Rob and Danny welcome Heather Middleton, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation. She's been with the organization since 2004.
Heather discusses all the things that make Nashville a family travel destination and answers the burning question of when Nashville became the bachelorette capital of the world.
Neighborhoods. Nashville is a town made up of small communities and Heather talks about some of the neighborhoods that make this place special.
Activities. If you’re coming to town to be sample some of the music Nashville is known for, there are many places to do that ranging from the Ryman auditorium to the Bluebird Cafe. Also plenty of non-music related activities like Hermitage, Cheekwood gardens, the Parthenon and more. Gaylord Opryland always has something going on throughout the year.
Festivals. The main festival associated with Nashville continues to be CMA Fan Fest. Heather talks about some of the activities surrounding this festival. This will be the first year Fan Fest is back since the pandemic. One thing that was surprising was the fact that most stages for Fan Fest are free! July 4th and New Years are the other two major events on the calendar and draw large crowds.
All this and more….make sure you listen to Episode 81 Nashville!
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!