Nashville, Tennessee - Music Valley Wax Museum - Free Gift

On a family road trip to the acclaimed Grand Ole Opry, I couldn't help but drag my father into this little attraction. The wax museum looked impressive in a visitor's guide and it promised a free gift with admission. Once we made it through the tastefully trashy giftshop, our efforts were rewarded.

This museum houses many of country music's finest. A fellow patron emitted a gasp of admiration upon seeing a favorite star: "Why there's Loretta!" And there indeed was country music legend Loretta Lynn in all her waxed glory. I was disturbed by the whole affair. It had everyone from Elvis to Randy Travis, although some personalities were missing fingers and seemed to have fallen off the back of a truck.

A highlight is the picture wall of country stars who visited the museum, all of whom seem to be sporting that distinctive style of the 1980's. When I asked for the promised free gift, it turned out to be an official postcard highlighting Earnest Tubb. [Faye Travis, 07/06/2003]