Nashville Sights, Sounds, and Tastes

Welcome to the Belle Meade Plantation in Historic Old Nashville!

Elegant surroundings, southern BBQ, and country music welcomed us as we explored Nashville, Tennessee last week. Along with our travel buddies, Joanne and Gary, we quickly found out why Music City, USA is one of the most popular travel destinations in the US. Tempting us with hundreds of attractions, it became clear that our week in town would only be a brief introduction to all the iconic sights, sounds, and tastes that Nashville has to offer.

Our home for the week was Seven Points Campground on the shores of J. Percy Priest Lake. This Corps of Engineers facility provided large, long wooded sites ... except for Joanne and Gary's site #55 which had a few too many tree limbs hanging over their RV pad making it a challenge to get in. But with a few creative maneuvers by Gary, they were set, and we were ready to plan our Nashville explorations over happy hour!

We talked about all the attractions and entertainment that were now in our backyard ... music, history, breweries, restaurants, and shopping. Maybe a new pair of cowgirl boots??!!

So many choices ... and one thing was for certain. We were going to get our initiation into the art of country music with a visit to the 

Grand Ole Opry!

Joanne and Gary snagged us some tickets, and we were able to attend the Friday evening show. It just happened to be the Grand Ole Opry's 92nd birthday weekend, so we enjoyed a musical birthday party on the plaza beforehand.

Once inside, we were entertained by Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis, Vince Gill, Connie Smith, Hunter Hayes, Tracy Lawrence, Mike Snider, Diamond Rio and our favorite ... The Oak Ridge Boys!

It was easy to see how the Grand Ole Opry has stood the test of time and remains an American classic. Country music delivers the boot-stomping rhythm and enjoyment for music lovers of all ages.

Biking Nashville

We found that Nashville has quite a few bike paths and decided to use our bikes to explore the city. The campground is located about 15 miles east of downtown, so one afternoon we drove to Two Rivers Park and hopped on the bike path that led us into the downtown area seven miles later.

Another time we parked by the Nissan Stadium and were able to cross the Cumberland River via a pedestrian bridge. In a matter of minutes, we were in the heart of the city.

From there, Doug was able to lead us on bike-friendly roads as we discovered ...

The Parthenon!
It is supposed to be a replica of the one in Greece,
but because it is closed on Mondays, we could not check it out.
Sorry, Doug, but you may still have to take me to Greece!

Another State Capitol building!
Too hot ... not going to climb up
that hill to get right next to it.

Water fountains just begging you to
bike through and cool off!

And plenty of natural beauty as the bike path
meandered along the rivers and though neighborhoods
lined with southern plantation-like homes.

And after biking around town
in the heat and humidity, he skillfully
managed to find Tailgate Brewery
complete with a large craft beer
selection, delicious pizza, but sadly,
no coasters to add to his collection!

Nashville Music

The true Nashville experience lies in the live music at resonates on the streets day and night. The sights and sounds along Broadway Avenue confirmed to us why the Music City continues to draw music lovers of all ages. 

From country to rock and everything in between, the music venues entertained all. Just walk down the street ... hear something you like? Come on in and grab a bar stool or rocking chair ... or grab your partner and head to the dance floor for a honky tonk good time!

You never know who you may run into when in the Music City!

Nashville Fun Rain or (Moon)Shine!

The remnants of Hurricane Nate brought a little rain to the area. But rainy days and girlfriends are the perfect combination for a "retail therapy" day. And Opry Mills Outlet Mall was calling our name! Persuaded by the promise of a Cinnabon, the boys came along.

Doug and Gary totally shocked us by doing some "buying" also. I'm looking forward to seeing the Wildebeest decked out with laser Christmas lights this December! They also discovered a fun and FREE mall activity while we were shopping ... Moonshine tasting! We enjoyed teeny tiny sips of peach, orange cream, coffee, lime, salted caramel, sweet tea, strawberry shortcake, cinnamon, ginger snap, butter cake, apple pie, chocolate silk and just plain moonshine. My favorite was chocolate silk ... but not for $30 a pint.

We are going to spend that money on the other Nashville delectable ... Barbecue!

Nashville sights, sounds and tastes enjoyed with friends ... now that's music to our ears!

Until next time ... Have a Grand Ole (Opry) Time ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!

On the road to New Orleans for a two week Habitat build and a first time visit to the Big Easy. As always, we appreciate your comments and suggestions.

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