Music City, Here I Come

The first time we drove into Nashville, I felt just like Dorothy must have at her first glimpse of the Emerald City. What a beautiful place!

We're planning a return visit this weekend, and I can hardly wait. With the zeal of an event planner, I'm making sure that every minute counts. Our itinerary so far includes an Eric Clapton concert Friday night, visits to Belle Meade plantation and the Hermitage on Saturday, and hanging out on Broadway Saturday night. Sunday we may have to recover a bit before the drive home, or maybe not. Some things simply have to be played by ear.

Speaking of playing, gotta love me some Nashville tunes. Although country isn't my favorite genre,there's live music everywhere and no one sounds bad...not even the karaoke singers.

Hooray...only three more days to wait!

Pubs and Pigeons

Bailey's Irish Pub is located downtown and serves drinks and a wide variety of food. It's filled with big screen tv's if you care to watch the game, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. If the weather is nice, I recommend the rooftop for seating. You're surround by three sided high (at least 30 feet) brick walls with an open air roof.

While we enjoyed the sun, we noticed a feathered friend. A pigeon had claimed an opening in the brick high above us to build a nest. She could sit, protected and undisturbed, while viewing everything. I'm going to guess that she also could find a few yummy treats left behind by diners. She was evidence of how creative birds living in the city can be.

And that's one pigeon who's really living the high life.

Easy Riding

In Nashville, it's not uncommon to hear the clip-clop of hooves on pavement. Why? Because there are horse drawn white carriages available for those who enjoy a slower pace to their tour of downtown. Despite the sometimes frenetic activity that surrounds them, a beautiful draft horse pulls each carriage up and down the street with a completely unruffled demeanor. Some of the drivers even have a faithful canine assistant seated beside them. And I'm sure it's a lucky dog that gets to "go for a ride" as a job!

If you enjoy the feel of yesteryear, a carriage is the picture perfect way to enjoy the sights of the city.

John Carter Cash

The Country Music Hall of Fame is a multi-story complex full of every type of memorobilia that a music fan could wish to see. A person would be hard-pressed to see everything in an entire afternoon. Historic outfits perfectly preserved, musical instruments used by legendary performers, and personal artifacts can all be found in abundance.

Frequently the museum has special guests. One of the guests on the day we visited was John Carter Cash, the only child of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. He was signing copies of his children's book, "Momma Loves Her Little Son." The story is based upon things his beloved mama, June, always said to him when he was young.

Mr. Cash was gracious and most kindly posed for pictures. His book is delightful (it would make a great gift), and the author is the real deal.

Butler's Run

Butler's Run

Butler was a Labrador/Springer Spaniel mix adopted from the Nashville Humane Society. The "Canine Bon Vivant" became well known in the downtown area, as he greeted visitors on his daily walks and attended both social and civic functions.

Upon his death in 1999, grieving shop owners chipped in to purchase this monument. It's placed in the paved alleyway where Butler could always be found. In his honor, the area is now commonly called "Butler's Run".

Now that's canine love.

Nashville

Over the weekend, my husband and I visited Nashville, Tennessee with a group of friends. We had such a great time that I decided to write about a few of our adventures. So pull up a chair, sit back and relax. I'm gonna take you on a mini-trip to Music City.

One of the first sights you'll notice on the drive into downtown is the impressive Nashville skyline. The tallest building of them all is the A T & T Building. Nicknamed the "Batman Building" due to its resemblance to the Caped Crusader's (remember the guy who named himself after bats? But that's another blog...) distinctive mask, the structure is a frequent subject of tourist photographs.

So here's my photo. Never let it be said that I avoid the obvious.