Nashville, Tennessee

Travel has not been a top priority lately.  Not that I don't think about setting out to explore, but I have just sort of been in a weird place . . . not to mention prices for anything in life are more expensive so travel sort of seems like a luxury.  Once the boy was away at college I imagined myself jet setting all over the place.  Honestly, it has been a hard period for me, but I am adjusting and doing somewhat better.  So when I was invited to celebrate a long time friend's 50th birthday in Nashville, I was like absolutely!  I lived less than a hour from Nashville when I first married in 1998.  We went there almost every weekend we could . . . that was almost 25 year ago so I was curious to see how much Nashville has changed.

DAY 1

We wasted no time dropping our luggage and heading to Broadway . . . it was packed!  I remember Broadway always being the street but it was never like this.  We had lunch at Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa and enjoyed the live music on the rooftop terrace bar.

Our house was ready so we headed to rest and relax before a late night out.  I was excited about our evening plans since I never attended when I lived nearby.  Dinner was a Paula Deen's Family Kitchen which was just okay. . . long wait with buffet style food.

. . . and then a walk across the street for the late night performance at The Grand Ole' Opry.  

It was a packed house for tonight's performers:  Riders in the Sky, Dustin Lynch, Bill Anderson, Connie Smith, Darius Rucker, and Laura Alaina.  

It was so much fun!  I can't wait to go back.  Even though it was super late, it was so worth it!

DAY 2

It was a really early morning but once we arrived at Adele's for brunch I quickly forgot just how tired I really was.  The food was amazing even though I was not really hungry . . . I started with the small plate of desserts!

The girls set out for a shopping trip while the boys went to watch football.  It was a good day to just hang out, relax, and listen to music on Broadway.

DAY 3

No trip to Nashville is complete without a visit to Hattie B's for a hot chicken.  I was just excited about the side of collard greens and macaroni and cheese!

A little live music at Tootsies Orchard Lounge . . . 

Then our group headed for an afternoon exploring the town on a barge . . . when I heard party barge I thought it meant a boat but it was actually a truck pulling a trailer.  This is where I say "what happens in Nashville; stays in Nashville."  Some had way too much fun especially at the distillery!

DAY 4

All packed and ready to fly home but first a walk down the block for breakfast at The Donut Distillery.  How fun is this mimosa and donut sampler?

And now home to life . . .

Nashville is not the Nashville I remember!  It was packed with people and always busy.  All the bars and restaurants had some celebrity's name attached.  I don't know that I need to go back anytime soon but it was fun to celebrate a milestone birthday!  I did not recognize any of Broadway and could not locate the now closed Mulligan's Irish Pub where we used to hang out when in Nashville.

Best Food:  hands down Adele's for Sunday brunch and Hattie B's

Best Experience:  Grand Ole Opry