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ONLY IN NASHVILLE | SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Saturday, January 13, 2024
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Eligibility | All Registered Delegates
Cost | Included with registration but Limited to First Come, First Registered.
Deadline | January 11, 2024
There are no wait lists. If a tour is not selectable, it is sold out. You can check access the system to check on availability from cancellations at anytime.
Questions on Sightseeing Tours | Staci Dritschel, staci@visitmusiccity.com or 615-259-4751.
Sightseeing Tour 1 | We are Music City
Music of all genres is written, recorded, and performed in Nashville every day, and the We are Music City tour will take you behind the scenes to experience the magic from the perspective of the legendary studios and iconic institutions that call Nashville home. You’ll discover the true heart and musical soul of Nashville and understand why we are Music City!
Sightseeing Tour 2 | Rhythm & the Black Experience
Rhythm & the Black Experience tour will explore Black history in Music City, and the significant and influential role that African Americans have played in the growth and development of Nashville, starting with the Fisk Jubilee Singers who pioneered early music here and are the reason why Music City was given its now internationally known nickname. Nashville is home to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and students from those colleges sparked a nonviolent movement to challenge racial segregation in the city and across the South. You’ll also experience the city’s newest music museum, The National Museum of African American Music, which encourages visitors to discover the central role African Americans have played in shaping and creating all genres of American music.
Sightseeing Tour 3 | Take the Stage
Take the Stage tour will guide you on a musical journey through time alongside a memorable cast of musical greats from the worlds of country, pop, gospel, soul, rock, jazz and blues. You will then walk in the footsteps of country music superstars for an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous, before recording your favorite song in a professional studio. You will be a STAR in Music City!
Sightseeing Tour 4 | Sound Bites
In a city where creativity thrives, Nashville’s ever-growing arts and culinary scenes are as diverse and approachable as its music scene. You will explore Nashville’s eclectic neighborhoods to find fun and unique photo opportunities at popular murals around town before visiting the magnificent institution that is the cultural hub of the city. You will then be treated to a taste of local confections and libations and a lot of Southern hospitality on the Sound Bites tour!
Sightseeing Tour 5 | The High Notes
Nashville has it all, including elevated experiences for the discerning traveler. Join us on the High Notes tour to discover premier shopping and two of the most extraordinary estates in the South. Music City has been hosting VIPs from the beginning and always showcases the best in Southern hospitality!
Sightseeing Tour 6 | Bonus Tracks
Nashville is known world-wide as Music City, but there is more to experience in this great city beyond the unrivaled music scene. The Bonus Tracks tour will showcase one of the premier sports and entertainment destinations in the United States, take you on an exciting adventure at the progressive and dynamic Nashville Zoo before exploring L & L Market, home to 25+ local businesses and a one-stop shop for everything you love in Nashville.
Sightseeing Tour 7 | Music City Rocks
Nashville rocks and you will too on the Music City Rocks tour as you explore the ultimate guitar experience, discover the stories behind the session musicians, engineers, and producers on some of the greatest recordings of all time, before unleashing your inner rockstar and learning to play drums and perform rock songs alongside a professional band!
Sightseeing Tour 8 | Stories Behind the Songs
Music of all genres is written, recorded, and performed in Nashville every day, and the Stories Behind the Songs tour will take you behind the scenes to experience the magic from the perspective of the songwriters and studio musicians that call Music City home. Experience how music is created in the studio, hear the stories behind the songs from the songwriters live on stage and immerse yourself in the creative culture of a city with a foundation built on music!
Sightseeing Tour 9 | Bridgestone Backstage
Bridgestone invites you to an exclusive tire plant tour where you will be guided through the production process at their local plant. Afterwards lunch will be provided at Ole Smoky Distillery where you will also have the chance to sample some local brew. Must be 21 or older with valid ID to sample.
PRE-FAM TOURS
Eligibility | All Registered Tour & Bus Operator Delegates
Cost | Included with registration but Limited to First Come, First Registered
Deadline | December 4, 2023
There are no wait lists. If a tour is not selectable, it is sold out. You can check access the system to check on availability from cancellations at anytime.
Questions on FAM Tours | Grace McKinney, grace.mckinney@tn.gov or 615-598-2884.
