Cooter’s Place Nashville: Dukes of Hazzard Museum Review
Okay, so if you’re thinking of visiting Nashville and have, maybe, just a bit of a soft spot for classic TV, there’s this place that is almost certainly worth checking out, which is Cooter’s Place. Located in the heart of Music City, it is a trip down memory lane, mostly for those who remember the ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ TV show. But what’s the real deal? Does it actually live up to the hype? And is that photo & T-shirt combo really worth your money? We will explore that now.
What Is Cooter’s Place Nashville, Anyway?
Now, it may appear like a typical tourist shop from the outside, but, frankly, it’s more than that, it’s like stepping right into the ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ set. The place is owned by Ben Jones, that same guy who played Cooter Davenport in the original show. The store, itself, is stuffed full of memorabilia from the show, things like scripts, props, and all sorts of items that’ll definitely tickle your nostalgia bone. You, too, can actually see Cooter’s tour bus parked out front – that’s, generally speaking, a really awesome photo op. In a way, it operates a tribute and celebration of the iconic TV series, offering visitors an immersive experience filled with nostalgic memorabilia and photo opportunities.
They really pack quite a bit in there, from autographed photos to models of the General Lee, and, in fact, there’s even Cooter’s garage which they recreated, complete with tools and car parts. To be sure, the real draw for many are those photo opportunities with the General Lee replica. Yet, as a matter of fact, you could pose with the car and pretend you are about to outrun Rosco P. Coltrane, just for old time’s sake! That is often something you do not get at a regular, plain museum.
Read our full review: Cooter’s Place Nashville Full Review and Details
The Photo Op: Strike a Pose, Y’all
So, for those who are willing to go for that photo & T-shirt combo, the first thing you will be getting is the photo. This is, naturally, where you can finally fulfill your childhood dream and pose alongside the General Lee. The car is almost definitely a replica, yet, frankly, it looks very close to the original, from that bright orange paint job to that Confederate flag on the roof (controversies aside). Generally, visitors get that opportunity to sit inside and, obviously, pretend they’re Duke boys fleeing from the law. To put it simply, the staff there are ready to take your photos with your own camera, or maybe sell you a professional print, yet, frankly, that will cost you more. Anyway, if you have kids with you, they will more than likely think this is pretty darn cool.
That said, if you are not too keen on paying extra for a professional photo, so maybe bring a buddy or just ask a staff member to snap a pic with your phone. The lighting, naturally, isn’t always the best inside, yet you can end up with a passable souvenir shot with a bit of luck and clever angling. Still, it’s that chance to get up close with the General Lee that you could potentially cherish most. You’ve got to make sure you visit Cooter’s Place on your trip.
The T-Shirt: Wear Your Hazzard County Pride
Okay, now, let’s get to the T-shirt part of the deal. Let’s face it, a trip isn’t complete, like your standard run-of-the-mill tourist outing, without buying some apparel that loudly proclaims where you’ve been, isn’t it? So, this T-shirt will feature different ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ designs, starting from the General Lee in mid-flight to, obviously, Cooter himself wrenching on a car. Typically, shirts are reasonably priced, or I mean if purchased as a part of the combo, yet the quality may vary a little bit. After washing a few times it won’t likely resemble its former self.
Really, the shirts are something that are available in many sizes, right from kids to adults, so almost everyone in the family can get one. Yet, you, too, should check the sizing before buying, just as some customers feel that the shirts run a tiny bit small. To tell the truth, for a casual fan, so getting a T-shirt can often be a simple method for displaying your love for that show. Obviously, wear it proudly, for instance when you are going grocery shopping back home, and it’s clear you know your way around Hazzard County!
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cooter’s Place Nashville)
The Museum Experience: More Than Just a Store
The store is so very awesome, sure, yet you should try spending some time perusing the museum part too. Even more impressive, they display different collectibles, such as costumes that have been worn by cast members to, obviously, behind-the-scenes photographs. Arguably, some show trivia or old fan letters will spark a nice blast from the past. Even though that stuff can occasionally feel a little random, this stuff adds some soul and setting, unlike just, let’s say, your ordinary roadside attraction. They recreated Cooter’s garage so you will, actually, get an idea how his workplace might’ve looked like.
Okay, there are a lot of nostalgic treasures there, such as Daisy Duke’s famous shorts (or maybe a reasonable facsimile), autographed photos, and also even some merchandise that will remind viewers of the original airing run. As a matter of fact, they show clips and behind-the-scenes videos on loop. The staff are, usually, quite eager to share random show anecdotes and tell some tales about Ben Jones. To tell the truth, talking with some of the workers can genuinely add so much to that trip!
Is the Photo & T-Shirt Combo Worth It?
Basically, now let’s address that question, is that photo & T-shirt deal genuinely worth spending that cash? If that is a superfan of the ‘Dukes of Hazzard,’ so that’s probably a yes. Clearly, getting that photo with a General Lee and also wearing your T-shirt can be very cool souvenirs to memorialize that special day. But just so you know, you have to make certain you set the expectations appropriately.
Really, a bit is determined by that cost. Just because the photo along with the T-shirt are priced at a premium compared to just getting separate goods, in that case think regarding what that is valued at in regard to experience and memoir versus purely practical. Clearly, just be mindful as to those goods available some ways toward value for money when thinking on buying! With that in mind you could have something unique which goes beyond your casual tourist shop fare.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Of course, there’s quite a few things you should take into account that can certainly help increase that fun at Cooter’s Place.
- Plan Ahead: That place does get full, particularly in that peak season. Making certain you get an early arrival assures that you get the chance to photograph along with also that minimal queuing up to look on goods.
- Chat with the Staff: A number of them have worked there quite some time plus filled up upon fun facts relating ‘Dukes.’ Show staff your inquiries along with possibly glean interesting show biz insights.
- Check Out Other Merchandise: Beside that photo & tee packages shop also includes, of course, various types of items for all budgets. Think regarding getting keychains ornaments otherwise stickers for smaller goodies aside!
- Combine with Other Attractions: Cooter’s is near enough many several spots close by such including Country Music Hall pertaining Fame as well Ryman Auditorium! Help turn it onto part spanning overall whole- day discovery round Nashville scenes.
Read our full review: Cooter’s Place Nashville Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cooter’s Place Nashville)