Loretta Lynn, Marty Robbins, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, as well as modern artists like Kellie Pickler, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean, have all performed for the world’s longest-running radio show from the stage of the 4,400-seat theater.
If you prefer a more intimate setting, Nashville’s honky-tonk scene will be music to your ears. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., there’s always someone playing a tune in one of the more than 100 clubs or small concert halls, especially on lower Broadway in downtown, which has been dubbed the honky-tonk highway. Also, head to the Bluebird Cafe, one of the most renowned listening rooms in Nashville. The venue has hosted countless upcoming singers and songwriters. To map out which clubs will showcase your favorite type of music, download the Nashville Live Music Guide, a free app.
The intimate Bluebird Cafe has been the launching pad for many music careers.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
No pilgrimage to Nashville would be complete without touring the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. View photographs and vintage video as well as listening to recordings documenting the genre’s history, then head around the corner to the Johnny Cash Museum. Named by Forbes magazine as one of the top five must-see sights in Music City, the museum features personal items of both Johnny and June Carter Cash as well as costumes and props from the Academy Award-winning biopic Walk the Line.
Johnny Cash Museum
Country isn’t the only music played in the city. Blues fans will want to drop in at B.B. King’s Blues Club or the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar. Or plan ahead and purchase tickets to hear blues icon Buddy Guy perform at the Nashville Symphony on August 27.
HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTSNashville’s story extends beyond its musical influence. In fact, signs of its historical impact are on display throughout city neighborhoods. History buffs should book a day to visit the Hermitage Mansion, home of President Andrew Jackson, where they can get a glimpse of Jackson’s original belongings.
Belle Meade Plantation is another historical home worth seeing. During its heyday, it was a preeminent thoroughbred stud farm. The Greek Revival mansion is open for traditional tours; adults can also enjoy a food-and-wine pairings option, or there’s an interactive treasure hunt for the kids.
The Nashville area played a strategic role in the Civil War. Fort Negley, the largest inland military post built during the conflict, now serves as a city park, with a visitors’ center, self-guided walking tours and interactive exhibits.
FAMILY FUNIf you’re in the mood to let loose with the family, cool off at Nashville Shores waterpark. Slide down rides like the Big Kahuna or kick back on the Castaway Creek Lazy River. Kids can splash around in the Wacky or Lily Pad Pools.
Nashville Shores
Adventure Science Center
After drying off, head to the Adventure Science Center with its hands-on exhibits: Experience 1/6 gravity in the Moonwalker, examine tiny elements of the nano world or pilot an aircraft through the simulated skies on Blue Max.
A trip to the Nashville Zoo invites humans to get up close to some of the facility’s most popular creatures. The spider monkey exhibit, which opened in April, provides guests a treetop view of this active species. After observing the animal inhabitants, children can run wild on the 66,000-square-foot jungle gym.
Nashville Zoo
Sports fans have scored because the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics, are scheduled for home games throughout the Conference. There’s even a fireworks show planned for the game on August 31. If you and the family prefer football, check in with the Tennessee Titans for practices open to the public as well as preseason home games — including August 27, when the Titans will be hosting the Chicago Bears, with kickoff scheduled at noon.
NASHVILLE NATUREIf you crave a dose of fresh air and sunshine after attending the information-packed seminars, a short drive brings you to J. Percy Priest Lake. The 42-mile-long lake is a local favorite for swimming and canoeing. Individuals with an adventurous spirit can take flight with Defiance Flyboard at Percy Priest Lake, Tim’s Ford Lake, Center Hill Lake or Dale Hollow Lake.
Pedal power is a fun way to get around town, explore shops or venture off-street on more than 80 miles of paved greenway trails. Nashville B-cycle rents bikes from 33 stations throughout the city, so you can pick up and drop off where it’s convenient for you. Memberships are available by the day or week for visitors.
NIBBLES AND DRINKSOf course, a trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Southern cooking. Hot chicken is on many restaurant menus. Legend has it a wronged girlfriend waged revenge on a lover by spiking his fried chicken with an extra generous dose of pepper. Turns out, her boyfriend liked the heat, and it’s now a favorite among residents.
Nashville is home to some famous eateries. Loveless Cafe, for example, has been feeding travelers for more than 65 years. Among the traditional comfort food staples are Annie Loveless’s biscuits, still prepared according to her original recipe.
Craft brewing is booming in Nashville. Several brews are sold in local restaurants and bars, and many breweries offer tours. But since you’re already in the area, drive to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in nearby Lynchburg to witness the whiskey-making process. Daily tours offer different views into the company’s history and how its famous spirit is concocted.
HOST LODGE HOSPITALITYAfter putting in more than six years of planning, the Andrew Jackson Lodge #5 is excited to welcome National FOP members to their hometown for this year’s Conference.
“We want you to see the sights and have a good time,” says Crumby. “You’ll definitely enjoy our Southern hospitality.”
