As you approach Nashville on the interstate, from afar it resembles any city landscape in America. There is a tremendous amount of new construction, both commercial and residential as well as infrastructure improvements to highways and secondary roads. The expansion caused by new residents to the area, brings with it a new sense of reality.  It’s growing leaps and bounds and with it plenty of opportunity for success.

It has been quite a while since Kevin visited there as a young adult a 13 or 14 years old; nothing looked familiar. We navigated downtown to find a parking lot not far from the heart of Nashville just a few short blocks from Broadway. The sound of music begins to fill the air the closer you get to honkytonk central and the excitement begins to build. We passed the arena where the Nashville Predators call home and looking down Broadway you can see the stadium the Tennessee Titans entertain thousands of football fans.

As I mentioned before, music fills the air along with the anticipation of having a great time visiting each venue. The bars are mostly open to the street so you can judge the crowd size and smell the bar-b-que pulled pork and chicken beckoning you in. The street vibe is electric. Boots and Stetsons seem to be the dress but we were cool in our shorts and tees. The weather was sunny and high 80’s this day so there was plenty of libations to keep us cool. We enjoyed taking it all in and planned to return once our friends ( Carole and Joe Avella) arrived for some evening activity.

We were able to get tickets to see a show at the Grand Old Opry and it didn’t disappoint. It’s pure non-stop entertainment while being the longest run LIVE radio broadcast show for 99 years!  Hence their 99 year birthday celebration. Amazing.

On the historical side, we also visited The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home and Belle Meade, the home of American thoroughbred horses in America. These mansions are just stunning even in today’s standards.  And to think what they have with stood over the years and wars etc. Additionally, what was needed to be done to restore them to their original glory including furnishings was quite the undertaking.  We are glad that there are those still willing to preserve our heritage for everyone to learn and remember.  What will WE all leave behind? 

Interesting fact too….Did you know that Andrew Jackson was the only president to take office without a First Lady.  His wife died a few days before he took his oath.   

All in all, a great visit to Nashville. There’s so much to see here, we plan to return next year.