Circle Pass: Johnny Cash, Trolley Tour, Ryman, Ole Smoky, & More

When it comes to experiencing Nashville, the Circle Pass offers a comprehensive way to see the city’s highlights in just one or two days. This all-in-one ticket combines a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour, visits to iconic museums, the chance to step inside legendary recording studios, and some tasty local spirits. It’s designed for travelers who want a flexible, well-rounded taste of Nashville without the hassle of booking separate tickets for each attraction.

One of the standout features is the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can hop on or off at fifteen different locations, making this a genuinely personalized sightseeing experience. Plus, the inclusion of guided tours at RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame means you get plenty of context and storytelling, not just surface-level visits. However, a slight downside is that the trolley service can be crowded, and narration may be hard to hear at times, which might impact the experience for those who prefer quiet or guided commentary.

This tour is best suited to music lovers, history buffs, and those wanting a broad overview of Nashville’s cultural scene without the stress of planning each stop individually. It’s particularly appealing if you’re in Nashville for a limited time but want to maximize your exposure to the city’s most iconic spots.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary: Hop on or off at 15 locations to suit your schedule.
• Includes tickets: Free admission to four key attractions, saving you money.
• Music heritage focus: Visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B, and Johnny Cash Museum.
• Tasty experiences: Moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky Distillery.
• Tour quality varies: Guides are knowledgeable, but some reviews mention noise and crowded trolley conditions.
• Good value for a day packed with diverse experiences.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Starting with this museum is a smart choice, as it’s the heart of Nashville’s musical storytelling. The self-guided tour features exhibits that span two centuries of country music, with plenty of historic video clips, recordings, and interactive displays. Visitors often comment on the fabulous public spaces and the variety of live performances and programs.

One reviewer, Amanda, mentioned that you could easily spend around four hours here, soaking in the exhibits and enjoying the on-site dining options. The Museum Store offers a chance to pick up memorabilia, making it a perfect first stop to set the musical tone for the day.

RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print

Next, you get to choose between two iconic Nashville experiences. The RCA Studio B tour is a guided walk through a legendary space where Elvis Presley, Chet Atkins, and the Everly Brothers recorded chart-topping hits. The guide will highlight the studio’s influence on the “Nashville Sound,” and if you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the instruments used by legendary artists.

Alternatively, Hatch Show Print offers a behind-the-scenes look at the historic letterpress print shop, famous for creating concert posters since 1879. It’s still actively printing today, which means you can see modern posters being produced in the same space where legends once created theirs.

Some reviews emphasize that the guided aspect is engaging and knowledgeable, with guides sharing fun facts and anecdotes that bring Nashville’s music history to life. The choice depends on whether you’re more interested in recording history or print artistry.

Old Town Trolley Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

The trolley itself is enjoyable, providing a narrated tour of the city’s neighborhoods, landmarks, and historical sites. The routes loop every 20 minutes, making it easy to hop on or off. This part of the experience adds a fun, educational element, and you can customize your day by choosing where to stay longer.

Reviewers like Sarah highlighted the ease of use and the value of seeing many locations for one price. However, some mention that the trolley can be crowded, especially during peak times, and the narration might be hard to hear if there’s noise or technical issues. Still, most found the service convenient and a good way to cover Nashville’s widespread attractions.

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

This museum takes a different approach, focusing on the musicians behind the hits rather than the stars themselves. It’s a treasure for those interested in the studio musicians who played on countless legendary recordings. Excerpts from reviews praise the interesting collection of instruments and the stories behind the players, like the group of studio musicians who backed The Monkees and Sinatra.

Visitors often spend around three hours here, soaking up the stories of session legends and the instruments used in iconic recordings. Amanda called it “an educational and fascinating addition” to the trip, especially for music enthusiasts who appreciate the behind-the-scenes talents.

Ole Smoky Distillery & Tasting

A highlight for many is the moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, located in the SoBro district. Visitors can sample a variety of moonshines, cocktails, and beers, and learn about the craft of Tennessee’s famous spirits.

