The original home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman is a place of pilgrimage for every country music fan. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a gig there - so we went one better and got up on stage ourselves. The Ryman tour - a good introduction to the history of country music for those who can only name one Johnny Cash number - concludes at the front of the stalls, where you're invited to get up in front of the mic and pose for a picture. Tip one: you don't need to pay for the 'official' shot, just take your own. Tip two: the guitars are real! So be brave. We got through a verse and a chorus of Rabbit in the Log before shyness overtook us, but where else do you get the chance to really experience the acoustics - and to be the star?