WASHINGTON, D.C., — The U.S. Travel Association announced on Wednesday the details of its annual international inbound travel trade show, IPW.
IPW will be held from September 18-22, 2021, in Las Vegas. The event will be live and in-person.
“Next year’s IPW will reunite the global travel community and be the keystone for safely rebuilding international travel to the United States,” said U.S. Travel Association president and CEO Roger Dow. “While IPW will look a little bit different next year, expect it to be the turning point for the all-important inbound travel sector.”
The event will be held in in the newly constructed West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“IPW is crucial to reviving international travel, and we’re pleased that the U.S. Travel Association is dedicated to holding an in-person show in Las Vegas next September,” said Steve Hill, CEO/president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “These new dates will allow greater flexibility for attendees and will ensure the best possible experience for a successful and productive trade show.”
Registration for IPW exhibitors is expected to open in November while IPW buyer and media registration will open in early 2021.
For more information available in the coming weeks, visit IPW.com.
It was only in late July that the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM) opened to the public, yet the new Colorado Springs attraction has already drawn much attention in the last two months.
“The museum is one of the most accessible and interactive museums in the world, designed so all guests experience the museum the same way,” said Tommy Schield, director of marketing and communications at USOPM. “Team USA athletes were involved and consulted throughout the project to achieve our goal of authentic experience and inclusive design.”
This includes activities and programming for students — offering them a chance to learn the history of the Olympics and Paralympics and listen to the stories of Team USA athletes.
Credit: Nic Lehoux
“Students can not only learn about the Games at the USOPM, but they also experience them,” Schield said. “The museum offers six interactive sports where visitors can try 30-meter dash, alpine skiing, archery, goalball, skeleton and sled hockey.”
Among USOPM’s 12 galleries is the Sports Science Lab — a great learning opportunity perfect for students. The lab demonstrates how science and technology help maximize athlete performance.
The World Watches gallery features artificial intelligence that allows students to have a conversation with an Olympic pr Paralympic athlete.
The museum plans to bring in a few programs for students in the coming weeks and months.
“The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum offers the resiliency curriculum and programming — which is funded by the Colorado Health Foundation — and will be available on usopm.org in the coming months,” Schield said.
On October 13 and 16, USOPM will host Cool Science Night, where participants will have the chance to design and create their own medal out of recycled materials and/or take the augmented reality scavenger hunt.
Credit: Nic Lehoux
In 2021, the museum will offer Japanese cultural programs including art camps and workshops, music and sport demonstrations, cooking classes and more — coinciding with the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
USOPM is taking extra steps to ensure guest safety and is currently using a timed-ticketing entry to comply with social distancing.
“That said, we require one chaperone per every 10 students,” Schield said.
Student groups should also make sure to stop by Flame Café, connected to the museum and offering Neapolitan-style pizza and gourmet salads and sandwiches crafted by an award-winning chef.
For more information call 719-497-1234 or go to usopm.org.
Surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville boasts a lively city scene and a plethora of outdoor activities.
“Asheville’s vibe is creative, welcoming, energetic and free-spirited,” said Beth McKinney, sales manager at Explore Asheville. “Whether seeking adventure or to unwind, the Asheville area offers groups more than just fantastic views of magnificent mountains. Our thriving city offers tours and activities for all interests, and it is very easy to incorporate immersive, local experiences like farm tours, glass-blowing demonstrations, wild food foraging or guided hikes.”
Sip on a local beer while enjoying the view of rolling mountains. Visit America’s largest home and dive into local and national history. Whether amid a bustling downtown or on a serene trail, Asheville is set to impress.
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center in downtown Asheville celebrates the history of Black Mountain College and preserves the impact it had on contemporary art, dance, theater, music and performance. View over 3,000 objects dating to the 1930s through the present and explore rotating exhibits showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, books and more.
EXPLORE
Credit: ExploreAsheville.com
At Chimney Rock State Park, groups can hike numerous trails and see a variety of wildlife less than an hour from downtown Asheville. Encounter ridgetop forests and sheer cliffs on the Skyline Trail or receive a rock-climbing lesson from a highly trained and certified guide. The park has been used for multiple films, including The Last of the Mohicans and A Breed Apart.
