Tour America’s music hotspots and see Churchill Downs, too
Kelly Watson, Business Development Manager with WestWorld Tours is thrilled to lead the popular WestWorld Branson, Nashville and Pigeon Forge excursion.
“It’s an exciting tour that begins with a transfer and overnight in Louisville where we meet our guide for some next day information,” said Watson.
“Then it’s time to relax before a good night sleep as the adventure begins. After a great breakfast, which, by the way, is included each morning along with all dinners, we take a tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.”
With a beautiful drive through the Smokey Mountains, the tour heads to Pigeon Forge, the home of Dolly Parton. That evening, the group will enjoy an unusual, fun-filled dinner show at Dolly’s Dixie Stampede.
The next day, the group visits Dollywood Theme Park, with afternoon and evening activities that include shopping, attending shows, visiting museums and displays, and seeing Dolly’s childhood home.”
For the kid in us, there are many rides including a wonderful old steam train ride around the park. After the included dinner, everyone will be treated with about three to four million twinkling lights decorating the park, topped off with an electric light parade.
Next stop is Nashville, otherwise known as Music City, the cultural epicentre of music and a visit to Ryman Theatre, built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle and used for the Grand Ole Opry broadcasts from 1943 to 1974.
The WestWorld Tours group will enjoy a Nashville sightseeing excursion, and a tour of the historic RCA Studio B. This is one of the world’s most important and successful recording studios that gave birth to the Nashville Sound, famous for its vocals and strings background, and the place where Elvis, Jerry Lee and Johnny Cash recorded.
Memphis, the home of Elvis and his Graceland Mansion, is the next destination.
Spend the afternoon visiting the mansion, perusing the many museums, touring his home and even his airplanes. For the evening, enjoy an optional shuttle to one of the most iconic streets in America, Beale Street, the Home of the Blues. Browse through a couple of shops or visit one of the 25 Blues clubs along the way.
Be sure to stop and sample some of the best ribs you’ll ever have!
From Memphis, it’s time to travel to Branson for a four-night stay. With over 50 theatres, there’s a variety of fantastic live entertainment to choose from including Yakov Smirnoff, Daniel O’Donnell, Presley Country Jubilee and much more.
The popular WestWorld Branson, Nashville and Pigeon Forge excursion takes place in late fall which makes for a very festive journey as all the theatres, streets and building exteriors are decorated for Christmas.
There are Christmas trees and traditional holiday music, and the view of the valley at night in Branson is breathtaking, getting everyone into the spirit of the season.
“The local people are so gracious and friendly.
“Some people sign up for this tour every year as the theatre shows change each season so there is always something new to enjoy,” said Watson.