Why Nashville Stole My Heart
Y’all, I have never been much of a traveler, but ever since my oldest moved to California, I find myself yearning to explore the US and beyond. Last year I took a big trip out to California, and this year more trips are planned. I made a promise to myself that if my oldest was within a driving distance of less than a day, I would make the effort to go see her. Last year she was in Alexandria for a long weekend, and we were able to spend a day with her. This year she headed once again to the east coast – she was in Nashville, TN, in March and will be in Charleston, SC, this month. We are planning to make the trip to Charleston soon, but the trip to Nashville was so fun that I just had to tell y’all about it. I also had to tell you why Nashville stole my heart.
Let me start by saying I went into this trip not really knowing what to expect and thinking that I would get lost in the big city. Y’all, I don’t know what I was expecting, but the experience there was far beyond anything that I could imagine. Let me start off by saying the drive to Nashville from the coast of North Carolina is beautiful. Luckily I had my youngest, who is officially 21 now but in March was only 20, ( You will see the reason why I mention this later in the post.) along for the drive.
The mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee are absolutely beautiful. I actually think I live in the wrong part of the state. If I could just up and move there, I would. We started out early Sunday morning bright-eyed and bushy tail- to make the drive. I wanted to get an early start because y’all if you have ever driven in NC, you know these folks are crazy. ( Let’s just say that I am more nervous riding or driving I40 in NC than I am riding on the 210 in California.)
We made a pit stop after a few hours to see my middle daughter and 2 of the 4 grand kitties. She had to work so she couldn’t make the trip with us. After a brief visit with her, we hit the road. Only stopping for gas and food.
I honestly thought that Nashville was gonna be a culture shock to me. But in fact, from the moment we entered downtown, I knew I was home. Not only was our Airbnb ( more on that later) blocks from downtown but it was also literally right around the corner from Maddie’s hotel. There was a moment during the check-in at the Airbnb which I will get into later that I almost had a complete breakdown but after we got in the condo and got unpacked. Things began to settle down.
I also have to mention before I go any further, that 2 weeks before the trip I almost had to cancel as I took a spill walking out the Blog Cabin and bruised and sprained my ankle. I was on crutches and in a lot of pain for a few days.
So with that, I was still recovering from the spill, I tried to walk around the town wearing just my flats. Yeah, y’all that only happened one time. After walking to dinner and back which was at least 6 blocks or more, I soon realized that my trusty Nikes would be my best friend during the trip.
Nashville was overwhelming the first day because when we got there when it was starting to get dark so it wasn’t easy to navigate since we had never been there before. And the sights and sounds can be overwhelming especially when you don’t know where you are going.
We had decided for our first night we eat at Margaritaville. ( I will get into our food journey later) This was probably the worst service we got in Nashville. The ambiance was on point but the service, not so much. Next time I think we will go there for drinks and skip the food.
Everywhere you go in Nashville, there is someone singing. As you walk down Broadway aka Music Row notes from every type of music call to your ears. It was really interesting walking around during the day and hearing the different voices as they blended together as the melodies meshed together. I loved that you could hear music of all kinds (not just country music) coming through the doors of the bars as well the surrounding streets.
We were treated to so many amazing concerts that I can’t begin to tell which one was my favorite. They all were. And y’all the restaurants and bars owned by country music singers were amazing. Most were 2-3 stories and had a different band playing on each level. And rooftop dining to die for.
The morning after we arrived, Gracie and I made the few blocks to downtown and explored. Y’all there is so much to see and do there. Words can not even express how happy my heart was during this trip. Not only was I spending with 2 of my 3 girls but I was near the water ( remember I am a water sign – Cancer) and I felt I was in my element. The creativity was just flowing. We were soaking up everything and more.
Heck, I even spent more than I would like to spend on a hat because I tried it on and I felt like Beth Dutton from Yellowstone (badass) in it. I almost didn’t buy it but after deciding I only live once I went back and got it. I have yet to wear it anyway, but I do have a photoshoot in mind for it, and I want to cross attending a rodeo off my list this year.
In the upcoming days, I want to share with you more of my journey so you can see why Nashville stole my heart. Look for posts soon about our Airbnb, the Country Music Hall of Fame, where we ate, The Johnny Cash Museum, and what we saw walking around Nashville,
But here is a tip if you are traveling with someone who is 20 or younger they might not be able to get into some places after a certain time of night or not be able to get in at all. We wanted to try John Rich’s Redneck Riveria, but since Gracie was only 20 she couldn’t get in, and it was during the day.
Make sure to check back because I will tell you what my favorite experience was as well as my favorite foods and museum.
Truly Nashville stole my heart with its vibrant music scene, delicious food, and friendly people. The city’s unique blend of Southern charm and modern energy is infectious, and I can’t wait to go back and experience it all again. From honky-tonk bars to quaint coffee shops, if you haven’t visited yet, I highly recommend adding it to your travel bucket list! Trust me, you won’t regret it. So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with Music City!
