Thursday, November 5, 2009

Nashville, in Clif Notes

I'm finally getting around to telling you about our Nashville experience, so instead of a detailed play-by-play I will give you the quick and dirty version instead. You probably get tired of reading my long ramblings anyway.

Let's start with the highlight of the trip for Nate. It wasn't in the original plans...in fact, we didn't even know it existed until we saw it on a brochure after we'd arrived...but we traveled to the hole-in-the-wall Cooter's Place, the Dukes of Hazzard Museum and Shop. Nate was a huge fan of the show growing up, so he was thrilled. Thrilled, I tell you.

IMGP0064

I mean, look at the happiness radiating from this guy. And the highlight, he got his picture taken with the General Lee.

IMGP0075

IMGP0071

The Country Music Hall of Fame (CMHF) was a must see for me. The museum is very well put together and they have a great audio tour for those of us (me) who don't like to read everything in a museum. There are great exhibits and amazing sights.

DSCN3268

DSCN3276

The highlight of our CMHF tour was seeing and stepping foot into Studio B. It's amazing the history of this place and how simple things were back then. Definitely splurge on the Studio B tour if you're ever in Nashville. By the way, the multi-colored lights we installed by Elvis as he needed the right "mood lighting" to sing.

DSCN3263

We, of course, spent a ton of time on Broadway (a.k.a. Honky Tonk Row). One is really exposed to the music scene here via all the numerous tiny little bars.

DSCN3200

There is always a band playing at any point during the day at any bar you walk into. There were bands during the day...

DSCN3212

...and bands at night.

DSCN3285

We really had a great time chilling and taking in the tunes. And Nate was in hog heaven when he got his picture with the cute lead singer of one of the bands (she's the second one...wink, wink).

DSCN3207

DSCN3283

Another must do Nashville attraction is seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry. It really is unique. It's the longest running radio show and the logistics during and between each segment are totally old school. There is the announcer who sounds like the voice of God, the church like feel, the opportunity to see many country music legends, and a wide variety of musical styles expressed in those four walls.

DSCN3223


DSCN3231

Finally, my favorite experience of the trip happened outside of Nashville in a little town called Lynchburg. What's so famous about Lynchburg? Let me give you a clue.

IMGP0011

The Jack Daniels visitor center was beautifully maintained and on gorgeous grounds.

IMGP0012

It was super interesting to learn about everything that goes into the process to make Jack Daniels. They make their own barrels and charcoal and the mellowing process for the whiskey is unbelievable.

IMGP0017

The distillery has its own volunteer fire department, just in case the 75,000 barrels stored per barrel house spring a leak and go up in flames.

IMGP0025

We got to see Jack's house and again the gorgeous grounds.

IMGP0033

IMGP0024

Afterward, we traveled to the Barbeque Hill Lodge for lunch.

IMGP0052

IMGP0049

And then we experienced downtown Lynchburg first hand by foot.

IMGP0057

We throughly enjoyed our trip...experiencing different types of music, goofing off, learning about whiskey, learning about country music, and just taking in the scene. We fit right in, don't we?

DSCN3204

DSCN3206

And a parting comment. For those of you that like country music, or, well any type of music for that matter, this comment rings true.

DSCN3279

If you're a music lover, pack your cowboy boots and go to Nashville! It's a rarely talked about gem.

Read more...

  © Free Blogger Templates Photoblog III by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP