Grand Ole Opry Performers, Week of 5-10-2013
May 7, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, VME
As always it’s a great time to head out to the grandest stage in country music to catch a show and see the top performers of yesterday and today. There are always brilliant performers ready to give you an amazing show, and this week is no exception. Here are the upcoming scheduled performers for this wonderful May week:
Tue, May 7, 2013: 7:00 PM: Chris Young, Del McCoury, Love and Theft, Mandy Barnett, and more to be added as scheduled.
Fri, May 10, 2013: 7:00 PM: Anita Renfroe, Maggie Rose, Sara Haze, and more to be added as scheduled.
Sat, May 11, 2013: 7:00 PM: Charlie Daniels, Joel Crouse, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ralph Stanley, and more to be added as scheduled.
Be sure and check us out for up to date performer information at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/GrandOleOpryTicket.cfm
Of course you’ll also want to grab a hotel if you plan on staying a night or two during your trip, so why not check us out and see what kind of properties there are available that might suit your needs? We offer everything from standard hotel rooms at great prices, to luxury hotels with all of the top amenities. Visit us to take a look at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/lodging/
Bluesy Vacations and More in Memphis!
May 7, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Memphis
These are rockin’ days in Memphis, and with the summer heat also comes the summer fun! Come on out to everyone’s favorite southern city and experience a vacation you won’t soon forget. Exciting options abound in the city, and you can choose from great hotels, fantastic activities, and more.
Through Vacations Made Easy, we not only offer attractions and lodging, but also vacation packages that give you the best of both worlds. Pre-made packages are available for you to browse and choose from, or you can create your own! Here are two of our favorite packages that we offer, among many that are available to you.
Memphis Family Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages/TheMemphisFamilyVacationPackage.cfm
With the Memphis Family Vacation Package, you’ll have the perfect trip lined up for you and your family. The package includes 3-night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and tickets to Elvis Presley’s Graceland Platinum Experience. With the Platinum Experience, you’ll get to tour Elvis’ home as the tour takes you from Presley’s humble beginnings through his rise to superstardom. You will see Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the automobile museum, the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum and more! And with 3 nights of lodging included, you’ll have plenty of extra time to relax at the hotel, eat some local cuisine, and explore the rest of the city.
Blues Music Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages/BluesMusicVacationPackage.cfm
Enjoy a piece of history with the Blues Music Vacation Package where you will travel to Memphis, Tennessee and enjoy the sweet sound of the smooth Blues music, with a full three nights of lodging, a self-guided tour of the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and a visit to the infamous Stax Museum of American Soul Music. At the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum you can view and learn the stories of musicians that struck out and changed the world of music during racial and economic hardships. And at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, you’ll learn of its significance and importance to the music genre. Starting out as a tiny record store in an old movie theater, Stax grew to become one of the most important recording studios in the world. Finally spend your three nights in luxury at an amazing local hotel of your choosing. You’ll have everything you could ever want with this great package!
These are just a few of the awesome packages that we offer in Memphis. Check out our webpage and browse other offerings or create your own package to make your vacation exactly what you want it to be: amazing! http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/MemphisTN/vacationPackages.cfm
Fun and Excitement in Memphis, Tennessee!
Memphis is a rockin’ place to visit, and what better time to come to everyone’s favorite southern city than now?! You can experience everything that is Memphis including Graceland, the Gibson Guitar Factory, and all sorts of amazing barbeque. So get started on your tour of Memphis and book an amazing attraction today! Here are just a few of the top sellers that we offer for the city.
National Civil Rights Museum
More than 35 years after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, this historic landmark in Memphis has turned itself into a tribute to the earth-changing Civil Rights Movement. On April 4, 1968 all eyes in the world turned to a small hotel in Memphis, TN. On a balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Today, this landmark has become a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and has ensured that at least part of Dr. King’s dream would come true. Exhibits featured inside the museum and its expansion cover events from 1619 to the present day and include Little Rock, Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, Booker T. Washington, The Assassination of Dr. King and much more.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience
Get ‘all shook up’ with the Elvis Presley’s Graceland Experience as you walk in the footsteps of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The tour takes place at Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland Mansion, in Memphis, Tennessee. The full Graceland experience will take you from Elvis’ humble beginnings through his rise to super stardom. See how a rock ‘n’ roll legend lived and relaxed with family and friends. Enjoy video, photos, Elvis’ personal mementos, movie memorabilia, stage costumes and much more. Explore Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the automobile museum, the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum, the King and Pop Culture Exhibit, the ’68 Special Exhibit and more on your own with a self-guided tour of Graceland. You can see the 1955 pink Cadillac, artifacts from Elvis’ past, special displays highlighting Elvis’ impact on music and the world, the recognizable fashion of the King, and so much more to keep you entertained.
These are just a few of the amazing things that Memphis has to offer, so check us out and see the other great options available to you to make your vacation an unforgettable one!
All You Can Handle in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge Tennessee
April 5, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Shows and attractions are in full swing as the calendar turns to April. You can go see the strange and weird at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride thrilling coasters at Dollywood Theme Park Tennessee, or see great comedy and entertainment with the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud Show. These activities and more are all available in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Take a look at other events going on in the area.
RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo
Worked on by the same contractors that themed Disney’s Animal Kingdom, RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo is an indoor exhibit for hundreds of animal species. Come visit and wander past ancient ruins, a 25-foot jungle waterfall, and into the RainForest to discover venomous snakes, giant tortoises, ringtailed lemurs, and vibrantly colored birds. There are over 600 animals featured at the venue, all born in captivity, and over 130 different species are represented.
Lumberjack Feud Dinner & Show
Grab your best flannel shirt and your heartiest appetite for the Lumberjack Feud Dinner & Show. You’ll get to see hilarious lumberjack antics and humor and have a hearty woodsman dinner. The show follows the lives of two logging families who are struggling with the impending doom as their livelihood is being reduced by the National Park. Enjoy the educational and entertaining show and a filling dinner at this one of a kind event.
Smoky Mountain Opry
Hosting a wide variety of music from the 40s through today, lively dancing, a hilarious nationally acclaimed comedian, dazzling costumes, magic, special effects, and much more! The Opry contains a digital projection system, huge video screens, surround sound, and a stunning laser light system. You’ll hear tributes from some of your favorite artists of all time including Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and more.
These are just a few options of some of the great things to do in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. No matter what you are looking for, you’ll find something to suit your tastes and make your vacation a memorable one.
Thrills Abound in Nashville, Tennessee
March 21, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Nashville
Travel to Nashville and see what everyone is talking about in Country Music USA! You can stop in for a weekend or stay a week, but no matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a good time while in town.
Of course if you plan on staying overnight, you are going to need a hotel to get some rest at. Nashville has many different properties available to suit your needs. You can choose from standard hotel fare for the savvy shopper like the Econo Lodge North, Comfort Suites, or Best Western Fairwinds Inn, or go all in and choose luxurious properties like the Hyatt Place Nashville Northeast, Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Vanderbilt, or the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville.
Next you’ll want something to do in town, and of course Vacations Made Easy has you covered! You can choose between the top attractions in the city; including shows like the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Country Classics, or Ryman Bluegrass Nights; or activities like the Homes of the Stars Tour, Music City Trolley Hop, or a trip to the Nashville Zoo.
Of course one easy way to take care of your trip to Nashville is with a vacation package! We have many pre-made packages consisting of a stay in the hotel of your choice and tickets to various shows and attractions all built into one convenient package. Of course for those of you wanting to have a little more hands-on vacation planning experience, you can choose to use our package builder to create your own itinerary! Here are just a few of our pre-made packages that we offer.
Grand Ole Opry Show Weekend
This package contains 2-night’s lodging at the property of your choice and tickets to the always exciting Grand Ole Opry! The show is one of country music’s longest running performances and certainly the most famous. Legends like Patsy Cline, Garth Brooks, and Dierks Bentley have graced the stage and to this day, top performers consider it a great honor to sing and perform at the Opry. With 2-night’s lodging included, this is the perfect package for those looking for a weekend trip to Nashville.
