Vacation in the Neon Lights

Ray invited me a couple of weeks ago to tag along on his business trip to the heart of country music. Nashville Tennessee was our final destination. Our plans were to drive to Knoxville Wednesday night which was half way then drive to Nashville Thursday morning. Before arriving to Knoxville we enjoyed a nice dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I ordered a filet with Marsala sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and green beans. Ray ordered a combo plate with coconut shrimp, ribs and BBQ chicken. After tasting my filet it wasn't but I had expected so Ray let me trade my filet for his chicken which tasted great! As we arrived in Knoxville we found an Hampton Inn and was in for the night.

Thursday was our day to head to Nashville and to be where all the famous singers stood. Ray set the alarm early so we had enough time to get ready, packed and ate breakfast. After the car was packed we were on our way to the neon lights in the country soul of Nashville. I on the other was very excited because I love country music so much! I've been listening to it since I was a kid with my dad. Within in an hour into our drive we heard the DJ on the radio say the time it only being 8:25a.m. and we thought it was 9:25a.m., before leaving Knoxville we didn't think about the time change. So Ray called his supplier that he was supposed to meet and informed him we were going to be early.

It was only a few hours and we were in Nashville. As we arrived in the heart of country music I was determined to see someone famous (well at least that is what I hoped). We met up with the supplier and all enjoyed a great lunch. After lunch the guys went to work and I enjoyed walking around the Music Hall of Fame Country Music. Again, me growing up with country music I loved walking through to see where country music began and where it has come today.

Our evening was spent in downtown Nashville at a restaurant called Merchants. As we arrived we put our name in and waited at the bar till they texted us that our table was ready. While sitting at the bar we were able to try different types of beer while eating gourmet popcorn. Only two beers later and our table was ready. We had the opportunity of sitting outside on the covered patio looking out on the main drag, being able to watch people walk by. We ordered an appetizer called Duck Fat-which were duck tots. They may of sound gross but they were amazing and didn't even taste like fat. We all ordered our entrees, I and his supplier ordered Jambalaya and Ray ordered country fried chicken with spinach and mashed potatoes. It was all amazing.

After our wonderful meal we went to one of the busiest bars downtown called Tootsie. It was a hole in the wall bar that kept people coming in for the experience and the band. I'm not one for crowds but this was an experience I was happy to have the memory of having and keeping forever. We weren't far into the bar but we were able to sit on the bar stools. There were times that everyone was close like sardines but it didn't matter. The band was pure country playing and sounding from the old to the new. The members in the band were very talented and weren't ashamed of showing it, the girl playing the fiddle was amazing and very impressive. She was able to play the fiddle behind her back and didn't miss a note. We stayed at the bar till close to closing time it was time.

Friday we had the opportunity of sleeping in and it felt so great! The afternoon we ventured out to the Nashville Zoo. Being that we purchased a membership at our local zoo gives us the option to go to other zoos in America with getting a discount. This zoo was like no other that we've ever been to. As you entered the zoo it was like you were in Jurassic Park. You would walk on the wooded trails then you would come upon a gated pasture with electric plants (the electric fence) that would keep the animals in. It made you feel like you were out in the wild. The animals didn't mind if they were all closed in and locked in; to them it may of felt like they were out in the wild because their cages and areas were so big which gave them enough room to run around.

The zoo was lots of fun but now it was time to get ready for the Grand Ol' Opry. Yes, Ray and I were going to the Grand Ol' Opry. This was our first time so yet again I was very excited since being a big fan of country music. As we walked up to the Grand Ol' Opry outside I was stunned how cool it looked and how countryfied it was. Before going in we got our picture taken by the big guitar. We walked in giving the lady at the front door our ticket. I couldn't believe we were here where all the stars played and become famous. Before going to our seats we saw popcorn. It wasn't like normal popcorn it was homemade/gormet with all different kinds of flavors. They had white cheddar, jalapeno cheddar, with a variety of kettle corn. It was delicious and we ended up going back for more.

Our seats were on the left side of the stage on the ground floor. We were both excited to see what the show had to offer in the meantime enjoyed our popcorn and our draft beer. There was a range of musicians that played were young to old even music writers played. A couple of my favorites were Ricky Skaggs (bluegrass), Leanne Robertson (Comedian) , Vince Gill (Country) and Amy Grant (Christian). There was some bands that I didn't recognize but everyone brought something unique and original to the show. We both loved the Grand Ol' Opry and hope to go back again someday.

A video from Leanne Robertson

Saturday morning we were back on the road to Charlotte NC. Ray had the opportunity of playing in the con-carolinas with his friend Jeff and I got to have a girls day with Jeff's wife Amanda. We went out for Mexican with her kids (William & Oliver) then to see the movie Epic. Afterward the kids went to bed it was much needed girl time.

Sunday afternoon Jeff and Amanda took us out to lunch to their favorite bar called Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill. Being that "The Big Lebowski" is Ray's favorite movie we had to eat lunch at this local bar. Ray ordered the Lebowski burger with mac and cheese, and I ordered buffalo chicken wrap with garlic fries. Being that I love garlic so much I couldn't pass this up and they were so delicious!

Afterward, we spent some more time at Jeff and Amanda's watching the kids play on their slip and slide. Thank you so much for letting us stay with you and we hope we get to spend more time with you both and the kids this summer.

After getting home we both took naps then did some late night fishing.