The distillery has expanded into a lively complex with food options like White Duck Taco and Prince’s Hot Chicken—perfect for a casual lunch or snack. Several reviews mention the delicious sampling and the fun atmosphere, with some noting that it’s more than just a tasting room; it’s a lively spot with merchandise, big screens, and live entertainment.

The Johnny Cash Museum

No Nashville music tour is complete without paying homage to Johnny Cash. The museum is self-guided, showcasing what’s claimed to be the largest collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world. The exhibits include everything from stage costumes to rare recordings, making it a must-see for fans.

Visitors like Heather mention that the museum is well-organized and provides a comprehensive look into Cash’s career and personal life. It’s a one-hour visit but feels rich with stories and displays, giving a lovely pause to reflect on the Man in Black.

Ryman Auditorium

Finally, a self-guided tour of the Ryman Auditorium offers a chance to explore the “Mother Church of Country Music.” This historic venue has hosted over 130 years of legendary performances and is steeped in musical history. Walking through its halls, you can imagine the countless iconic acts that graced its stage.

Reviewers such as Linda appreciated the sense of connection to Nashville’s musical roots. The tour provides a glimpse into the venue’s architecture and history, making it a meaningful conclusion to the day.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are positive, highlighting easy access, the diverse range of attractions, and the value for money. Amanda and Sarah appreciated how the pass allowed them to cover many sites in just a couple of days, while others like Heather found the combination of museums and experiences well worth the cost.

However, some reviews point out practical issues. For example, Melody mentions that crowded trolleys and technical issues with narration could detract from the experience. Nancy’s feedback notes that some attractions like Madame Tussauds aren’t reachable directly by trolley, so additional transport arrangements are necessary.

The flexibility of using tickets within a year is a definite plus, allowing visitors to spread out their visits or revisit favorite spots. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, especially for travelers with uncertain plans.

Analyzing the Value

The $217.50 price tag might seem steep at first glance, but considering it covers admission to four major attractions, a trolley tour, and a moonshine tasting, the value is quite reasonable. If you were to buy individual tickets, the total would likely be higher, especially with museum entry and guided tours.

The tour is most valuable for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Nashville’s musical and cultural history without the hassle of planning each stop individually. It’s less ideal for those seeking a more in-depth, guided experience or traveling with a group that prefers private transportation.

The Circle Pass offers a well-rounded, flexible way to explore Nashville’s rich musical heritage, iconic sights, and local flavors. It’s perfect for music lovers, casual sightseers, and first-timers who want to see a lot in a short amount of time without breaking the bank.

While some practical hiccups like crowded trolleys and noise might be frustrating, the overall experience provides excellent value for the price. The inclusion of key attractions, the freedom to customize your day, and the insights from knowledgeable guides make this a compelling choice for many.

If your goal is to get a taste of Nashville’s history and culture in a way that’s convenient and fun, the Circle Pass is hard to beat — just be prepared for a busy, lively, and occasionally noisy day of exploring the Music City.

Does the tour include transportation to all attractions?
No, the hop-on, hop-off trolley tour covers many attractions, but transportation to some, like Madame Tussauds, is not included. You might need to arrange for additional transport.

Can I visit all attractions in a single day?
Most travelers find it manageable to visit several key spots in one day, especially with the flexible hop-on, hop-off system. However, if you want to explore everything thoroughly, spreading it over two days might be better.

Are the tickets valid for a full year?
Yes, the admission tickets are valid for one year from the date of collection, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Is the trolley service reliable?
Most reviews say yes, but some point out that the trolleys can fill up quickly, and the narration might be hard to hear at times due to noise or technical issues.

What’s included in the package?
The pass includes admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B or Hatch Show Print, the Musicians Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and a tasty sampling at Ole Smoky Distillery. The trolley tour and narration are also part of the package.

What kind of experience should I expect?
Expect a lively, informal day of sightseeing with opportunities to learn about Nashville’s musical legends, enjoy local spirits, and walk through historic venues. Be prepared for some crowds and noise, but also for a good dose of authentic Nashville charm.

In short, the Circle Pass is perfect if you want a cultural, musical, and tasting whirlwind tour of Nashville, all wrapped into one flexible package. It’s a smart choice for travelers eager to soak up the city’s vibe without the stress of planning every detail.