Nashville Romantic Getaway Package
With the Nashville Romantic Getaway package, you will receive 2-night’s lodging at the hotel of your choice, and admission to the General Jackson Showboat Lunch & Dinner Cruise. Your trip on the General Jackson showboat will give you a 3 hour tour where you will float past natural and historic sites along the Cumberland River. You’ll receive a delicious dinner and great live entertainment, and this package is sure to give you and your loved one a great time.
These are just a few of the many pre-made packages that we offer in the city. Go to our website to check out all that is available and pick one that suits you best. Or, check out the vacation package builder and set up your own personal itinerary.
Upcoming Grand Ole Opry Perfomers
March 21, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Grand Ole Opry
With its growing list of amazing performers, brilliant acoustics, and magnificent fun, the greatest country music show in the world just keeps on providing entertainment week after week. From its humble beginnings as a one-hour radio “barn dance” to the thrilling performance it is today, the show is rife with history. Let’s take a look at some of the top upcoming performers.
Oak Ridge Boys Friday, March 22nd
The Oak Ridge Boys are a country and gospel quartet that has become part of country music history, best known for their crossover hits “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “American Made.” The Oak Ridge Boys have a history spanning 40 years of innovating music-making. The current Oak Ridge Boys lineup is Duane Allen singing lead, Joe Bonsall as tenor, William Lee at baritone, and Richard Sterban singing bass. They carry on the band’s long tradition of energetic live performances and consistently upbeat, positive songs. Their most recent album, 2011′s It’s Only Natural stayed on country charts for nearly two months. They received new attention from rock fans for their cover of the White Stripes “Seven Nation Army.” The Oak Ridge Boys play more 150 a year, often appearing at their Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson, Missouri. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on August 6, 2011. For a full bio, visit http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/OakRidgeBoysAtGrandOleOpry.cfm
Ricky Skaggs Saturday, March 23rd
A mixture of country and bluegrass, artist Ricky Skaggs has made a name for himself in the country music industry. Born in July of 1954 in Cordell, Kentucky, Skaggs began playing music at the young age of five years. When he was six, he played the mandolin and sang on stage with Bill Monroe. The next year, he appeared on Martha White’s country music variety show. Then, he wanted to audition for the Grand Ole Opry, but was told he was too young. However, in 1982, after performing with fellow teen prodigy Keith Whitley and in Ralph Stanley’s band, the Clinch Mountain Boys, he became a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and the rest is history. Skaggs is now a common, and welcome, sight at the Opry. For a full bio, visit http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/RickySkaggsAtGrandOleOpry.cfm
Fri, Mar 22, 2013 Alan Jackson, Dailey and Vincent, Oak Ridge Boys, and more to be added.
Sat, Mar 23, 2013 Charles Esten, Kayla Slone, Kristen Kelly, Marshall Tucker Band, Ricky Skaggs, and more to be added.
Tue, Mar 26, 2013 Dierks Bentley, Greg Bates, Lorrie Morgan, Pam Tillis, and more to be added.
You never know if a legend like Dolly Parton or Garth Brooks is going to show up at the Opry to perform, and each show is special in its own way. Get ready for a fantastic show full of songs and laughs at the Grand Ole Opry and order your tickets today! For a full list of performers that is updated as soon as they are booked, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/GrandOleOpryTicket.cfm
Enjoy the show!
Gatlinburg: City of Fun!
March 20, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, VME
Gatlinburg is in full swing and there are many attractive options for visitors. You can stay at an amazing local hotel, like the Westgate Smoky Mountain Hotel, Resort at Governor’s Crossing, or the Smoky Getaway Cabins, and then see some of the best attractions the city has to offer, such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood Theme Park, WonderWorks Interactive Experience, or the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram.
Of course the best way to experience the city is through a vacation package! We at Vacations Made Easy have many pre-made packages for you to select if you want some suggestions for your vacation, or you can create your own custom package and do exactly what you want to do! Here are just a few of the vacation packages we have to offer.
