WideOpenCountry

The bathrooms in Ford's Garage in Fort Myers, Florida are every gearhead's dream.

Rodney Atkins performed a cover of this Buffalo Springfield classic, "For What It's Worth" during September 2019's Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, at the Pink Shell Resort.

If you thought parasailing was for daredevils, think again!

When the sets end at Fort Myers' Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, the songwriters let loose with some classic covers and hits!

We heard this original story of the Edisons' fishing adventures while touring the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in downtown Fort Myers, Florida.

We island hopped with EcoVenture Florida to Cayo Costa State Park, Florida, from Ft. Myers Beach and took in the amazing shelling beaches and natural sights.

We asked Rodney Atkins about his favorite country artist of all time during September 2019's Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

The ceramic Christmas tree is making a comeback, which means it's time to raid Grandma's attic for porcelain collectibles. These Christmas decorations started gaining momentum in the 1940s and began as handcrafted designs. They dominated the legendary Christmas decor scene of the '60s and '70s with their multi-color lights. Some of the ceramic decorations even played Christmas music. You will typically find 10-15 inch trees, which make them perfect for tabletop placement.

Willie Nelson is one of the greatest names in country music, but did you know that he has some incredibly talented children? Get to know Willie's kids and read on for some things you might have not known about the Nelson clan. Lana Nelson https://www.instagram.com/p/pUfjQKAiaU/ The oldest daughter of Willie Nelson was born out of his first marriage to Martha Matthews. She had a bit part in Willie's 1986 film Red Headed Stranger and also worked in the costume department. While she isn't a performer like some of her siblings, she's clearly still very present in the Nelson family business and is frequently seen on Nelson's social media accounts. Susie Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNF4c9ecUrM&feature=youtu.be Susie was the second child from Willie's marriage to Martha Matthews. She wrote a book about her experience of having a famous father in 1987 called, Heart Worn Memories: A Daughter’s Personal Biography of Willie Nelson. She was the co-host of “Susie’s Gospel Hour” with Willie on his Sirius XM channel Willie’s Roadhouse back in 2012. As evidenced by the above clip, she can also sing like her siblings. Billy Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2iMupp_99g Billy was the youngest child of Martha and Willie. Sadly he committed suicide in 1991, early on Christmas Day. Before he passed away, he recorded this gospel tune that he had written as a duet with his father. Paula Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whCdxooLDpY Paula is the daughter of Nelson and Connie Koepke. She was born while Nelson was still married to Shirley Collie Nelson. This led to a divorce and Nelson then married Koepke. Paula inherited her father's musical genes and has released five of her own albums with the Paula Nelson Band including Under the Influence in 2014. She is the host of her own show on the Outlaw Country channel on Sirius XM. She is also well known for her duet with her father, "Have You Ever Seen the Rain,"on his 2013 album To All the Girls.... The song recently gained some extra attention for being featured on the soundtrackfor the hit HBO series, Big Little Lies. Read More: The Loves of Willie's Life from Martha Matthews to Annie D'Angelo Amy Lee Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F7JbPo0PkU Amy Lee is the only other child that came from Nelson's marriage with Connie Koepke. She's in an Austin, Texas musical group with Cathy Guthrie called Folk Uke. The duo has released two albums with guest appearances from their famous dads (Cathy's father is Arlo Guthrie). Lukas Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dK4pHHLfXpk Lukas Nelson is the first born child from Willie and his current wife, Annie D’Angelo. His band, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, is based in California. Since their debut EP, Brando's Paradise Sessions, the band has been making a name for themselves at the top of the charts. They were also the backing band for Bradley Cooper in the 2018 film A Star Is Born. Lukas also served as a vocal coach for Cooper in the film and co-wrote many of the songs featured in the film. Micah Nelson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yRYe486w3c The youngest son from D'Angelo and Willie is also a musician. He has recently been gaining notoriety for his rock band, Particle Kid. He has also toured with his father and brother so you know he knows what he's doing. For more check out WideOpenCountry.com

