Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour

Exploring Nashville’s Hidden Secrets with Revelry Tours’ “Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood” Tour

If you’ve ever wondered about the shadowy corners of Nashville’s history, this tour offers a compelling glimpse into the city’s darker past. For just $35 per person, you get a 2-hour guided experience starting at 600 Church Street, near Cornerstone Square. Led by knowledgeable guides like Nestor—who, according to glowing reviews, bring enthusiasm and insight—you’ll journey through the less polished, more intriguing part of Nashville’s story. Expect to visit historic sites associated with “The Men’s Quarter,” the Red Light District of the mid-1800s, and Printer’s Alley, all infused with tales of vice, mayhem, and some blood-spattered history.

What really drew us in are two specific aspects: First, the expert narration that makes each stop come alive — our guide Nestor’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge made the stories stick. Second, the authenticity of the stops — from the Victorian-era bordellos to the lively Printer’s Alley, this isn’t a sanitized or overly touristy version of Nashville’s past. Instead, it feels like stepping into a gritty, real chapter of the city’s history.

One potential consideration is that drinks are not included in the tour price, so you should be prepared to purchase beverages at each stop if you want to toast the tales or relax at some of the historic bars. Also, the tour is designed for an adult audience, as it explores mature themes related to vice and nightlife.

This experience is perfect for travelers who love a good story, appreciate history with a little edge, and enjoy uncovering the authentic, if darker, aspects of a city. It’s especially suited for those interested in Nashville’s underground past rather than mainstream country music or celebrity tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique Subject Matter: Offers a different perspective on Nashville, focusing on its seedy, darker past rather than the typical music or tourist sights.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Nestor are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the stories engaging.
• Historic Venues: Stops include “The Men’s Quarter,” the Red Light District of the 1800s, and Printer’s Alley, each rich with stories of vice and mayhem.
• Cost-Effective: At $35, it provides a value-packed experience with a lot of storytelling and historic insight.
• Adult Content: Not suitable for under 21, as themes include alcohol, vice, and blood-related tales.
• Flexible Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.

A Detailed Look at the Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour

Setting the Scene: Where It All Begins

The tour starts at 600 Church Street, near Cornerstone Square, a convenient central location in downtown Nashville. Meeting point is well-organized: your guide will be waiting for you by the central circle inside Church Street Park. This makes it easy to locate and provides a relaxed start to your adventure.

Once assembled, the tour begins with a brief introduction about the city’s reputation for music and Southern hospitality, quickly segueing into its less-glamorous, more clandestine past. The first stop, the Standard Proof Tasting Room, sets the tone with tales of love gone wrong, murder, and betrayal, giving a taste of Nashville’s darker side.

Visiting the “Men’s Quarter” and the Red Light District

The real charm of this tour lies in the historic venues and neighborhoods you explore. At the Bobby Hotel, step back into the mid-1800s, where Nashville’s Red Light District—referred to historically as “Smokey Row”—once thrived. Here, stories of forbidden pleasures, illicit gambling, and the gritty stories of the women behind the curtains come alive through vivid narration.

What makes this stop special is how the guide contextualizes what life was like for the women and men, giving a sense of the complex social fabric that defined the era. It’s not just about the vices, but about understanding the human stories behind them. This stop offers a visual sense of the architecture and layout of the district, enhancing the storytelling.

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The Men’s Quarter and Printer’s Alley

Next, the tour moves to Dream Nashville, where the focus is on “The Men’s Quarter,” an area once filled with bars, gambling dens, and indulgent vices catering specifically to men’s whims. Here, you’ll imagine the mid-1800s scene, with details about what was available and how it was hidden from prying eyes.

Following this, you arrive at Printer’s Alley, an area that during the day was home to publishing houses and printing presses, but at night transformed into a lively, libation-filled entertainment district. It’s fascinating to think about how the same street could host both the quiet work of printers and the raucous nightlife of jazz and booze.

The guide recounts stories of overflows of alcohol, jazz musicians, and city scandals, giving you a vivid picture of Nashville’s noir-like nightlife of the past. As one reviewer notes, our guide’s enthusiasm made these stories even more compelling.

Final Stop: The Ryman and the Blood-Tale of Stringbean & Estelle

Your tour ends at the CMT/Ryman Auditorium, where a gruesome tale involving Country musicians Stringbean and Estelle is shared. The story offers a stark reminder that Nashville’s musical fame had its dark side. It’s a fitting conclusion that ties together the glamour and the grit of the city’s history.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Aside from the guided narration and entry into the venues, the price does not include drinks. That means you’ll want to budget extra if you wish to enjoy a cocktail or two at each stop, adding to the authentic feel of the experience — part of the “seedy” charm.

The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for a more personalized experience, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many visitors.

The Experience’s Strengths

The most praised aspect of this tour is undeniably the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Jenna’s review highlights how Nestor’s passion and insights made the experience memorable, taking us to hidden gems we might never have found on our own.

The authenticity of the stories and venues also stands out. Unlike more polished or sanitized tours, this one feels raw, unfiltered, and genuine, making it perfect for travelers craving an offbeat look at Nashville.

Potential Drawbacks

While the tour is rich in content, it’s important to note that drinks are not included, so if you’re expecting a bar crawl with beverages in hand, you’ll need to budget separately. Also, the mature themes mean this isn’t suitable for those under 21 or those uncomfortable with stories of vice and bloodshed.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This tour is best suited for history buffs, curious travelers, and fans of Nashville’s darker stories. If you’re interested in culture behind the scenes, and enjoy stories of scandal and intrigue, you’ll find this tour highly engaging. It’s also a good fit if you want a more adult-oriented, authentic experience beyond the typical Nashville sights.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for an entertaining, insightful, and slightly provocative way to explore Nashville, the Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour offers a unique slice of the city’s past. The combination of expert storytelling, well-chosen venues, and a manageable duration makes this a valuable experience for a reasonable price.

While it isn’t a family-friendly activity, it’s ideal for adults eager to see Nashville from a different angle—one that reveals the seedy, scandalous, yet fascinating side of this vibrant city. Expect to walk away with a new appreciation for Nashville’s complex history, told through stories you won’t find in the standard guidebooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or teenagers?
No, the tour is intended for adults, as it covers themes related to vice, blood, and mature content.
Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included, so you might find it enjoyable to purchase beverages at each stop.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable experience that won’t overextend your day.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at 600 Church Street, by the central circle inside Church Street Park.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can join.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility with your plans.
What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $35 per person, offering good value for the amount of storytelling and historic insight provided.
Who would enjoy this experience most?
Travelers interested in Nashville’s underground and darker history, history enthusiasts, and adults looking for a fun, unusual tour will find this especially appealing.

In essence, the Revelry Tours’ Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour offers an engaging, well-researched, and entertaining look into Nashville’s more shadowy past. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the city’s history in a way that’s a little different from the usual. With knowledgeable guides and authentic stories, you’re sure to leave with a fresh perspective—and maybe a few scandalous tales to share.

You can check availability for your dates here: