Birthplace of Country
Though country music now pervades every corner of Tennessee, historians place the beginning of the country-music industry in Bristol, a city in the state’s northeastern corner that straddles its border with Virginia. Last summer, the city welcomed the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which tells the definitive story of its role in music history.
Visitors to the museum will learn about the 1927 recording sessions that happened in Bristol and that helped launch the careers of performers such as the Carter family and Jimmie Rodgers. Artifacts include iconic instruments similar to those that would have been used in the original records, as well as signed instruments once own by artists such as Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs and Bill Monroe.
The museum features plenty of country music, as well as oral histories from people who participated in the 1927 recording sessions and country artists who were influenced by that early work.
www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
Remembering George Jones
Nashville is the country’s hub of all things country music and has a variety of first-rate music museums for visitors. The newest is the George Jones Museum, which opened in April downtown next door to the Wild Horse Saloon.
A legendary country performer, Jones died two years ago, but his wife, Nancy, was heavily involved in the opening of the museum. Visitors learn about Jones’ childhood in Texas, his time in the Marines, his early career as a radio announcer and his rise to fame as a country singer in the 1950s and 1960s. Exhibits feature footage of historic Jones performances and interviews from throughout his life.
One of the most exciting features is an interactive booth where visitors can sing along with Jones to some of their favorite songs. The museum also has a theater, a restaurant, a gift shop and a rooftop bar overlooking the Cumberland River.
New Digs at Dollywood
One of the biggest attractions in the Smoky Mountains will get a new feather in its cap this summer when Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort opens in Pigeon Forge on August 18. Located adjacent to Dollywood Theme Park, the new hotel property is already accepting reservations.
The 100-acre resort features more than 300 guest rooms and suites and features decor inspired by Parton’s childhood memories from growing up in the Smoky Mountains. In addition to standard hotel features, the resort will have storytelling spots, fire pits, rocking chairs, a welcoming front porch and other touches that give guests an authentic Tennessee mountain experience.
Guests staying at DreamMore will enjoy a number of special perks at Dollywood, including a private entrance to the park, front-of-the-line access to a number of rides and shows, and early entry into the park on busy Saturday mornings.
