re: CMA Fest in Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame is a good visit. Tag on the Studio B tour. They'll bus you over to music row and give you a guided tour of the studio where Waylon, Elvis, and everybody else cut major hits.

Broadway is typically packed, but you can venture to adjacent Printers Alley and see free live music at several bars that are way less crowded.

Bourbon Steak is an expensive steakhouse atop the JW Marriott with great views from the 34th floor. If you want to eat there, make reservations now (if not already too late). But you can go to the bar and enjoy the view even w/o reservations. If you get their early, you can likely snag a seat. The bar is inside and outside (glass enclosed) the building.

The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home and farm, is a short drive outside town. Good tour if you are into that sort of history.

After you are back, watch the new documentary: CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair. Debuts on Hulu on July 5.