Pre-FAM Tour 1 | America’s Favorite Main Street (Franklin, TN)
Franklin offers small-town charm with amazing amenities for groups large and small, from Main Street and Civil
War history to incredible Southern dining, annual festivals and events, plus live music. We invite you to experience
Historic Franklin and the communities of Williamson County where you’ll find something for everyone with a wide
variety of hotels, local restaurants and unforgettable experiences. This FAM will showcase some of Williamson
County’s favorite group attractions and experiences – Carnton Plantation and Carter House, Leiper’s Fork Distillery
& Village, The Factory at Franklin, The Franklin Theatre and our wonderful historic district. Since 1799, Main Street
has been the center of life in downtown Franklin. Anchored by the Public Square and surrounded by 16 blocks of
historic homes and buildings, Main Street has been recognized worldwide for its diverse mix of architecture, historic
landmarks, shops, art galleries, local restaurants and more. Come see Franklin for yourself!
Plan travel to arrive in Nashville (BNA) by 12 p.m. on 1/10/2024.
Motorcoach will drop off at your ABA hotel by 8 p.m. on 1/12/2024.
Pre-FAM Tour 2 | Country Cookin’, Country Music and Countryside (Clarksville, TN)
Join us in Clarksville for music, culture and spirits of all kinds. This is an opportunity to experience real Southern
hospitality and learn about life outside of the big cities in Tennessee. You will meet our people, eat our food and learn
our history.
We will begin the FAM with a visit Johnny Cash’s farm in Bon Aqua, Tenn., the place that he called
the “center of his universe.” Mark Alan Cash, Johnny’s nephew will entertain the group with music
and stories about his famous uncle. On our way to Clarksville, we make a quick stop at Sweet
Charlotte for a soda fl oat. After settling in to your hotel, we will head out for a wonderful dinner
event.
Day two of the FAM will highlight Clarksville and our local attractions. We will visit Fort Defiance,
Customs House Museum, downtown Clarksville and Historic Collinsville to learn about many of
the unusual characters from our community. In the afternoon, we will tour and taste at Beachaven
Winery, Old Glory Distillery and one of our local craft breweries. Come evening, you will have the chance to try your
hand at making biscuits and hear some fantastic bluegrass music at the Tanglewood House.
If you are looking for a chance to find your new “new and different,” this is it!
Plan travel to arrive in Nashville (BNA) by 12 p.m. on 1/10/2024.
Motorcoach will drop off at your ABA hotel by 8 p.m. on 1/12/2024.
Pre-FAM Tour 3 | Memories Start Here (Sumner County, TN)
Although trips eventually come to an end, we seem to tell the stories forever. Create long-lasting memories full of
firsts, laughs, friendships, and thrilling adventures in Sumner County. We welcome you and your groups to explore
our unique identity located just north of Nashville. With rich musical roots, discover unforgettable memories made
by music icons from the past and present. Sumner County also boasts remarkable historic treasures, beautiful
lakes and scenic trails. This FAM will showcase Sumner County’s group tour favorites, as well as new, refreshing
experiences. Our tailored itinerary ensures enjoyable and memorable experiences where you can explore the
distinct differences between many of the cities we represent and how they work together to tell a unique story of
our area. Additionally, charming boutiques and diverse food options make Sumner County a destination that often
surprises but never disappoints. Our knowledgeable staff and local partners are dedicated to creating remarkable
experiences full of Southern hospitality and good times. Come see why memories are made in Sumner County!
Plan travel to arrive in Nashville (BNA) by 12 p.m. on 1/10/2024.
Motorcoach will drop off at your ABA hotel by 8 p.m. on 1/12/2024.
POST-FAM TOURS
Eligibility | All Registered Tour & Bus Operator Delegates
Cost | Included with registration but Limited to First Come, First Registered
Deadline | December 4, 2023
Post-FAM Tour 4 | Discover Tennessee’s Scenic City (Chattanooga, TN)
Chattanooga is nestled on the banks of the Tennessee River and surrounded by Lookout, Signal Mountains,
Missionary Ridge, and many mountains beyond that. This landscape provides hundreds of miles of outdoor
activities including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and more.
The Downtown District is a great place to start. It’s compact, vibrant and animated. Your group can park at your
hotel and navigate the city easily on foot, on the free electric shuttle, or by using the public
bicycle share system available 24/7.
The city is filled with world-class attractions, riverside parks, live music & entertainment,
amazing restaurants, sporting events, outdoor adventures, rich history, a thriving arts scene,
shopping, and many annual events.
It has never been a more exciting time to visit our vibrant city. Chattanoogans are dedicated
to continually enhancing their home so there are always new events, music venues, attractions
and restaurants popping up.
No matter where you begin your Chattanooga adventure, we know you will have an incredible experience in our
city and feel the warm Southern hospitality from our locals. We look forward to showing you our wonderful city
and some of our personal favorite group attractions.