SIP
Credit: ExploreAsheville.com
Independent and family owned, Highland Brewing is Asheville’s oldest craft brewery and offers group tours of the facility and a history of the company — with beer tastings included. Visit the spacious taproom, enjoy live music at the Meadow Bar or discover immaculate views of the Blue Ridge Mountains atop Highland’s rooftop bar.
DISCOVER
Credit: Biltmore Estate
George and Edith Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate was completed in 1895 and is America’s largest home; The property boasts 250 rooms and over 178,000 square feet of space — all of which sits on 8,000 acres. Groups can explore the historic home and gardens on a guided tour, or even book an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
Vast open spaces, freedom to roam, and beautiful trails, gardens and nature preserves abound in Springfield, Illinois. Looking for an itinerary that allows for the appreciation of nature and the outdoors? Look no further.
The Carillon is one of the largest and finest of the world’s carillons, boasting 67 cast bronze bells covering a range of 5½ chromatic octaves. Located in historic Washington Park, the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is the site of numerous free public concerts, exciting community events and the world-renowned International Carillon Festival and Festival Fireworks Display, held each June. Click here for information on their free weekly concerts.
Lincoln Memorial Gardens
Lincoln Memorial Gardens represents the landscape Abraham Lincoln would have known growing up and living in the Midwest, containing plants native to the three states he lived in— Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Designed by internationally known landscape architect Jens Jensen, this 100-acre site features 6 miles of trails, footbridges, a pond, eight stone council rings and dozens of wooden benches inscribed with Lincoln quotes. The woodland and prairie garden beckons to thousands of visitors year round — families, birdwatchers, photographers, artists, nature enthusiasts and school children — to learn about nature and enjoy the wildflowers, trees and wildlife.
Washington Park Botanical Gardens
Washington Park Botanical Garden
Open year round, this is one of Central Illinois major horticultural attractions with 20 acres of land featuring more than 1,800 species of plants in 10 specific garden areas and the Conservatory. The Conservatory is a 50-foot diameter glass dome containing over 150 species of plants. The Botanical Garden also features an additional 9,000 square feet of indoor greenhouse area. Discover tropical Africa, the jungles of Asia and the rainforests of South America. Seasonal displays include Easter lilies, poinsettias, orchid exhibits and Japanese bonsai displays.
Riverside Stables
Riverside Stables
Reconnect with nature. Whatever your horsemanship needs, a first time rider looking for a scenic trail ride along the beautiful Sangamon River where Abraham Lincoln traveled or a horse lover wanting to take lessons, Riverside Stables is there to help! The stables can also provide canoe rentals, facilities for private parties or field trips for those looking for a new and exciting way to explore nature. Guided trail rides and riding lessons are available year round.
Biking and hiking trails
Consider taking your group for a morning walk or run to get the day started right! Opening at sunrise, the Springfield Park District manages an extensive trail system that connects Springfield to several surrounding communities. The trails are open to walkers, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, strollers, wheelchairs and cross-country skiers. The trails are open year round sun-up to sundown.
The American Rose Center in Shreveport, La., is the nation's largest park dedicated to roses. Credit: Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
SHREVEPORT, La. —Groups can engage their senses and experience the world of roses at the American Rose Center, the nation’s largest garden dedicated to roses. The 118-acre park is located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and serves as the national headquarters for the American Rose Society, featuring 20,000 rosebushes and a variety of companion plants, sculptures and fountains. Because of the garden’s outdoor space and beauty, it is the perfect activity for social distancing in groups.
The roses and rose gardens are at peak bloom and look their best from mid-April to late May and from mid-September to late October, with weather always being a factor.
American Rose Center Credit: Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
During the one-and-a-half-hour “All About the Roses” group tour, visitors can view the garden’s new additions whilelearning about the care, cultivation and history of the official flower of the United States — the rose. Visitors can stroll the gardens and grounds that display many unique rose varieties, including the test gardens and the horizon garden, which showcases some of the newest roses. At the end of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to taste roses in tea and jelly.
The American Rose Center is located at 8877 Jefferson Paige Road in Shreveport, Louisiana. The “All About the Roses” tour costs $10 per guest. To book a group today, visit rose.org/visit-public-gardens. Guided cart tours and motorcoach tours are also available for booking.
