Finding Classic Country Music in Modern Nashville

Nashville may be changing, but for classic country music fans, Music City still offers plenty of places where the spirit and sound of traditional country music lives on. Beyond the neon lights and modern party scene, there are legendary venues, historic landmarks, and authentic honky-tonks where the stories of country music’s greatest stars still echo through the streets.

If you love artists like Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, or Hank Williams, these Nashville stops deserve a spot on your itinerary.

1. Ryman Auditorium

No place in Nashville is more important to classic country music history than the Ryman Auditorium. It is known as the “Mother Church of Country Music” because the building started out as a church and the Grand Ole Opry was broadcast there from 1943 to 1974. It welcomed nearly every legendary country artist to its famous stage.

When the Opry moved from the Ryman to the Opry House, a small part of the Ryman went with it. They cut out a circle from the Ryman stage and placed it in the new stage. This way, new country artists could stand on the same stage as the greats that came before them.

The auditorium seats are also the original church pews!

As you walk outside the building, you’ll find statues of a few country legends including Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, George Jones, and Little Jimmy Dickens. You’ll also find a statue of Thomas Ryman, the riverboat captain who built the Union Gospel Tabernacle after he heard a sermon from the Reverend Sam Jones and converted! The name of the building was changed after Thomas’ death.

The Ryman offers daily guided and self-guided tours.

2. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Just steps away from the Ryman sits the famous purple building known as Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. This legendary honky-tonk became a second home for many country stars during the Grand Ole Opry’s Ryman years. Since the Ryman had no dressing rooms at the time, performers would walk through the alley behind the auditorium and gather at Tootsie’s between sets. Willie Nelson famously joked that it was “17 steps to Tootsie’s and 34 steps back.”

Originally known as Mom’s, this legendary bar was purchased by Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess in 1960. When the painter Tootsie hired to paint the building painted it purple, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge was born.

Over the years, artists like Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Roger Miller, and many others spent time inside these walls.

While Tootsie’s is still a supportive venue for new and up-and-coming artists, the music here will definitely be more modern. However, the atmosphere and history alone make Tootsie’s one of Nashville’s most iconic stops.

Go in and check out all the classic country music memorabilia inside!

3. Robert's Western World

If you are searching for authentic traditional country music in Nashville, Robert’s Western World may become your favorite stop in Nashville. Often called Nashville’s Home of Traditional Country Music, Robert’s still embraces the classic country sound with steel guitar, stand-up bass, and old-school honky-tonk energy.

Unlike many Broadway bars that focus on modern country, rock, and pop hits, Robert’s proudly keeps traditional country alive. The musicians are among the best in Nashville, and you’ll often hear songs from legends like Merle Haggard, George Jones, and Hank Williams throughout the day.

And if you get hungry, don’t miss the cheapest meal on Broadway. Robert’s offers their famous “Recession Special” which includes a fried bologna sandwich, a bag of chips, a MoonPie, and a PBR beer for just six dollars!

If you’re looking for a spot in modern Nashville to hear classic country music, you’ll want to spend some time in this classic honky-tonk.

4. Nudie’s Honky-Tonk

Nudie’s Honky-Tonk celebrates the legacy of Nudie Cohn, the famous designer behind the rhinestone-covered “Nudie Suits” worn by many country stars including Hank Williams, Sr., Gene Autry, Johnny Cash, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Roy Rogers, to name just a few.

Nudie also made suits for John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Ronald Reagan, and John Wayne! He also created Elvis’ gold lamé suit, which you can see inside the honky-tonk.

But he didn’t stop with clothing. Nudie also customized cars with silver-dollar dashboards, pistol door handles and gearshifts, extended rear bumpers, and large longhorn steer hood ornaments.

This honky tonk features country music memorabilia, classic stage costumes, and even one of Nudie’s famous customized cars hanging inside the building. You’ll definitely enjoy checking out this unique bar.

5. Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop

Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop is one of the most historic music stores and honky-tonk in Nashville. Opened by country legend Ernest Tubb in 1947, the store became famous for hosting the Midnite Jamboree radio show, which served as the unofficial after-party for the Grand Ole Opry. Today, visitors can still browse a few records and enjoy live country music while soaking in decades of Nashville history.

Due to management issues, Ernest Tubbs is currently only open Thursday through Sunday, but we’re hoping it will open to a full schedule soon! Do stop by, though, because you will definitely find some live classic country music here!

6. Hank Williams, Jr. Boogie Bar

Of course, Hank Williams, Jr. is the son of Hank Williams, Sr., one of the biggest names in country music. But Hank, Jr., also known as Bocephus, made is own mark on country music. His music blended country, blues, and rock.

This bar features Hank Williams, Jr. memorabilia and musicians playing all your classic country favorites from the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

You’re definitely going to want to spend some time in here.

7. Johnny Cash Museum

Dedicated to the legendary “Man in Black,” the Johnny Cash Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Johnny Cash memorabilia and artifacts. The museum covers every stage of Cash’s life and career, from his early years and rise to fame to his personal struggles and later success.

Visitors can see stage costumes, handwritten letters, guitars, records, photographs, and interactive exhibits celebrating one of country music’s greatest icons. For classic country fans, this museum provides an emotional and fascinating look at one of the genre’s most influential artists.

8. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

No classic country visit to Nashville would be complete without visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Often called the “Smithsonian of country music,” the museum preserves the history and traditions of country music through exhibits, videos, stage costumes, instruments, and rare recordings.

This place is huge and will take you at least a couple of hours to go through, but it will be worth it!

The museum has its permanent exhibit, “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music,” which takes you through the entire history of country music from the very first strings of hillbilly music to modern country artists. While it is a permanent exhibit, it is regularly updated and they also regularly add limited engagement exhibits. It’s a new experience every time you go!

From here you can also take the RCA Studio B tour. This studio is also known as the “Home of 1,000 Hits”. Artists such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, and Waylon Jennings recorded classic hits at Studio B. The tour includes a bus ride from the Hall to and from the studio.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a must see for classic country fans. You’ll get to step back in time to see and hear the best of country music.

Classic country music may not dominate radio today, but its roots remain deeply planted in Nashville. From legendary auditoriums and historic honky-tonks to museums preserving the stories of country music’s greatest stars, these iconic Nashville locations prove that classic country is still very much alive in Music City.