Motorcoach for FAM tour will pick up from your ABA hotel on the morning of 1/17/2023.
Plan air travel out of Nashville (BNA) after 2 p.m. on 1/19/2023.
Post-FAM Tour 5 | Explore Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville, TN)
Great memories are made in the Great Smoky Mountains! Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, the gateway
cities to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, invite you and your groups to experience one of our country’s
most beautiful destinations. The national park is the most visited in the country, and the stunning vistas and
abundant nature surrounding these mountains are the reason so many people love vacationing with us.
Our destination is filled with stellar entertainment, Appalachian crafters, exquisite cuisine, abundant shopping and
an assortment of attractions. In other words, we have something for everyone, and we’re ready to showcase it
for you. In a short time, we’ll demonstrate that the Great Smoky Mountains offer incredible options and variety.
Whether you’ve visited before or dreamed of exploring our destination, we’ll help. Come see!
We’ve planned an exciting and immersive two-night FAM that invites you to experience our area’s sights, sounds,
flavors and history. Our itinerary is guaranteed to include those sweeping mountain views that make the Great
Smoky Mountains unlike any others.
Our entire team of tourism and hospitality professionals – along with our local partners who breathe life daily into
this wonderful destination – stand ready to provide your groups with the best possible experience. Having hosted
visitors for more than 60 years, we know that going the extra mile to ensure that your tours run smoothly is our
top priority. Let us show you just how we do that – and more
Motorcoach for FAM tour will pick up from your ABA hotel on the morning of 1/17/2023.
Plan air travel out of Knoxville (TYS) after 2 p.m. on 1/19/2023.
Post-FAM Tour 6 | Racing to the Birthplace of County Music, Where Everyone’s a Winner (Bristol, TN)
Get your taste of the driver’s perspective with a guided track tour, including a ride around the half-mile high
banks of Bristol Motor Speedway. Racin’ – the way it ought’a be! Later, enjoy an evening at the Birthplace
of Country Music Museum. Celebrating the “big bang” of country music, the award-winning Birthplace
of Country Music Museum is located in Historic Downtown Bristol. The museum, an affiliate of the
Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions – the event in history scholars
refer to as the “big bang” of country music – and their lasting impact on the music of today. Enjoy dinner,
live music and square dancing at the museum.
Additionally, explore historic Downtown Bristol with unique shopping, entertainment and group-friendly
venues. New to Bristol, Tennessee Hills is a 34,000-square-foot distillery, pumping out more than 7,000
bottles of spirits in a span of hours. Your group will receive a tour of the distillery, including samples and
gift shop visit. Finally, Bristol is also home to the Hard Rock Bristol Casino, so choosing Bristol for your next
group tour makes everyone a WINNER!
Motorcoach for FAM tour will pick up from your ABA hotel on the morning of 1/17/2023.
Plan air travel out of Knoxville (TYS) after 2 p.m. on 1/19/2023.
Post-FAM Tour 7 | Everything Sounds Better Here (Memphis, TN)
So, you think you know Memphis. Let’s hit the sizzling neighborhoods by visiting Midtown’s Crosstown
Concourse, then on to the Memphis Listening Lab for a songwriter’s event. We’ll turn up the volume to the
legendary Graceland, Smithsonian-affiliated Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and as well as the Edge Motor Museum
in the Edge District. Learn more about the civil rights movement at the National Civil Rights Museum where
you will meet “the most arrested civil rights family in America,” the Lee Sisters as well as learn about other
various events that took place in the ‘60s by exploring the History Meets Culture exhibition. Almost any
location can conjure a lyric, legend or new generation artist – from the mighty Mississippi River and beyond.
The place where Elvis swung his hips, B.B. King danced with Lucille, and Tina Turner rolled herself down the
mighty Mississippi River. That is Memphis – an experience that you will never forget. There is so much you
can do when it comes to Memphis.
Motorcoach for FAM tour will pick up from your ABA hotel on the morning of 1/17/2023.
Plan air travel out of Memphis (MEM) after 2 p.m. on 1/19/2023.
ABA FOUNDATION AFTERGLOW
Monday, January 15, 2024
9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Hard Rock Cafe Nashville
Eligibility | All Registered Delegates
$50 Ticket
Sponsored by Hard Rock International
The annual ABA Foundation Afterglow is a fundraiser for the ABA Foundation and supports the motorcoach, travel and tourism industry through scholarships and research programs. Join the fun and don’t miss one of the best parties of the week!