WE’RE GOING TO NASHVILLE Y’ALL

we’re going to

After going virtual for our last few ALLPRO shows, we’re all chomping at the bit to gather once again and enjoy some good old-fashioned networking, collaboration, and togetherness. As grateful as we are for the technology that enabled us to keep the needle moving throughout the pandemic (and all the people who helped make it happen), there’s nothing quite like sharing space in real time. So pack your cowboy boots, your sense of adventure, and we’ll see you in Music City!

etween being the birthplace of country music, a popular spot for partygoers, and a haven for hot fried-chicken lovers, there are no shortage of reasons to visit Nashville’s lively surroundings. Neon signs, limestone architecture, and Americana are mainstays and there’s a palpable energy coursing through the city’s streets, filled with traditional Southern fare, the unmistakable hum of guitars and string instruments, and the old-fashioned charm of Tennessee. As the metropolitan center of the state, Nashville attracts visitors from near and far to get a taste of its iconic sights and sounds.

We’ll be calling Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel home for our stay, which features striking scenes of Nashville’s downtown skyline, luxurious rooms, and the delicious offerings of their signature restaurant, Little Fib. Located just a stone’s throw from the iconic Music Row, we’ll be in the heart of the city’s downtown district. Although we’ll have plenty to catch up on during our days (we have a lot planned to celebrate our reunion!), we also hope you’ll take the opportunity to explore and enjoy yourselves. It’s been a while since most of us have had the chance to travel, and Nashville’s fun-filled streets are the perfect place to get back into the swing of things. You won’t have to venture far before you run into the Johnny Cash Museum, a tribute to the late singer’s remarkable impact on the music industry.

Often referred to as a Southern boomtown, Nashville, albeit humble in population size, is steeped in historical significance and artistic appeal. It’s long been a destination for songwriters eager at making their mark in an oversaturated industry (in large part thanks to the Tennessee Center for Performing Arts), which makes for a remarkable concentration of talent. Live music is a constant, and you’ll run into a new up-and-comer on every street corner and in every bar.

Although the city’s first love has always been music, Nashville is also known for its sports. Packed stadiums, high decibels, and avid fans animate their teams. You might recall their NHL Predators’ playoff tradition of throwing a catfish onto the ice before every game—superstition or just an indication of their commitment to having a good old time? We’ll leave that up to you. Either way, we recommend joining in on the fun.

If you’re itching for a fun night out, Nashville is definitely the right place to be. One of the first cities to re-open nightclubs and return to shoulder-toshoulder soirees, it’s no accident that this city has the unofficial nickname of “Nashvegas.” With bars that stay open until 3 a.m., hundreds of spots to check out, plenty of live music to hear, you can stay out all night, hopping from bar to bar (don’t miss the fan-favorite, Tootsie’s!). Although Nashville might be known for its Tennessee Whiskey, those who have been say the craft beer is their main liquid attraction. Try a few innovative brews out whilst you have endless options in front of you.

We’re beyond thrilled to be gathering once again and looking forward to meeting up with old friends, welcoming new ones, and celebrating our members’ resilience and a return (to some sense of) normalcy. Here’s to making the most of it!

WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN

There’s no shortage of culture to be absorbed in the streets of Nashville. Here’s your cheat sheet of must-sees that aren’t to be missed.

1. THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ

An iconic but intimate spot that saw performers like Taylor Swift as regulars before rising to superstardom. You might just see country music’s next big thing before they hit the big time! Reservations recommended.

2. COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME

From Tim McGraw to Martina McBride, learn more about the people who brought the sound to life. Browse exhibits, catch live music, and witness the story of country music’s past.

3. MUSIC ROW

A historic district in the downtown area brimming with record labels, publishing houses, and studios. This is the heart of the entertainment industry and a great place to spot celebrities who might be recording their next single.

4. NASHTRASH TOURS

Hop on this giant pink bus tour and be greeted with the Jugg siblings’ hilarious antics.

It’s easily the best way to familiarize yourself with the sites and sounds of this bustling city.

Tickets often sell out months in advance, so we recommend making your bookings asap!

5. TOOTSIES

A world-famous honkey-tonk bar that’s been around since the ‘60s. Good fun for anyone who loves loud music and dancing. Known to have slipped cash into the pockets of luckless songwriters back in the day, this bar has their southern manners perfectly in check.

6. MAS TACOS POR FAVOR

This food-truck-turned-dine-in spot used to have lines wrapped around their buildings.

Pop in to try their fried avocado taco or house-made fries and watermelon agua fresca.

7. GRAND OLE OPRY

Home of the famed radio show and weekly country music stage concert, this venue is one of the city’s most iconic. Though tickets to the show are sometimes tough to nab, a walk by its exterior is worth the bragging rights.

8. CAPITAL VIEW

A walkable neighborhood that will help you get a feel for the pulse of the city.

Shop, eat, and wander around the downtown like you’re one of the locals.

9. BELLE MEADE HISTORIC SITE

A worthwhile stop off for any history buff. Experience the epitome of Southern hospitality, first occupied in 1807. Sip wine, eat, and browse the halls of this mansion-turned-museum.

10. MURAL ART TOUR

Nashville embraces the colorful artistic nature of its inhabitants with larger-than-life murals. Hop on one of the city’s golf cart guided tours to get the whole experience. Experience that warm Southern hospitality for yourself and stop in for a visit at one of our Tennessee member’s stores.

HOOVER PAINT 83 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN (35 minute drive)

COLUMBIA PAINT & WALLCOVER INC. 1114 Carmack Blvd., Columbia, TN (46 minute drive)

LEE PAINT CENTER 6620 Lee Hwy., Chattanooga, TN (2.25 hour drive)

CHATTANOOGA PAINT & DECORATING INC. 5529 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN (2.5 hour drive)

COLOR MARKET LLC 9717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN (2.75 hour drive)

GRANING PAINT COMPANY 600 Eadt Magnolia Ave., Knoxville, TN (2.75 hour drive)

FARRELL-CALHOUN CO., INC. 221 East Carolina Ave., Memphis, TN (3.25 hour drive)

GERMANTOWN HARDWARE & PAINT 2083 S. Germantown Rd., Germantown, TN (3.25 hour drive)