We have immersed ourselves in all things motor coach and it’s a time of intense learning, as you might well imagine. At the very beginning, we were advised by a wise motor coacher to take it slow and think it through before we roll. That’s what we do.

We spent the past week at the KOA park in Music City. The park was loaded with friendly people traveling much the same as us with bikes, dogs and jeeps in tow. Dogs are plentiful at the park with plenty or areas to walk and a nice dog park. The park is located about 20 minutes northeast of downtown Nashville. We drove and shuttled into downtown. The Downtown Shuttle worked best on the weekend when there was much traffic related to tourists and Nashville Predators NHL games.

Leading up to our trip, a lot of time was spent preparing, working, stressing. and then more preparing, stressing and working. With that being said, you should know it took little time after settling in to don boots, grab each other by the hand and find the honkey tonks on Broadway to unwind. You just never know when you will find a car and cattle on the wall while the band jumps up to play smokin’ hot music from atop the bar. Nudies Honky Tonk was one of our favorites. Unwind we did, yes indeed:)

 

We had the good fortune and fun to have visitors Marilyn Aardema ( Brian’s sister) and Sharon Stuard from Ohio. We also got to lunch with a dive buddy who lives in Nashville, Rick Hydel. It’s a treat to see a friendly, familiar face when you are on the road!

We tasted some fine local cuisine.

Brian really enjoys live music and we had great fun popping into various venues on Broadway to hear all sorts of music. In childhood, country music was a big part of life at my house, not so much for Brian. To do Nashville justice, we attended the Grand Ole’ Opry at Ryman Auditorium. This is the longest running radio broadcast in US history, running since 1925. We heard a wide variety of country artists with some that my parents would likely sing along to and some modern artists like Maggie Rose and the Home Free acapella group. We visited Printer’s Alley to hear some blues and Mercy Lounge for a funk show. So good.

Music Notes:

Downtown Shuttle Sing-alongs:

• Garth Brooks “Low Places”
• Hank Williams Jr. “Family Tradition”

Grand Ole Opry Show Artists:

• Bill Anderson
• Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top Express
• Scott Mulvahill
• Maggie Rose
• Home Free Watch on You Tube

Mercy Lounge:

• ZooFunkYou – “Stirfry This in Your Think Wok”
• Cosmic Shift & Sugadaisy

 

We toured the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. This is one impressive resort and convention center with shops, restaurants, waterpark and river ride .

 

Signs of Nash

 

That’s a wrap from Nashville,

Betty & Brian