A Day in Nashville - August 16, 2014

Since we are only staying 90 miles from Nashville, we decided to take a day trip on Saturday to see the GrandOle Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame Museum.  Neither of us had ever been to Nashville, so we had no idea where we were going.  I hate the feeling when Ken says, "Where do I go now?" and I have no idea!!   We found a Visitors Center and all was well.  Nashville is so crowded!  Oh my gosh, I think it is the most crowded downtown area I have ever visited.  There are only four types of businesses in Nashville, as far as I recall.
     Bars
     Restaurants
     Boot Stores
     Souvenir Shops
Every bar has windows that open onto the street and there is a band playing in every window. There are a million people walking the streets.  There are cowboy bouncers at the door of every bar. They have pedal bars on the streets - 10 - 12 people sit around a long narrow bar and pedal like they are riding a bike.  It (somehow) propels the bar forward so it can travel in the street among car and truck traffic.  Who knew?

We spent the afternoon at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  They had just opened up a new Kenny Rogers exhibit, and we were fortunate enough to get tickets for a one-on-one interview with him.  It was wonderful.  I am a huge Kenny Rogers fan and have been since high school.  I remember buying 8 track tapes by Kenny Rogers and the First Edition.  His songs all tell a story that is believable and that touch your heart.  Kenny Rogers is a very humble man, great story teller and incredible artist.  It made my day to see him.  

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The Museum is fabulous, and covers the entire history of country music.  There are costumes including boots and hats and outfits from every big star you have

ever heard of.  Many stars have donated their guitars, numerous awards and other personal artifacts for the public to view.  Take a look at Elvis' car and golden piano:

 I enjoyed my five minutes of fame and no trip to Nashville would be complete without getting your picture taken with Blake Shelton

We finished our day at the Grand Ole Oprey.  The theatre was beautiful and packed.  Who knew Grand Ole Oprey would still be going strong after 90

years?  There are four half hour segments with a different host for every segment.  Vince Gill was my favorite host, and he closed 

 the show with the band Exile.  It was a great day.

Side note for my artistic friends.  You can find great art anywhere if you look hard enough.  Here are a few items that spoke to me:

Stay tuned for more living.