If you’re a lover of good ole country tunes, don’t hesitate to add these destinations to your bucket list
Is your cowboy boot collection taking up most of the space in your closet? Are country music concerts consuming all your cash? Do your dreams feature folky songs and romantic ballads? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, there’s a chance that you’re a real lover of the country music scene. So, the next time you’re itching to hit the open road for a vacation or jet set off to a new destination for a spontaneous trip, why not head to those cities that truly embrace the honky-tonk lifestyle? Here are a few must-visit cities for country music aficionados everywhere.
Nashville, Tennessee
It’s really no surprise that Nashville is the number one location on this list. Famously dubbed the ‘Country Music Capital of the World,’ or ‘Music City’, Nashville is jam-packed full of tourist attractions for country music lovers, including a handful of important landmarks and sights such as the iconic Grand Ole Opry venue and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Any street you head down in the downtown area is sure to have some sort of live music to please your eardrums, and a slew of delicious restaurants to satisfy your palate. Countless legends got their start here, so you’ll be walking the same ground as Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, and Carrie Underwood, to name but a few.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of country music, but this gaming haven has plenty of country-style restaurants and locales that cater to fans of the genre. After all, Vegas is set in the middle of the desert where the cowboy scene is alive and well. Some unmissable Sin City country spots include Fremont Country Club, Saddle N Spurs Saloon, and Stoney’s Rockin’ Country. Choosing Vegas for a country music vacation means you’ll have access to both an incredible country community and entertainment opportunities galore. For example, a typical day could look like attending a live country concert and then heading to the casino to play a round of roulette in a snazzy venue. Before you go, just remember to brush up on the mathematical systems that make it tick so that you’re not confused once you’re standing in front of the dealer and the wheel. Likewise, don’t forget to check out the performance schedule for your favorite bands and singers so you have your ticket booked and don’t have to worry about anything selling out. Vegas awaits!
Austin, Texas
Does any state scream country in the same way that Texas does? We recommend Austin specifically as there is something always going on in the city related to the country music scene. Whether it’s snapping a selfie in front of a statue of Willie Nelson, catching a show at one of the many local music venues, or chowing down on some local southern food, you’ll leave satisfied. Additionally, if you’re looking to get your rodeo dance on, venues like The Broken Spoke and The White Horse provide two step lessons for locals and tourists. Not to mention legendary country star Kenny Chesney is scheduled to perform in Texas this summer on his Here and Now tour. How many more reasons could you need to pay the Lone Star State a visit?
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Another city in the southern state of Tennessee that is deserving of a visit is Pigeon Forge. This is the home of an amusement park that is most likely high on the bucket list of country music fans everywhere – Dollywood, (honoring the Grammy-winning country artist Dolly Parton). Try to visit in the summertime when the park hosts the ‘Great American Country Show’ that features a variety of live music all day long. Who knows, maybe Dolly herself will make an appearance on the grand stage!