All About Roses, American Rose Center Credit: Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau
The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau is a complete resource for group planners. For more information about hotel discounts, group rates and group experiences in Shreveport-Bossier, contact Erica Telsee, tourism sales manager, at the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau, at 800-551-8682, ext. 104 or etelsee@sbctb.org or visit Shreveport-Bossier.org/Groups.
Robledillo de Gata, Extremadura, Spain
Credit: GTM/EllyDeVries
By Elly DeVries
My years of traveling have taken me to many places in Spain. I’ve visited the Prado Museum in Madrid, stood before the beautiful castle of Segovia and watched flamenco dancers in Seville. But, my visit to Extremadura last fall opened my eyes to the heart of Old Spain and the historic cities and towns that lie within.
The Extremadura region of Spain sits along the country’s western border. It’s neighbored by Portugal to the west and is bounded by the autonomous communities of Castile-León to the north, Castile–La Mancha to the east and Andalusia to the south.
My first impression of the region upon arriving to the medieval city of Robledillo de Gata was how rural it felt. The Midwesterner in me already felt connected to the vast farms, but the mountain range in the distance reminded me that I was, indeed, a world away. The region is known for its olive, fig, cherry and Iberian pig farms, as well as its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Roman history and picturesque natural landscapes.
These five experiences are just a small taste of what Extremadura has to offer.
1.Learn all about Spanish paprika
Paprika pepper farm, La Vera region, Extremadura, Spain Credit: GTM/Elly DeVries
Las Hermanas paprika factory, La Vera region, Extremadura, Spain Credit: GTM/Elly DeVries
Paprika, that red powdered spice that sits in your kitchen cupboard, has a long history in the La Vera region of Extremadura. There are three varieties of paprika: sweet paprika, Hungarian hot paprika and smoked paprika — the kind Extremadura is known for. Northern Extremadura has the perfect growing conditions for the peppers used in its smoked paprika, which is known as Pimentón de la Vera. Smoked paprika is a staple in Spanish cooking and is the key ingredient in classic dishes like Spanish chorizo, paella and traditional brava sauce.
We toured Las Hermanas paprika factory, which is the only female-owned paprika producer in Spain. They use three different varieties of peppers for their paprika, two sweet and one spicy. We learned about the process of making the spice — bags or peppers are dumped out and viewed for inspection before they are cleaned and dried over oak fires for more than a week. The peppers are then milled seven times before the paprika is ready. To schedule a group tour, operators should contact the Protected Designation of Origin Pimentón de la Vera.
The Extremadura region is responsible for approximately 6% of the total olive oil production in Spain. I visited the Almazara As Pontis olive oil mill, one of the most advanced of its kind in Extremadura. The family-owned company is located in the little town of Elijas in Sierra de Gata. On a tour of the mill, my group saw the entire process of making its extra virgin olive oil brand, Vieiru, from the time the farmers dropped off their olive loads through weighing, sorting and pressing. The company exports to over 22 countries with a production of over 300,000 liters (79,000 gallons) per year! Group tours can be scheduled in advance.
Next door to the olive oil mill is A Velha Fabrica, a four-star hotel that stands on the remains of an old textile, olive oil and soap factory. It’s owned by the same family that owns the mill. Guests can buy botttles of the Almazara As Pontis olive oil right on-site. My group toured the beautiful property before enjoying our olive oil tasting. As the experts say, “swirl, sniff, taste and swallow.”
Extremadura is famous for its specialty Iberian cured ham. Iberian pigs, a traditional breed, graze in the area’s oak forest landscape, or dehesa. The pigs feast on acorns and herbs, which gives the cured ham delicacy its unique flavor.
I toured an Iberian pig farm before visiting a factory to learn about the ham’s journey from the countryside to the table. There, I learned the art of carving the meat before sampling some myself. The ham’s flavor definitely lived up to the hype!
An official Iberian Ham Route links woodlands, mountains, towns and villages throughout Extremadura. To book group jamón tours, contact Pepe Alba with Turismo del Jamón or Marcos Torres of EXTREM jamón factory.
4.Visit heritage sites
Extremadura is home to many heritage sites and historic places.
The charming city of Plasencia combines culture with nature. On a guided tour of the city, I learned the walled city center is designated a Cultural Heritage Site, in part because of its religious buildings, aqueduct, palaces and natural surroundings.
The city of Cáceres is a UNESCO World Heritage City because of its blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles. I was taken aback by how truly beautiful the city was and my photographs didn’t nearly do it justice. As I walked along the narrow, cobbled streets, I took in the sights of mansions, palaces, churches and towers. While here, consider staying at NH Collection Palacio de Oquendo, it’s centrally located but also very conducive to groups, espcially because coaches can pull up right in front of the hotel.
Another UNESCO World Heritage City is Extremadura’s capital, Mérida. Touring the city is like traveling back in time to the Roman Empire. A Roman theater still operates some 2,000 years later, in addition to other Roman ruins like an amphitheater, a temple and a bridge. Visitors can take in more Roman culture at the National Museum of Roman Art.
5. See the dolmens
Dolmen, Valencia de Alcántara, Extremadura, Spain Credit: GTM/Elly DeVries
The town of Valencia de Alcántara, which sits in the mountains along the Spain-Portugal border, lies inside the Tagus International Nature Reserve. The Spanish portion of the reserve covers 28,000 hectares (69,190 acres) and is home to many threatened species. My group took a Jeep tour in the park, where our guide showed us cork trees and explained how cork is harvested.
Our guide then took us to see one of Europe’s largest groups of dolmens — single chamber megalithic tombs. The municipality of Valencia de Alcántara has 48 dolmens in total. The monuments are individual or collected burial sites that date from between the Neolithic and the Chalcolithic periods. The structures are simply amazing and are best experienced with a guide, although self-guided exploration is also an option.
In addition to the dolmens, another must-see for visitors is the beautiful Roman Bridge at Alcántara. The massive Roman construction is 180 meters (590 feet) long and 9 meters (30 feet) wide. It offers a stunning background for group photos!
Roman Bridge, Alcántara Credit: GTM/Elly DeVries
More to know
Where to stay: Choose a parador (luxury accommodations in a historic building) for your groups’ overnights. I can personally recommend Parador of Jarandilla de la Vera (a castle), Parador de Plasencia (a 15th-century convent) and Parador de Mérida (an 18th-century convent). All are very accommodating for groups.
Hear another language: No, I don’t mean Spanish! The residents that live in valley towns in northwestern Extremadura speak a different language called A Fala. The romance language is only spoken by some 10,500 people. Most Spaniards don’t know how to speak it or that it even exists! I heard it spoken in the charming village of San Martín de Trevejo.
Closest airports: I flew into Madrid Barajas International Airport, but if you start your journey in Mérida, you could fly into Seville Airport.
Thousands of students come to the Nation’s Capital every year to immerse themselves in the history of the United States. Located directly across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Fairfax County perfectly positions student groups to experience the monuments and memorials, but also the living history in Virginia. Even after the sun sets and museums close, students can keep the fun going with a plethora of after-hours activities, ranging from laser tag to murder mystery dinners.
Fairfax County checks off all the boxes for tour operators as well; group-friendly dining options are abundant in the area, while more than 100 hotels are additionally available to fit every groups’ needs.
“Only in Fairfax County can you step back in time in an 18th century president’s home and then jump into the future by viewing spectacular spacecraft all in one day,” said Linda Horowitz, national and international sales manager for Visit Fairfax. “From art to artifacts, biking to boat rides, and history to hiking, students will love connecting with America in Fairfax County!”
Walk in the footsteps of the nation’s first president, George Washington, at his Mount Vernon home. As the most visited historic estate in America, Mount Vernon offers students a glimpse into 18th-century plantation life with beautiful grounds, intriguing exhibits and immersive programs. Don’t miss Be Washington, an award-winning interactive experience where students face leadership challenges, or The Situation Room, a high-intensity role playing crisis simulation.
George Mason University
Credit: Courtesy of Visit Fairfax
George Mason University, the largest university in Virginia by enrollment, offers hands-on immersive STEM experiences. Learn about emerging career fields like forensic science, data science, bioinformatics climate dynamics, environmental science, geoinformation science and others. Half-day and multi-day programs are available and feature a campus tour, meeting faculty, lab work and collaboration with current George Mason students.
Workhouse Arts Center
Credit: Courtesy of Visit Fairfax
Explore a former prison turned vibrant art space at the Workhouse Arts Center. The campus is home to more than 65 working artists and offers student groups a variety of artist-led workshops including ceramics, drawing, eco art, glassblowing, theater improv and dance. The center is also rich in history; visit the on-site Lucy Burns Museum to learn about the women imprisoned a century ago demanding the right to vote. Take part in a thrilling interactive murder mystery meal.
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Credit: Courtesy of Visit Fairfax
Marvel at rockets, planes and satellites at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. It is the companion facility to the museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and together the two locations house the largest collection of air and space artifacts in the world. The center offers free STEAM lab experiences; one-hour programs combining demonstrations, experiments and hands-on activities for both middle and high schoolers.
River-Sea Chocolates
Credit: Courtesy of Visit Fairfax
River-Sea Chocolates is an intimate, family-owned chocolate factory that crafts artisan chocolate using premium quality cacao sourced from small-scale sustainable farms around the world. Make your own custom chocolate bars or enjoy a bean-to-bar factory tour to see, smell, touch and taste the entire process of chocolate making. This educational voyage touches on factors that contribute to social and environmental impacts of cacao trade. The bar decorating class allows students to let loose their creative side.
Conrad Road, Ludington, Mich., Credit: ToddandBradReed.com/Courtesy of TravMedia.com
LUDINGTON, Mich., — The Lake Michigan resort town of Ludington is welcoming the fresh new colors of fall with a number of modified events and new exhibits at local attractions.
“Autumn has always been a popular time to visit Ludington, and even more so now as families seek activities and events that provide safe social distancing,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve put some fun twists on past events plus added new events and attractions for plenty of options, in addition to Mason County’s stunning natural resources to get off the grid.”
Credit: ToddandBradReed.com/Courtesy of TravMedia.com
At Historic White Pine Village, “Beyond the Game” interactive exhibit features the history of many popular sports with the stories of Mason County Hall of Fame inductees and professional athletes. Visitors will also see Detroit Tigers memorabilia.
“Travelling in Time,” also new to Historic White Pine Village, displays seven iconic vehicles dating from 1917 to 1967.
In mid-October, the Port Ludington Maritime Museum will welcome the Armistice Day exhibit. The permanent addition will commemorate the Armistice Day Storm on November 11, 1940 which killed 154 people on Lake Michigan. Visitors will explore three sunken freighters that were victims to the storm and learn just how powerful the storm was.
Ludington is also proud to be one of the six northern Michigan communities participating in the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Inside Out Program. Eight DIA art reproductions can be found at various venues in Ludington, which are listed on the Ludington Area Center for the Arts website.
Ludington will also continue with a number of fall events with modified schedules and rules in order to adhere to state and local safety guidelines. Events include Octoberfest, Courtyard Concerts, Camp Sauble Cages of Carnage Haunted Attraction tours and more. A full list can be found on the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website.
In addition, visitors booking a stay at Mason County participating lodging properties can receive discounts for a second night stay Sundays through Thursdays through October 31.
About Ludington
Credit: ToddandBradReed.com/Courtesy of TravMedia.com
Ludington, Michigan, lying on the shores of Lake Michigan offers unspoiled natural beauty. In the fall, the region comes alive with bright colors that can be enjoyed at Ludington State Park, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and other local parks and forests. The region boasts small-town charm while also being within easy reach to U.S. 31 and U.S. 10. For more information on the Ludington Area and Mason County, visit PureLudington.com.
Credit: Courtesy of Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
In Weston, West Virginia, stands the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, now a National Historic Landmark that served as the state mental institution from 1864 to 1994. Now privately owned, Trans-Allegheny provides history and ghost tours for groups.
“Since opening for tours in 2008, we have continued diligent research to provide the most accurate and insightful experience possible,” said Bethany Cutright, office manager at Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. “Our historic tours are presented honestly, with both the good and the bad of the past, while striving to deliver the information with respect to the people whose lives were touched by the hospital.”
With notice, the asylum can accommodate groups of 100 or more. Booking specialists help operators choose which tours will fit groups best, creating a personal experience for every group.
The four historic tours provide insights into everything from the evolution of mental health care to the architectural history of the building.
Groups will journey through four floors, visiting nurses’ quarters, Ward F where the most deviant patients stayed, the first floor of the Medical Center and so much more.
In addition, the asylum houses museum exhibit areas that include additional information, artifacts and memorabilia of the asylum.
“There is a patient art gallery that features hundreds of authentic art projects from patients who took part in the hospital’s art therapy programs,” Cutright said.
