We have been BUSY! Ride between Knoxville and Nashville absolutely beautiful through the mountains. But we missed the International Biscuit Festival..darn. Also, not time to take the exit to the moonshine store but did ride through Wilson County.
Gaylord Resort is huge with 2800 rooms and many atriums...one with a river to take a small boat ride.
Made a visit to Rita's niece, Julie, husband, Jason and their 2 sweet boys. It was the first time seeing Judah, the sweet and mellow 6 month-old (Julie said mellow is out of character for him due to difficulty with his diet). Two year-old Eli's nickname is "The Mayor" because he wants to be in the thick of things. Eli ran full steam to Rita and jumped in her arms. Yes, Rita was in heaven. We had a great lunch and conversation with Julie and Jason...just wish we could see them more often. This was a real highlight of our trip!
Went to Grand Ole Opry Saturday night and it was great fun. Saw Lauren Alaina (runner-up to Scotty on American Idol), Little Jimmy Dickens (has performed 66 years at the Opry and was a hoot), Riders in the Sky and other young and old artists with great voices. At 10:00 p.m. we headed downtown Nashville to the Honky Tonk bars. Shuttle driver told us to stay safe because there would be approximately 40,000-50,000 young drunk people. We didn't believe him until 20 minutes later when we turned the corner on Broadway and instantly became a believer! It was difficult just walking down the sidewalks. There were long lines to get into every bar. When we got stuck on the sidewalk with no way to move Rita said, "I think we are in Hell!" That was the most wild place we have ever been. But others in both our families have talked about how fun it is so, I'm sure it was just the night.
Sunday morning we took a small coach tour of the country music stars' homes. A few homes we saw were DollyParton, Hank Williams, Sr., Minnie Pearl, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Taylor Swift, Kelly Carkson, Kelly Pickler, Eric Church, Hunter Hays and Kid Rock.
Sunday evening spent over 2 hours at the famous, Bluebird Cafe to hear 9 songwriters. Waited 2 hours to get in and were next to last in getting in. The same amount that got in got turned away. It is a small cafe in with other small shops. It is amazing to imagine all the stars who started out there. Garth Brooks was offered his first label with Capitol Records in the kitchen after his performance. I just can't imagine Barbara Walters and Lauren Bacall sitting in that place. We had a lot of fun but we are exhausted and this is just the beginning of day 4.
Outside Grand Ole Opry. Picture taken by young woman from Canada. Rita sang the Canadian National Anthem with her to the top of her lungs!
It was so good to see you guys- thanks for stopping by!! Can't wait to read about the rest of your adventures!
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