For more information on the 63nd Biennial Conference, including schedules, vendors and more, check out the Summer 2017 issue of the Journal.
COMPLETE NASHVILLE GUIDEHere are the best activities, hotspots and places to eat during the 2017 FOP National Conference.
DO (continued)
General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Drive
(615) 458-3900
website
Jack Daniel Distillery
182 Lynchburg Highway
(931) 759-6357
website
Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
3777 Nolensville Pike
(615) 833-1534
website
Echoes of Nashville Walking Tours
5th and Broadway
(615) 576-0804
website
Green Fleet Bicycle Tours
132 2nd Avenue South
(615) 379-8687
website
Music City Brew Tours
Music City Center at 6th Avenue
(615) 485-1816
website
Nashville Pedal Tavern
1514 Demonbreun Street
(615) 390-5038
website
Sprocket Rocket Party Bike
625 Main Street
(615) 707-1023
website
EAT
The Loveless Cafe
8400 Highway 100
(615) 646-9700
website
Arrington Vineyards & Winery
6211 Patton Road
(615) 395-0102
website
Wildhorse Saloon
120 2nd Avenue North
(615) 902-8200
website
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
123 Ewing Drive #3
(615) 226-9442
website
Two Ten Jack
1900 Eastland Ave #105
(615) 454-2731
website
City House
1222 4th Ave N
(615) 736-5838
website
Martin’s Bar-B-Que
410 4th Ave S
(615) 288-0880
website
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
605 8th Ave S
(615) 256-4455
website
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
112 19th Ave S
(615) 678-4794
website
Dozen Bakery
516 Hagan St
(615) 712-8150
website
Puckett’s Grocery
500 Church St Nashville, TN
(615) 770-2772
website
Host Lodge #5 Special Event Schedule
Sunday, August 27
Welcome to Nashville: Party in the Yard
Everyone is welcome for a great night of music! We will be hosting a drink garden and the best Nashville food trucks just a short walk from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel at the Marshalling Yard. Musical performers will include Diamond Rio, Redhead Express, Branch & Dean and many others.
Monday, August 28
Night Out in Nashville Bash: Tour Downtown Nashville
This event includes roundtrip transportation to downtown Nashville, where you can visit the honky-tonks, museums and hundreds of restaurants.
Tuesday, August 29
Meet the Candidates: Hospitality Night
Visit all the candidates’ hospitality rooms. You will have the opportunity to speak with those asking for your vote.
Wednesday, August 30
Grand Ole Opry: Private Performance
Nothing says “Nashville” more than the Grand Ole Opry. The stars will be out as we host a Nashville tradition with surprise performers and guests. Don’t miss out on this memorable night!
Nashville entertainment packages available online at www.fop2017.com
STAY
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
(615) 615 889-1000
website
GO
The Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Pike
(615) 383-1461
website
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
222 Fifth Avenue South
(615) 416-2001
website
The Johnny Cash Museum
119 Third Avenue South
(615) 256-1777
website
B.B. King’s Blues Club
152 2nd Ave N
(615) 256-2727
website
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
220 Printers Alley
(615) 242-5837
website
Nashville Symphony
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
One Symphony Place
(615) 687-6400
website
Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage
4580 Rachel’s Lane
(615) 889-2941
website
Fort Negley
website
The Arts Company
215 5th Avenue North
(615) 254-2040
website
Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
(615) 356-0501
website
The Carter House
1140 Columbia Avenue
(615) 791-1861
website
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
1200 Forrest Park Drive
(615) 356-8000
website
Fontanel Mansion
4225 Whites Creek Pike
(615) 724-1600
website
Grand Ole Opry
2804 Opryland Drive
(800) SEE-OPRY
website
Historic RCA Studio B
222 5th Avenue South
(615) 416-2001
website
Lane Motor Museum
702 Murfreesboro Pike
(615) 742-7445
website
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
Historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium
401 Gay Street
(615) 244-3263
website
Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum
636 Farrell Parkway
(615) 832-8197
website
Willie Nelson & Friends Museum & General Store
2613 McGavock Pike
(615) 885-1515
website
DO
Nashville Shores
4001 Bell Rd.
(615) 889-7050
website
Nashville Sounds Baseball Club
First Tennessee Park
19 Junior Gilliam Way
(615) 690-HITS (4487)
website
Tennessee Titans Headquarters
Saint Thomas Sports Park
460 Great Circle Rd.
(615) 565-4200 (Ticket Office)
website
Defiance Flyboard LLC
(615) 956-3669
website
Nashville B-cycle
206 Capitol Boulevard
(615) 625-2153
website
Adventure Science Center
800 Fort Negley Boulevard
(615) 862-5160
website
Adventureworks
1300 Narrows of the Harpeth Park
(615) 297-2250
website
Gaylord Springs Golf Link
18 Springhouse Lane
(615) 458-1730
website
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