Daytime Paranormal Tours at Trans-Allegheny tell stories of ghostly sightings and mysterious occurrences within the walls of the asylum, taking groups to the four hottest spots in the asylum.
For a more in-depth paranormal experience, reserve space in one of the overnight Ghost Hunts. Guides will come along and assist groups in their exploration as they search for the asylum’s well-known ghostly inhabitants. Private overnight Ghost Hunts are also available for groups of at least 10 people.
“We strive to provide a top-notch experience for groups,” Cutright said. “And with reservations, we can ensure designated tour guides and the best experience possible.”
Kelsey Smith playing the Steinway piano at Historic RCA Studio B Credit: GTM/Kelsey Smith
Last fall, I crossed off a destination near the top of my bucket list — Nashville, Tennessee.A major music fan, I knew this lively city was going to leave a lasting impression (spoiler alert: it did).
My group and I visited during Nashville’s Americanafest, a six-day annual event that brings together fans and music industry professionals from all over the world through panels, seminars and networking opportunities by day, and raw, intimate shows by night. The festival celebrates the melting pot of genres that is Americana — roots, folk, country, blues and soul.
Honky Tonk Highway Credit: Jake Matthews
Today, things look a little different in Nashville, but the city’s energetic spirit is unwavering. With the presence of COVID-19, the city is making safety its top priority for groups.
“As the city continues to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Nashville looks forward to safely welcoming visitors and groups to the city,” said Laurel Bennett, vice president of tourism sales for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Our hospitality safety program, Good to Go, is a group of over 600 area businesses who are committed to the highest level of safety standards and practices put forth by the Metro Health Department and the CDC.
“In and around Nashville, storefronts of participating businesses will be marked with a green music note decal to designate their participation, she said. “We encourage visitors to patronize businesses adhering to these rules to ensure their safety is top of mind while visiting Music City.”
Nashville’s sound
Of course, when in Nashville, groups have to stop by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Not a country music fan? No problem. The museum has something for everyone.
“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-see when in Nashville,” Bennett said. “Visitors can learn the history of country music through artifacts, interactive exhibits, recorded sound and more. With new touchless entry protocols and timed arrivals, groups will be able to enjoy the museum safely.
“Groups may request priority tour times with morning hours and access to the galleries prior to the public,” she said. “Current exhibits include Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors (through April 16, 2021), and Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ‘70s (through Feb. 14, 2021).”
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Credit: GTM/Kelsey Smith
After touring the museum for a few hours, our group stopped by Historic RCA Studio B, Nashville’s oldest recording studio. Built in 1957, the studio is known as the birthplace of the “Nashville Sound,” a style characterized by background vocals and strings that helped establish Nashville as an international recording center. Studio B was once home to musical legends, including Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Chet Atkins and the Everly Brothers.
Being able to stand in the same room where these iconic musicians recorded was so surreal. We all got to sit down at Elvis’ favorite piano (a Steinway) and listen to some of the hits he recorded in that room, including “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
Turn up the heat
Nashville is known for a lot of things, but its hot chicken rises to the top of the list. Nashville hot chicken has three major components: bread, chicken and pickles. Authentic Nashville hot chicken uses simple white bread. Each restaurant may have its own secret blend of spices, but the base remains the same — the chicken is fried and coated in seasonings, most typically in a “dry” sauce. And, it’s hot. As for the pickles, they must be dill.
Hattie B’s family-run business is one of Nashville’s favorite hot chicken joints.
Hattie B’s Credit: Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
“A trip to Nashville isn’t complete without a taste of famous Nashville hot chicken,” Bennett said. “With heat levels ranging from ‘Southern’ to ‘Shut the Cluck Up,’ it’s up to you to decide how adventurous of an eater you’ll be! Don’t forget some pimento mac and cheese, black-eyed pea salad and banana pudding.”
Full disclosure: I tried the ‘Shut the Cluck Up” heat level, and all I have to say is that it’s definitely true to its name.
My week in Nashville was incredible; the “Songwriting Capital of the World” definitely did not disappoint. Between exploring the vibrant neighborhoods and learning about the city’s roots and taste-testing the local fare, there was never a dull moment. I’m looking forward to visiting Music City again — there’s nothing quite like it.
For more information on Nashville, contact the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. at 800-657-6910 or visitmusiccity.com.
