Can You Find These 9 Easter Eggs on an Opry Tour?

By Kevin Carboni

By Easter egg, we mean cool things to look out for on your tour. With a rich history, countless iconic performances, and years of folklore to be passed around, there are endless stories to be told about the Grand Ole Opry. While visiting the world-famous country music landmark, tour-goers can expect to have an unforgettable experience regardless of what they see. But there are a few fun extras you may want to look for during your visit.

Flooded With Memories

On the wall of the Opry’s Family Room, you’ll find a vibrant mural depicting the backstage scenes from the early days of the Grand Ole Opry. It was painted by Opry member Archie Campbell and perfectly captured what Opry Founder George D. Hay described as the “Good Natured Riot” of that era.

The Nashville flood of 2010 damaged the mural –– much like many of the Opry’s historical pieces and parts of the building ­­–– but the painting was restored and hangs proudly to this day. Still, if you look closely, you can see where flood waters left the painting discolored on its lower third.

 

Say "How-DEE" To The Fountain

Look for a fountain near the backstage landing of the Opry. It was a gift to Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, AKA famed Opry member Minnie Pearl. Designed by Tennessee sculptor Jesse C. Beegley, the fountain was a 25^th wedding anniversary gift from Minnie’s husband, Henry Cannon. It lived in the backyard of Henry and Minnie’s home for many years before coming to the Opry.

The King’s Official Stamp

Roy Acuff, known as “The King of Country Music,” is a key figure in the past, present, and future of the Grand Ole Opry. But his influence stems way beyond the circle. In 2003, the United Postal Service issued a Roy Acuff stamp. A huge print was made of the stamp and is now hanging in the back area of the Opry House near the loading dock as a fitting tribute to country music royalty.

Handing It To Craig Morgan

Before country music star Craig Morgan takes the stage at the Opry, which he has done countless times over the course of 14 years, he touches a plaque that was given to him by the Grand Ole Opry’s general manager. Rumor has it, he makes sure to put his hands on the plaque even when he’s just visiting! You can find it backstage at the Opry.

 

A Wall 90 Years In The Making

A copper wall featuring the names of every living Opry member was commissioned in 2015 to celebrate the Grand Ole Opry’s 90^th birthday. The massive art piece features dozens of iconic names in copper plates. That year, members were also gifted single copper panels engraved with their name and the Opry logo as they performed.

Button Up

There’s a lot of intrigue surrounding the Opry’s stage curtain button. It looks completely ordinary, and it’s been there for decades, but no one seems to know what it does, or if it works at all.

Bluegrass Décor Earns Its Stripes

When visiting the Bluegrass Room, watch your step. The navy blue stripes adorning the floor were fashioned to represent the frets of a stringed instrument, and we wouldn’t want you to miss it. But also, don’t forget to look up, the photos on the wall came from the Opry archives and included images from former Opry photographer Les Leverett and famed “Nashville Portrait” photographer Jim McGuire.

The King Is At The Door

You may notice that no matter who is using it, the door to Dressing Room #1 is always open. When Roy Acuff was at the Opry, he wanted friends, family, fans, and fellow performers to feel welcome to stop in and visit at his dressing room. Even former President Ronald Regan stopped by to see the King of Country Music there.

Now, all artists staying in Dressing Room #1 are asked to leave the door open. And on the wall, a sign pays tribute to his time spent in that room, it reads, “Ain’t nothin’ gonna come up today that me and the Lord can’t handle,” – a quote from Roy himself.

 

Pictures In The Family Room

If a picture paints a thousand words, there is no telling how many chapters the photos hanging on the walls of the Family Room would paint. Some are funny, some are poignant, many are historically significant, and all of them help immortalize the spirit of the Grand Ole Opry.

Look for the shot from the night the stage curtain didn’t go up. Two of the Opry’s shortest members rushed to hold it up before others jumped in to help, and lucky for us, someone snapped a photo.

No matter what you find during your visit to the Grand Ole Opry, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family on your tour. This is your chance to take in the history, legacy, and magic of country music’s biggest stage. There’s nothing else like it.