Last weekend I met up with my girlfriends from MN in Nashville, TN. This was Deb's choice since she turned 60 this year so we let her pick our destination for our annual girls weekend and it was a WINNER! I have never been to Nashville before and what a great place to visit, I only wish we would have had more time cause there are lots of places to see, songs to hear and bar stools to sit on. So here is a quick recap of our weekend, pictures say a thousand words so I am going to use a lot of those this time.
The Blue Bird Cafe is a famous hole in the wall where famous musicians just pop in and play. Unfortunately we were there before they opened but it is definitely a place I would make time for next trip.
Yes, this is it, the whole city is built around this famous place and its music. We got to see and hear lots of musicians later that nite at the Opry where every seat is good and the music is awesome.
And there are lots of photo ops on the grounds which are absolutely beautiful.
Carol is in love with Keith and apparently he left this picture just for her.
You can even sit a spell and play some checkers y'all.
We booked a river boat trip with the General Jackson. We met the captain (he was from North Fort Myers) before we set out on our boat ride. The boat trip included a really good buffet (course I was starving by this time so I would have eaten the captain's hat if there was some ketchup around) and after the buffet, an absolutely wonderful musical show takes place.
After the musical show which includes a lot of fiddle playing and country songs, we continued our boat ride with sites of the city and more music on the top of the boat.
Of course, there are lots and lots of souvenir shops, Sharon's personal fav is Willie.
Jan is partial to the Dukes of Hazard, I think she likes those tight jeans.
The girls wanted to take a walk thru the Gaylord resort right by the Opry which is just beautiful.
The following morning we had to have pancakes at the famous Pancake Pantry. There was a long wait but it was worth it, we had all kinds of pancakes and wanted to fill up before heading downtown to the Ryman Auditorium.
Even Superman loves pancakes.
These statutes are in the front entrance of the Ryman. The Ryman is the original venue for country music in Nashville. It opened in the early 1900's and closed in 1974 and then the Opry took over. The Ryman was set to be torn down but thankfully it was saved and the history of the building and how it all started is fascinating. We even had our pictures taken on stage by a professional just like real country stars.
Some of the girls at the Ryman discussing which bar/gift shop we should hit next.
And of course we had to sample some of the beer and music, margaritas, etc. We actually got a picture of Sharon with her eyes open (apparently she has to have her mouth open at the same time).
Tootsies in downtown Nashville with different bands on 3 floors and it was the middle of the afternoon!
Carol and me with some of the musicians from Cowboy Tequilas.
I've been looking for a kitchen sink, they don't make them like this anymore. We stayed in a somewhat dated house in Nashville close to the Vanderbilt University, a really fun part of the area.
And while I was away....
Told you I needed a kitchen sink.
All in all, we had a wonderful time in Nashville and I highly recommend a visit there. The weather was perfect, we got around with Gwen's expert driving very easily, even if you don't like country music, you will when you're there and the temptation to buy cowboy boots is almost overwhelming.
So hee haw, get out your shit kickers, grab a bowl of grits and doosy doe down to the Opry. I gar-an-tee you won't regret it. Ya hear? Margaret