These days Kris Kristofferson is probably best known as "the old guy from the Blade movies." Which is fair if you're under 40. But before he was slaying vampires on the big screen Kristofferson was a country music legend, slaying in Nashville with the likes of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings in the outlaw country supergroup The Highwaymen. In fact, the singer-songwriter had such a successful career that he is not only a Grammy winner but also a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. "Sunday Morning Coming Down" "Why Me" Help Me Make It Through the Night Here are 8 fun facts to celebrate this American icon. Thanks for the good times, Kris. 1. He's a Military Brat and a Veteran Long before he made it to the Music City he was born in the Lone Star State. Kristofferson was born in Brownsville, Texas and raised in San Mateo, California. His father was in the Army Air Corps (later the U.S. Air Force) where he ultimately rose to the rank of Major General. As a high ranking officer, Kristofferson's father pressured his son to pursue the same career path and, for a while, he did. Kris Kristofferson rose to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot. While he was stationed in West Germany Kristofferson began to write music again. 2. His Family Disowned Him For Choosing Art Over the Army Ultimately Kristofferson didn't want to pursue a lifelong career in the military, turning down a post to teach literature at West Point. Because of this Kristofferson's father disowned his son for going against everything the family stood for. It's unclear if they ever reconciled. 3. He Was Kind of a Genius Kris Kristofferson attended Pomona College for his undergraduate studies where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in literature. His junior year he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and, after graduation, Kristofferson earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, where he studied at Merton College. 4. He Was an Awesome Rugby Player Kris Kristofferson and his classmates at Pomona College resurrected the Claremont Colleges Rugby Club, which is still a highly regarded Rugby club in Southern California today. Kristofferson also played rugby at Oxford. 5. He's a Star in Nashville AND Hollywood No, not for the Blade series (though he should've been). But Kristofferson won a Golden Globe for his role in the 1976 version of A Star is Born, which co-starred Barbra Streisand. He's also known for his roles in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Fast Food Nation, and Heaven's Gate. He was also in the Dolphin Tale movies but... we don't have to talk about that. 6. He's Still Racking Up Grammy Nominations Kris might be getting up there in years but that doesn't mean he can't still crank out hits. In 2016 his album The Cedar Creek Sessions, which he recorded in Austin, was nominated for Best Americana Album at the Grammy Awards that year. 7. He was Dating Janis Joplin When She Died Joplin's had a number one hit after her death, "Me and Bobby McGee" which was written by Kristofferson. 8. He Wrote a Song About Jesus That He Performed with Bob Dylan The song, entitled, "They Killed Him" was a tribute to Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. For more: WideOpenCountry.com

DeFord Bailey DeFord Bailey was a pioneer not only for African American Country singers but for all country musicians. A world-class harmonica player, Bailey has the distinct honor of being the first country singer to be introduced on the Grand Ole Opry. Not just the first black country singer, the first ever country musician. A rare appearance in 1974 launched the Opry's "Old Timers' Show," and Bailey received one of country music's highest honors when he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005 — 23 years after he passed away. Charley Pride One of our living legends of country music, Charley Pride, embodies everything there is to love about country music. With talent matched only by his resiliency and character, Pride rose to fame at the height of racial tension in America and eventually earned 39 No. 1 singles, selling over 70 million albums. The only artist to outsell Pride for RCA was Elvis Presley. Tina Turner She may not be known traditionally as a country artist, but Tennessee native and American icon Tina Turner's stint in country music was huge both for her and for future generations of artists. She wasn't the first black pop/R&B artist to go country, but she chose to introduce herself to the world as a country musician to show her appreciation for the genre with the Grammy-winning Tina Turns the Country On! Aaron Neville Aaron Neville was born in New Orleans and grew up around the southern and Creole influences of Louisiana. He started off singing with The Neville Brothers but eventually had a solo career. Neville's voice is high and smooth and lends itself well to R&B, but the singer never limited himself to one genre. One of Neville's most notable collaborations with a prominent country singer wasn't even for a country song. His work with Linda Ronstadt in 1989 for the Grammy Award-winning song "Don't Know Much" reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year. Ray Charles Ray Charles is the rare artist whose music completely eclipses genre boundaries. And while, like Tina Turner, he's not known traditionally as a country music singer, Charles stepped into the country music spotlight several times and left a lasting impact. He first began recording country songs in the late 50s, and in 1962 he released Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music. Cowboy Troy Cowboy Troy was doing the whole "hick-hop" thing years before acts like Jason Aldean ("Dirt Road Anthem"), Luke Bryan ("That's My Kind of Night") and Florida Georgia Line ("This Is How We Roll") cashed in on it. Unlike artists who saw their stars rise with a hick-hop hit or two, it was never just a fad for Cowboy Troy, who started in 2001. Darius Rucker As a founding member and primary songwriter for soft rock band Hootie & The Blowfish (contrary to popular belief, the name was a combination of nicknames and Rucker was not "Hootie"), Darius Rucker co-wrote the 16th best-selling album of all time in Cracked Rear View. He always described his sound as more country-leaning and introduces the classic hit "Let Her Cry" as the first country song he ever wrote. Rucker's Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 cemented him as a mainstay in country music. He'd eventually go on to record one of the most-played country songs ever, his version of "Wagon Wheel." For more check out WideOpenCountry.com

