The Country Music Association awards show - otherwise known as CMAs - are held in November in Nashville Tennessee. If you're planning on attending the show in person here's some tips about Nashville and other things to do while you're there. Nashville IS country music history. Country fans come from around the world as do country music hopefuls.

The CMA awards began in 1967 with now-legends Sonny James, Eddy Arnold and Bobie Gentry taking home top prizes. Entertainer of the Year awards in the Entertainer of the Year category went to the likes of Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Rich, John Denver, Mel Tillis and Ronnie Milsap. Over the years Garth, Reba, Hank Williams Jr., Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw have been honored with Entertainer of the year awards. A list of past award winners reads like country music history.

Downtown Nashville has several hotels near the Sommet Center, where the CMAs are held. If you are driving in, do not assume parking is included with your room - guests have had to pay as much as $20 per day to park in addition to the room at downtown hotels. Don't assume - ask if there are parking fees. There are several perking structures and outdoor lots near downtown also.

Most country music entertainers know how much they owe their fans and are more than happy to interact providing fans are respectful and mindful of their schedules.

Nashville has more than just country music. Walking through downtown there are places to visit such as Legends bar, Tootsie's and the Wildhorse saloon. The latter can be difficult to get information from and while there are a couple less than friendly staff workers on multiple visits I've been there, there are others who are welcoming and nice. Check out downtown shops like Dixie Delights. These are just a few blocks apart, with cafe, restaurants and ice cream shops scattered through downtown. Take a carraige ride for a different side of Nashville. There is also the country music Hall of Fame near downtown.

Check out the Opry Mills mall if you have an afternoon free. From holiday specialty shops to the outdoor guy's favorite place, BassPro Shops, and a hardware type outlet this is a mall many of the guys don't mind going to! There's also, of course, music! Some of the kiosk workers are a little overenthusiastic and will grab customers physically (or try to!) to stop them for their spiel but overall this is a neat place to spend an afternoon!

Nashville is a place many have gone to visit and move there. It is country music fan heaven and a chance to, for lucky fans, talk to many who sometimes are not in town for the CMA fest in June.

Learn more about this author, Jan Hoadley.
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