FOP Journal

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.