Nashville is a fun city to visit, and as it was our first time here, we stayed for four days. It has been dubbed ‘Music City’ and we found it to be so true. From the live bands playing in almost every bar downtown, to the recording studios lined-up on multiple blocks in the area called Music Row, to the ten venues around this city that can host huge concerts — even the McDonald’s has round-the-clock musicians playing inside the fast food restaurant! Nashville has a great vibe and such a positive spirit. We did our best to thoroughly take in this beautiful city and loved doing so!
On Thursday we enjoyed:
- The hop-on/off trolley to get the grand tour of Nashville sights;
A visit to the Johnny Cash Museum and learning more about his huge legacy;- Good BBQ food in downtown at Rippys;
- Our visit to the restored Ryman Auditorium, built as a church, and used as a city theater for operas, presidential speeches, and the Grand Ole Opry. We loved the chance to stand where so many legends had once stood;
- Learning about Goo Goo Clusters (a regional candy delicacy);
Country music cover bands in several street bars;- Seeing friend Brian Souvignoir play drums with the band Sister Antics. It was great seeing Brian and Noelle Schulenburg, and meeting several of Brian’s musician friends.
On Friday we learned:
- By walking through the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum;
- How good the BBQ food is at Jack’s (about the only downtown joint without live and loud music);
More about country music during a live recording show at the Grand Ole Opry in their new theater. Sue was able to get us individual tickets in the second and third rows. We wanted to see a Christian artist we really like, David Crowder, and his band sang a couple of gospel songs . We were thrilled with their performance! Guest artist Ricky Skaggs even played along with Crowder on mandolin. The house Grand Old Opry stage band was great. Randy Houser made a special guest appearance and provided a powerful performance, taking the stage with only his amazing voice and his guitar.
On Saturday we loved:
Taking our bicycles out for a ride along the Music City Bikeway. It was a wonderful way to view the Cumberland River and take in more of Nashville’s natural beauty;- Having dinner with Brian and Noelle at Caffe Nonna Italian restaurant.
On Sunday, our hearts were inspired during:
- Worship at Cross Point Church near downtown Nashville. It was their 15th anniversary and there were over 1,000 people in attendance on this baptism Sunday. Twenty-four people (mostly adults) were baptized in a heart-moving ceremony of immersion on this day, while special music powered the emotions.
Nashville was great and we loved the chance to explore its wonders!