The Grand Ole Opry will return to television in 2020 thanks to Circle, a new media network made possible by Opry Entertainment Group and Gray Television, inc. Per a press release, the network will feature original programming centered around country stars and their lives on and off the stage. Its lineup includes a weekly television broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry, the show that made country music famous. A different way to catch events from the Opry House beyond WSM's radio broadcasts brings even more exposure to Grand Ole Opry members. “Circle is all about fun, discovery and accessibility for country music fans,” said Drew Reifenberger, the general manager of Circle Media, in a press release. “Circle will align fans and artists by creating intimate experiences and camaraderie of a close-knit circle of friends.” Planned programming for the Music City-centric network includes entertainment news, documentaries and movies, plus licensed programming and archival content. Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc., said the goal was to provide entertainment experiences celebrating the country lifestyle and "enrich the artist-fan connection that is the backbone of country music." “Circle Media is a key piece of that strategy that will create a window into all of the best moments that happen in Nashville and throughout the South, so fans can connect with up-and-coming artists and the superstars they love from anywhere they are," Bailey said. The network will debut in early 2020 on Gray-owned TV stations. Additional distribution partners will be announced in the coming months. Circle plans to launch a companion digital premium entertainment service in the late spring of 2020. For more check out WideOpenCountry.com

Do you remember Ricky Van Shelton? The country music star scored big hits with "I'll Leave This World Loving You," "Keep it Between the Lines," "Hole in my Pocket," "I Meant Every Word He Said," "Wild Man," "Statue of a Fool" and his Dolly Parton duet "Rockin' Years." Over the course of his 20-year career, Shelton had 10 No. 1 hits and was among the ranks of timeless country singers like Conway Twitty, George Strait, Randy Travis and Garth Brooks. Shelton released his debut album Wild-Eyed Dream in 1987. The album, which spawned the hits "Crime of Passion," "Life Turned Her That Way," "Somebody Lied" and more, hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart. He followed up the album's success with his sophomore release Loving Proof, which featured "From a Jack to a King," "Don't We All Have the Right" and a the Hank Cochran-penned "He Got You," which was originally recorded by Patsy Clineas "She's Got You." Shelton would go on to release RVS III in 1990, Backroads in 1991, Greatest Hits Plus and gospel album Don't Overlook Salvationin 1992 and Making Plans in 1998. In May 2006, Shelton announced that he was retiring from country music to spend time with his family and his wife Bettye. The "I Am a Simple Man" singer had made enough money and decided to finally kick off his boots. Born in Danville, Virginiaand raised in Grit, Virginia, Shelton didn't need fame to be happy. For more check out WideOpenCountry.com

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn, former First Lady and advocate for numerous causes, are celebrating yet another milestone in their 73 years together. They are now the longest-married presidential couple. The Carter Center wrote on Facebook that the couple has been together for 26,765 days. The previous record was held by George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush. What's their secret to a happy and lasting marriage? During an interview on Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul Sunday in 2016, former President Carter says he supports his wife's dreams and ambitions while letting her have her own space. And they never go to bed angry. "Rosalynn has her own ideas, her own ambitions, her own goals in life, which, in some ways, are different from mine. I let her do her thing; she lets me do my thing," Carter said. "And we try to resolve our inevitable and fairly frequent differences before we go to bed at night.” Check out WideOpenCountry.com

The coal mining town of Butcher Holler (or Butcher Hollow), Kentucky is the birthplace of country music legend Loretta Lynn. Her home and the town in general not only got some love throughout her music career but became a tourist attraction that you can visit today. The home is located in the town of Johnson County, which Lynn honored in her timeless hit, "Coal Miner's Daughter". Her song also mentions the larger town of Van Lear in her song where Butcher Holler is located. The country singer was the eldest daughter and second born to her mother and coal miner father, Clary and Ted Webb. Loretta Webb and her seven siblings lived in their "cabin on a hill" off their father's coal mining salary but he did his best to make sure everyone felt loved and had food on the table. Loretta left home at 15 when she got married and went on to become a huge star. Her sister Crystal Gayle also found success as a country music singer making their childhood home in the tiny town in Kentucky a tourist destination for longtime fans. If you find yourself in Eastern Kentucky wanting to stop into Loretta Lynn's home, then you'll need to also stop at Webb’s Grocery in Van Lear. The 100-year-old store is owned and maintained by Lynn's brother, Herman Webb. Originally an old coal mining camp store, you'll be able to bring home some keepsakes and snacks. The actual home has guided tours that are only $5, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day of the week with no reservations required. Lynn's brother Herman even gives the tours himself, with other family members stepping in when he is unavailable. He undoubtedly has numerous stories about his famous sisters growing up singing on the front porch having no idea what the future held. The inside of the home also holds numerous original family items ranging from their mother's washboard, bed and more. The fee for the tour has remained $5 for years, keeping true to the family's humble beginnings. For more, check out WideOpenCountry.com

