Ronni Hannaman: Nothing could be finer than enjoying the holidays in America’s music cities

With less than eight months until we celebrate the 2024 holiday season, it’s time to begin planning a holiday get-away while hotel rooms and airline seats are still available. This year, make that get-away gift to yourself a musical journey through three of the most iconic musical cities in America.

Close your eyes as you picture yourself strolling along Bourbon Street in New Orleans while taking in the lights and listening to the jazzy versions of traditional holiday songs being played by street musicians. Country music fans will enjoy tapping their feet and singing along as up and coming new artists sing tunes in famous honkey-tonks in Nashville. And, of course, who wouldn’t want to hear the rock n’ roll versions in Memphis, home to none other than Elvis Presley.

On Dec. 1, the Chamber Travel Club will be flying travelers to New Orleans to begin a seven-night musical holiday journey to the three most famous musical cities in the south.

The tour starts with two nights in New Orleans to enjoy the lights, music, and culinary flavors for which this city is so famous. There’s a hosted New Orleans style dinner on the second night followed by a visit to a jazz club in the famous French Quarter.

Then it’s a visual journey to Memphis along the Blues Highway with an overnight in Oxford, Miss., home of the interactive Grammy Museum affiliated with the main museum in Los Angeles. Oxford is a literary and foodie town, and you’ll enjoy strolling and dining on your own in this historic city, home of William Faulkner.

Then it’s on to Memphis, birthplace of the blues, rock ‘n roll, and soul, for an overnight in The Guest House at Graceland, known as an “extraordinary hotel experience located just steps away from the iconic mansion.” If you are an Elvis fan, this will be a true delight, for Graceland will be all decked out for Christmas, just the way Elvis loved it. There’s a barbecue dinner waiting that evening.

Next, there’s a short motorcoach ride along Music Highway to Nashville, the Music Capital of the World. This town is famous for the honkey-tonk country music and bars and the Grand Ole Opry, where you will have a reserved seat to enjoy a show where there might be someone famous behind the mic.

In Nashville, your three-night home will be the famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel, a spectacular city within a spectacular city. If you like holiday lights and truly want to get into the holiday spirit, this is your place. The hotel is over the top when it comes to holiday décor, and you won’t know whether you are inside or out as your stroll through the indoor holiday wonderland.

While in Nashville, you’ll learn how the famous Nashville candy, Goo Goo Clusters, are made and you’ll learn how to make your own clusters. You’ll tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and later see where Dolly Parton, Elvis, and others began their illustrious careers in the small famous recording studio still standing.

The last night features a “spectacular dinner and holiday show at the Opryland” with your choice of an outdoor drawn carriage ride to view the spectacular light show or indoor river cruise to view the holiday décor you might have missed.

You must book this great tour by June 1 to receive a $250 per person discount. The $3,999 per person rate includes air from Reno, all touring, seven nights hotel, seven breakfasts, and four dinners. You can park for free at the chamber office and we’ll transfer you to and from the Reno airport.

Make the 2024 holiday season a time to reflect on the beauty and history of the south, the music of our times, and the tradition, foods, and culture so different from ours. No passport needed.

To view the complete itinerary, log on to the Travel Club page found on the home page of the Carson City Chamber www.carsoncitychamber.com or stop by the Chamber at 1900 S. Carson St.

Think of all the unique holiday gifts you’ll be able to bring home, but the best gift of all are the memories that will last a lifetime.