Nashville, TN

Nashville, the home of country music. The morning started off gray and cloudy but that did not dampen our spirits or enthusiasm for seeing the Country Music Hall of Fame. The weather was a mild 70 degrees and breezy. We could not have asked for a nicer day to walk the city. After a 20 minute shuttle from the campground we found ourselves smack in the middle of Nashville. We even saw the AT&T building that looked like the bat building.

The Country Music Hall of Fame was our primary stop and you would not believe the costumes, old video and audio clips and guitars. Needless to say, Matthew was in heaven. There were guitars of every size, shape, era and making. Some were embellished with rhinestones and rivets and others with paint jobs that would rival that of a piece of art hanging in the Met. You don’t have to know how to play or even like country music to appreciate the collection. Check out the revolver handles and the coin covered saddle in the front of the custom car. 

As could be expected, a couple of hours of wondering, exploring and listening, Ashton announced the place to be boring and insisted on a quick departure. Once the guitar bug had bit we could not resist the Gruhn Guitar Shop, the eye candy for musicians. Never have I laid my eyes on such beautiful instruments. Oh, did I say expensive? As we departed there in a glass case beside the front door sat a beautiful 1960 Gibson Les Paul for a steal of a price, $135,000.00. Now I don’t know about you folks, but when I vacation I try to travel light. That much cash was simply too much to tote around in my little ole purse. Sorry, honey, perhaps we can shoot for Christmas. With our souvenir t-shirts in hand we headed out to the river.

With a beautiful view of the Tennessee Titan arena we caught a glimpse of the sun which had thus far alluded us. Cameron and Ashton were gracious enough to pose for a few pictures and take in the sights of a bustling metropolitan city. Aside from the homeless population, the city delivered all that was promised. There were loads of bars with live venues and plenty of opportunity to catch a glimpse of the colorful residents.

The final icing for the day was when Matthew stopped a city worker who was installing a directional sign and asked if he had a spare STOP sign to pose with. The reply was better than expected, not only did he produce a stop sign for the photo op, but he gave us the souvenir that is coveted by everyone in the family. Digging in his truck the nice man produced a guitar pick shaped sign with the city name and live venues printed on it.

Nashville the only city where you stop for your shuttle ride and come home with a street sign compliments of the city workers. Man, I love this place. I wonder what is in store at our next stop? Watch out Alma, Arkansas, here come the Davis’.