I knew I was going to like Nashville even before I got there. It is, after all, the home of country music. I halfway expected to hear my favorite songs playing out of the sky as I walked downtown.
Nashville is a place where artists and creatives congregate – waiting for a big break or soaking in inspiration.
Amidst green rolling hills and blooming blossoms is a diverse city with congenial people. We opted out of most of the local “attractions” in favor of spending time with friends.
While in the area, however, we did have a chance to walk through the Opryland Hotel. It is elephantine in size and has the same extravagant “flavor” as Las Vegas resorts (minus the slot machines). There are a number of restaurants and shops inside, along with indoor waterfalls and plentiful plant life. Our girls ran through the corridors – pointing, laughing, and holding hands.
My favorite area in the Nashville metro area was probably historic Downtown Franklin – which features a frozen yogurt shop, an old time toy store, a presbyterian church that is open 24 hours a day for prayer, and a grocery store with a vibe of coolness that seeps out to the road. I could have spent HOURS there with my eye behind the camera.
Have you ever been to Nashville? What did you like/not like about it?
Just for kicks – name the first country song that pops in your head.
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Dayna says
May 3, 2011 at 2:19 amWe love Nashville! I’ve been twice and had amazing times. The first time we stayed at the Opryland hotel at Christmas just after 9/11. The place was magical and kind of empty. It is a lovely early marriage memory.
I also went there for a conference in nursing school. A different experience- but a blast.
You made me really want to visit Franklin. What a neat town.
I’ve got to admit it was “Wide Open Spaces.” “She traveled this road as a child…”
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Melissa says
April 28, 2011 at 5:32 amI have never been to Nashville, but think we will add that to our places to visit. We have been to Gailinburg and Chattanooga both were fun, but Nashville looks like it would be great.
1st country song that I thought of was Big Green Tractor by Jason Aldean…Jake loves that they sing about a tractor.
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Marcela says
April 23, 2011 at 5:47 amThese are great photos of the girls. They are going to love looking back through these photos many years from now (and reading your blog) to remember this great adventure you all went on together.
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Nell says
April 22, 2011 at 2:55 pmWhat an incredible life your girls are living. So much togetherness, ♥ it!
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Anne says
April 21, 2011 at 8:31 pmI would love to go to Nashville and your pics make it even more enticing. Hubby is from TN and went to school in Nashville but we always go to the other side of TN when we visit. Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire is one of my all time favorite songs and the first song that popped into my head! BTW, you look like you could be a country music star in that photo (:
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Wilma says
April 21, 2011 at 4:51 pm“I’m Gonna Love You Forever” – I just love all the words and images. Nashville is a beautiful city. One of my sons graduated fom Nashville Auto Diesel School, and I have attended two conventions there. It is about 8 hours from where I live. Glad you had a great time there.
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shafeena says
April 21, 2011 at 2:05 pmNever been to the US, but reading your blog always makes me want to visit :D
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Stephanie says
May 7, 2011 at 8:17 pmThe USA is a diverse & beautiful country – full of brave, innovative, and kind people. I sincerely hope you get a chance to visit someday.
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Madeline says
April 21, 2011 at 11:35 amI think the last time I went to Nashville I was a kid. I don’t remember much about it. Looks like a fun spot though. We’re debating about where to go for a family vacation in the fall. I’m for Tennessee. Stephan’s for the beach. We’ll see.
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Sarah R. says
April 21, 2011 at 11:34 amMy husband’s aunt and uncle live in Nashville and are some of the most genuine, down to earth people I know. I used to work in a call center and seriously, everyone who called from Nashville was so nice. I need to visit there!
The first song that popped in my head was “Strawberry Wine” by Deanna Carter.
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Stephanie says
May 7, 2011 at 7:59 pmI love Deanna Carter! I actually had her “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” album in high school.
“Strawberry Wine” is one of my country favorites…in part because it brings back memories of dating Tim and drinking strawberry wine at age 17. ;)
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Michelle Smiles says
April 21, 2011 at 9:27 amI live about 10 miles from Franklin and we spend a fair amount of time there. It is a very nice downtown. Glad you enjoyed Nashville. I haven’t been back to Opryland since it reopened after the flooding. It is quite a spectacle though. We like to take the girls when it is decorated for Christmas.
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Stephanie says
May 7, 2011 at 7:56 pmI didn’t know that you lived in the Nashville area! It’s a beautiful place. I’d like to visit again someday!
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Cathi says
April 21, 2011 at 9:03 amEven thought I’m not a huge country music fan I’ve always wanted to visit Nashville. There’s just something intriguing about it all. ;D
My daughter-in-law in a big country music fan. She’s even converted (at times…LOL) our heavy metal rock and roll, rap singing son to country tunes. We bought him a Johnny Cash greatest hits CD recently.
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ruthy says
April 21, 2011 at 8:40 amI’m so glad you got to hang out there!! did you get to the east side at all? LOVE nashville…and Franklin is great.
Your girls look adorable btw!
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Eileen says
April 21, 2011 at 6:51 amI’ve never been there, but have met SO many warm, friendly, wonderful people from Tennessee. My husband and I have always said to one another it must be such a great place to live. I don’t know too many country music songs, but first one to pop in my head: Georgia On My Mind. Does that count?
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Jacqueline Way says
April 21, 2011 at 6:44 amI know you are in Nashville but the first song to come to my head was Sweet Home Alabama! Looks like a great time enjoy!
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Musings of a Housewife says
April 21, 2011 at 3:22 amI love, love LOVE Nashville. LOVE. I’d be happy to live there. So glad you had fun!!!!
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Stephanie says
May 7, 2011 at 7:45 pmIt’s been one of our favorite places so far! Lots of things to do, lots of friendly people, miles of beautiful terrain, etc.