The Marathon Coach Club Nashville “Music City” Rally Review

Seventy-seven people in 39 coaches—plus one beautiful Marathon display bus—turned out for Marathon Coach Club’s spring 2023 event, held April 15-21, at Nashville KOA Resort. The owner’s Club welcomed 22 “First-Timers” to the rally.

Though a paddleboat dinner cruise was scheduled for the first night, it was cancelled due to boat maintenance issues. Instead, attendees gathered Saturday in the KOA’s Event Hall for a wonderful barbecue meal, compliments of Martin’s Bar-B-Que, and lively music by a five-piece band. Especially fun was celebrating the birthdays of two attendees this evening, singing “Happy Birthday” and putting candles in their coconut cake.

Sunday night brought more delicious food and music to the Clubhouse at Gaylord Springs Golf Links. Tonight’s phenomenal band, “The Royal Hounds,” put on quite a show. Leader Scott Hinds played not only his bass, but also guitarist Matheus Canteri’s electric guitar, switching from bass to guitar mid-song with no interruption — a feat resembling a Las Vegas magic trick. Matheus’s impressive guitar skills made it clear why many say he is one of Nashville’s finest guitarists.

On Monday morning, everyone hopped on two Old Town Trolleys for a tour of Nashville, followed by lunch at Assembly Food Hall. Attendees then took a guided tour of Ryman Auditorium (home of the Grand Ole Opry 1943-1974), visited the Johnny Cash Museum or spent time exploring lower Broadway’s many honky-tonks and boot shops. Dinner at 5th & Taylor’s private space, “The Back Corner,” was a delicious family-style meal.

Tuesday took attendees on an excursion to Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery, where raising thoroughbred racehorses was the focus more than a century ago. Club members toured the mansion, tasted wine and had lunch in the Carriage House. No trip to Nashville would be complete without an evening at the Grand Ole Opry, which everyone had tickets for Tuesday night and thoroughly enjoyed.

Wednesday morning’s buses left early, first taking attendees for a guided tour of RCA Studio B (where Elvis, Roy Orbison, the Everly Brothers and countless others recorded their hit songs), then to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Lunch at Wild Horse Saloon included fried pickles and pecan pie, as well as line dancing lessons. Many attendees participated and all had a great time, even those who just watched.

About half the attendees visited Lane Motor Museum Thursday morning, where more than 150 unique and one-of-a-kind automobiles and motorcycles are on display. This museum has the largest collection of European vehicles in the country; and interesting to note that every vehicle not only runs, but is also driven periodically.

The rally’s farewell experience on Thursday was dinner at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. After taking their seats, attendees were warmly welcomed to the restaurant by Jeff Ruby in a personal video, which set the tone for a wonderful evening. It was interesting to learn that Mr. Ruby owns three Marathons, and he told everyone that the only coach he would consider buying is a Marathon, because, simply put, Marathon is the best. How fitting that tonight’s Jeff Ruby’s experience was simply top-notch, also the best.

Thanks to all the attendee volunteers who helped during the rally. Everyone’s Nashville experience was greatly enhanced because of their contribution. Thanks also to the KOA for providing a picturesque homebase for this event, staffed by helpful and dedicated employees.