Dollywood Pigeon Forge Vacation Package
The Dollywood Pigeon Forge Vacation Package gives you three night’s lodging at the hotel of your choice, and admission into the Dollywood theme park. Dollywood is home to over 30 rides and attractions, all of which are inspired by the life of Dolly Parton and the rich history of the Smokies. You’ll be able to ride the 85-foot plunge on the Mystery Mine rollercoaster, or slide down the side of a mountain in a water toboggan on the Mountain Sidewinder. You’ll get some extra time to explore the fun of Gatlinburg with your three night stay in the city.
Gatlinburg Area Weekend Getaway Package
This great package includes two nights of lodging in the property of your choice, and tickets to see the Dixie Stampede. The Dixie Stampede is Gatlinburg’s premiere attraction. You will get to see high-adrenaline fun as the heart-pounding show features beautiful horses, stampeding buffalo, and a super-talented cast performing rousing musical numbers and hilarious, family friendly comedy. The show also includes a good old fashioned, down-home, country dinner. The Gatlinburg Area Weekend Getaway package is perfect for a weekend trip, you’ll get your two night stay and enjoy a great show with plenty of time to explore what the city has to offer.
These packages and more are available for your trip to this great southern city. Of course you can also check out our vacation package builder and create the perfect itinerary for you! So get started on your vacation today and visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/!
Links:
Westgate Smoky Mountain Hotel: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/lodging/WestgateSmokyMountainHotel.cfm
Resort at Governor’s Crossing: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/lodging/TheResortatGovernorsCrossing.cfm
Smoky Getaway Cabins: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/lodging/SmokyGetawaysCabins.cfm
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/RipleysAquariumoftheSmokies1.cfm
Dollywood: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/Dollywood.cfm
WonderWorks Interactive Experience: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/WonderWorksPigeonForge.cfm
Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/OberGatlinburgAerialTram.cfm
Dollywood Pigeon Forge Vacation Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/vacationPackages/DollywoodPigeonForgeVacationPackage.cfm
Gatlinburg Area Weekend Getaway Package: http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/vacationPackages/GatlinburgAreaWeekendGetawayPackage.cfm
Magic and Feuds Are in the Air in Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge
February 11, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
The beautiful Smoky Mountains offer romantic getaways and exciting adventures for visitors year-round. From the popular Dixie Stampede to the comedic antics at the Comedy Barn Theater, Gatlinburg offers something for everyone.
With spring break approaching in March, the busy travel season is fast approaching. Now is a great time to take a trip and catch a show before the crowds start filing in. Take a look at some of the events and shows that are preparing to open soon here in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area.
Wonders of Magic Opening February 14th
WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is the sight of The Wonders of Magic with Terry Evanswood, an international star of magic. Evanswood has been performing for the last fourteen years in the pigeon forge area, amazing over 1 million guests with his magic and illusions. Sit back and enjoy magic, music, hilarious comedy, and impersonations with this world renowned show. For more information and to get your tickets today, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/WondersofMagic.cfm
Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud Show; Tickets Available Now
This unique experience has the audience member participate in the show by being designated in either the Hatfield or McCoy sections, and cheering and jeering to keep the rivalry alive. Guests will be treated to a stunning Southern home-style feast of creamy country soup, pulled barbeque pork, fried chicken, and more. While you dine on your hearty feast you will be taken inside the legendary feud with an action-packed show that features stunt performers, talented actors, dancers, and singers who battle out their differences and encourage the audience to cheer them on. This show is fun for the whole family! For more information, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/HatfieldMcCoyDinnerFeudShow.cfm
Of course with all of the other activities that Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge has to offer you’ll never run out of fun things to do. Take a look at our website at www.vacationsmadeeasy.com to start planning your trip today!
Happy travels!