If you're a fan of the hit television sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies, you might want to save up your pennies. The mansion seen in the opening credits of the series is on the market. Of course, you are going to have to find some of Jed Clampett's Texas Tea if you want to buy this expensive home. Originally, the Beverly Hillbillies mansion had a $350 million price tag, making it the highest priced piece of real estate in the nation. The price of the Clampett mansion was later slashed to $245 million. In June, the price decreased by another $50 million (quite the price cut)-- setting the asking price at $195 million, according to Housing Wire. Whoever purchases the Los Angeles property will wind up with quite the piece of world-class Hollywood history. Architect Sumner Spaulding built the home in 1933. According to Fortune, the original owners gave the home the name of "Chartwell," which stuck over the years. In 1986, the mansion went through a restoration that kept all of the building's original charm. The Chartwell estate sits on a 10-acre lot and features a tennis court, beautiful garden, 75-foot swimming pool and even a covered parking lot big enough to hold 40 cars. Of course, the mansion itself has even more allure. The massive 25,000 square foot home has a 12,000-bottle wine cellar, salon, ballroom, dining room, a 75-foot pool, pool house and much more. Naturally, the home only appeared in the credits of the television series that made it famous. All other shots took place on a film lot in Hollywood. READ MORE: 10 Things You Didn't Know About 'The Beverly Hillbillies' One of the reasons the Bel-Air estate is currently on the market is that the previous owner passed away on May 23, 2017. According to ABC News, Jerry Perenchio, who was once the chairman and CEO of Spanish-language broadcast network Univision, lived in the home until his death. Now the beautiful masterpiece is in need of a new owner to upkeep the fantastic piece of television history.

When you hear cowboy hat, Stetson is the iconic American brand that springs to mind. The western hats aren't just functional workwear thanks to John B. Stetson's ingenuity, but have now come to represent the country way of life outside city limits. Stetson hats are so famous because they're well-made and made to last as they are one of the few products left that's truly made in the USA. The fur felt process happens at a separate factory and the straw hats are actually handwoven south of the border, but we had the opportunity to hit the open road and tour the place where all of the finishing touches come together in Garland, Texas. Here, HatCo manufactures hats for brands like Stetson, Resistol, and others. The Stetson hat factory process begins in the back of the warehouse where we watched how the western felt hats are made, with information on hat size and different hat styles. The straw cowboy hat production happens in another building across the parking lot, where we learned that each straw hat is woven by hand. The best part of the factory tour, however, was learning about Stetson's history as a company and its many contributions to local museums around the country. More than just outdoor hat makers, the Stetson name is synonymous with the idea of the boss of the plains, a hat that will stand by you during a hard day's work out in the field. Though its wearers might get more use out of the felt cowboy hats on the dance floor than herding buffalo as cattlemen these days, the quality remains the same. Due to their wool felt process, water and moisture beads right off the hat, keeping you drier longer. The hat band carries the name of the quality control worker who gave your hat the final inspection, like Ms. Hazel we met in the video above. The most popular models are the Stetson Rancher, the instant classic, while the Stetson Open Road is similar to the Rancher is one of the trendier hats in their glossary. This model is shorter, but smaller with a fedora style brim. Consider it a mini version! Every color from Acorn to Latte looks good, it just depends on what's in your closet already. The Stetson Skyline 6X Cowboy hat, the Stetson Bozeman, the Stetson Panama straw hat, the Stetson Silverbelly Rancher, the Stetson Airway, the Milan, and the Stratoliner are also popular models. To find Stetsons in a store near you, check out Stetson hat company online, or visit your local retailers for different styles that vary from shop to shop. If you've never considered a Stetson before, but are now, don't be afraid to visit your local hatter to learn more. Hatmaking is an art form often left behind in the wake of new trends, so you can almost guarantee that your hatter would love to see their smiling face in that small room of their shop. For more like this check out: WideOpenCountry.com

1:1, Summer, WOC, WOC bumpers, Wide Open Country

The country superstar puts his family first every day and has said that there is nothing more special than when they can be together.

Everyone start packing your bags because it's time to head to paradise. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Resort Orlando is now open!

When we set out to discover the gems of North Texas with Chevrolet on the Made in Texas tour, we expected Beaver Nuggets and ball gloves. What we found, however, was a rich community and factories

Country star Thomas Rhett teamed up with Crown Royal to reunite mothers of service members with their active duty sons and daughters.

According to recent studies, if you make a habit out of attending concerts you'll be happier for it. Read more here: https://www.wideopencountry.com/study-says-concerts-make-you-happier/

If you're one of those people who can't seem to pry yourself away from your beloved pair of cowboy boots, there's a new summer fashion trend that will blow your mind.

This Texas wildflower season is the best its been in the last 10 years. Ain't Texas a beauty? Read more: https://www.wideopeneats.com/seed-bombing-plant-wildflowers-bluebonnets-and-more-in-seconds/