General Jackson Showboat

After breakfast we caught a shuttle into downtown Nashville for a look around. The Main street (Broadway) is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants and all have live music. Many aspiring country artists come to Nashville to 'make it' (and many do). Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson all played at 'Tootsies'. Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson actually lived above this bar which backs on to the famous Ryman Theatre where the big name artists also performed. Willie Nelson has been quoted as saying that it was only 14 steps from the Ryman stage to Tootsies bar and 28 steps from Tootsies bar back to the Ryman stage!


We had lunch at a bar/restaurant (that also brews its own beer - very nice) and then walked around the main streets. Most of the shops cater for tourists with souvenirs and also country fashion - I counted about 3  'cowboy boot' shops!

We caught the shuttle back to the hotel and relaxed for a while before heading out for the days 'main event'. We had booked a dinner and cruise on the 'General Jackson' showboat. The General Jackson is a 300 foot paddle wheel riverboat and is one of the largest showboats in the USA. It has 4 massive decks with a 2 story Victorian Theatre located in the centre of the boat where live music is performed. We had booked in for the evening dinner cruise up the Cumberland River. The ticket fee of $92 per person covers the 3 hour cruise, 3 course meal and live entertainment. The show was excellent and covered the history of Tennessee music from bluegrass, country, rock and roll, blues and soul music.