Love is in the Air in Nashville, Tennessee
February 5, 2013 by Van Shipley
Filed under Nashville
Greetings from your Nashville Tennessee news authority! Exciting things are happening here in the Music City, from the always fantastic Grand Ole Opry, to dinner cruises, to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Let’s take a look at upcoming events in Nashville:
Valentine’s Day in Nashville
What better way to say “I love you” than to take your significant other to Nashville for a great Valentine’s Day experience?! If you want the plans to be made quickly and easily, then we are your go-to source. You can review the happenings around town on our website, exploring your favorite shows and activities until you find the perfect idea for V-Day. And why not stay the night at a romantic hotel? You can search among Nashville properties for a great hotel, or package your activities and hotel together for one convenient low cost price using our packages service! If you want to make it really simple, just use our package service to pick a suggested, pre-made package, no work involved! Visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/
Grand Ole Opry Scheduled Performers
Everyone’s favorite Nashville destination always features a star-studded cast of performers, and upcoming shows are no different! And you can never know when legends like Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, or Brad Paisley will show up to surprise the crowd. Everything in the group is recorded, so your applause, cheers, and laughter can be heard by listeners on WSM 650-AM. Scheduled to perform this Friday are Bill Anderson, Blue Sky Riders, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Carrie Underwood, Charles Esten, Gloriana, Jimmy Dickens, Sarah Darling, and The Whites. Saturday’s confirmed line-up includes Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Holly Williams, Jean Shepard, Jimmy Dickens, Kristen Kelly, Roy Clark, Scotty McCreery, The Band Perry, and The Henningsens. To go to our Grand Ole Opry specific page, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/GrandOleOpryTicket.cfm
Discover Nashville Inclusive Tour
Have you ever wanted to go to the Ryman Auditorium? Honky Tonk Row? Music Row or the State Capital? Well you can take care of all of those in one swing with the Discover Nashville Inclusive Tour! If you’re looking to get away for the weekend and find something fun and exciting, take the tour and discover what Nashville is all about. On the tour you’ll be picked up directly from your hotel, and ride in comfort aboard a luxury 25 passenger bus to see Historic Downtown Nashville and other favorite attractions. For more information, visit us at http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/NashvilleTN/activity/DiscoverNashvilleInclusiveTour.cfm
Gatlinburg Welcomes the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
October 2, 2012 by Shannon Walter
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, VME
October’s warm days and cool, rainy nights are transforming the lush green forest of the Great Smoky Mountains into a magnificent range of vibrant fall colors. This can only mean one thing in Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge, it’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival time! There is a variety of festivals and events taking place in the area to celebrate but one of the most beloved is the 37th Annual Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Starting October 11, the Gatlinburg Convention Center will be transformed into an arts center featuring crafters and artists from across the country. Patrons will have the chance to purchase crafts and art but they will also have the unique opportunity to watch the artists demonstrate and create their art. Plan on this event now, it only lasts until October 28!
After you’re done at the convention center, how about heading to the Dixie Stampede for a hearty meal and an excellent show. There’s a reason it’s called “the most fun place to eat in the Smokies.” The Dixie Stampede not only serves you a four-course meal that is sure to please the whole family, they also provide you with a fantastically fun show that will leave you rooting for more and more. Your evening will start with the music and comedy stylings of Mountain Rukus. Then you will be ushered into the arena where you will find your seats on the North or South side, playing on the United States rivalry during the Civil War. You will then be served your meal as gorgeous Palomino horses ride into the arena. The show features trick riding, jaw dropping stunts, and exciting pyrotechnics that will please the entire crowd. Grab your tickets now for a sensational dinner and show! For ticket information, follow this link.
Climb aboard the Titanic! Actually, climb aboard the largest Titanic replica in the world in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Your ticket to this fabulous museum tells the story of an actual passenger aboard the beautiful ship that sailed the high seas in 1912. Walk down the iconic grand staircase, take a seat in the dining room for dinner, reach into 28-degree water, touch an iceberg, and, essentially, learn what it was like to be one of the 2,208 passengers and crew members on the 1912 RMS Titanic. In 1987, the owner of the museum co-led the first expeditions to the great ship buried deep in the sea. Over 400 personal artifacts and hours of video footage that was recovered fills this unique museum giving you the perfect look at this historic ship. Don’t miss this amazing museum on your next trip to Gatlinburg! There is also a museum in Branson, Missouri. Follow this link to book your tickets today!
Start your getaway in a cabin, lodge, or chalet in Gatlinburg, TN, nestled at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. Looking to extend you stay with a vacation rental? Find your home away from home in Tennessee. Follow this link to find the perfect hotel for you.



