Many of the places we visited were ones you would expect, starting with the Country Music Hall of Fame.
As part of the ticket package we purchased, we toured Studio B at RCA Victor Studios. This is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Dottie West, and many other greats recorded some of their biggest hits.
We did backstage tours at both the Ryman Theater and Grand Ole Opry. I was especially excited to see the dressing rooms where many scenes from the ABC show Nashville were filmed. (Yes, I know. I'm a bit of a groupie in that way).
At the Ryman I recorded a song (move over Carrie Underwood! Ha! No, not even close)...
And at the Grand Ole Opry we saw a show, which included Pam Tillis, Tommy Emmanuel, Cam, and Justin Moore. Great show! Great crowd of people.
For American Pickers fans, we walked the 1.4 miles from our hotel to Antique Archaeology on a scorching hot day. (You too can own that shrunken Peruvian guy for a cool $2,200!)
Afterwards, we Ubered over to the Hatch Show Print center, where we learned about letterpresses, and the Hatch Show print business which was established in 1879 and is still thriving today.
Did I mention the food yet? No? Well, here are just a few recommendations in case you're traveling to Nashville anytime soon.
Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant in downtown Nashville has fantastic downhome cooking. We also got to hear great live music there. If you have a chance, check out Liz Moriondo. She rocks!
Urban Grub in the 12th South area is outstanding (but make rezzies before you go). We had to wait about an hour, but it was totally worth it.
A little tapas bar called Americano was right near our hotel. I ate deep-fried Brussel sprouts (and I don't like Brussel sprouts) and cauliflower that was about the best stuff I've ever had.
Midtown Café was having a Julia Child celebration during the month of July. Of course, I had to have boeuf Bourguignon.
And this little place was a treat. Pinewood Social is not only a wonderful eating spot, it also boasts a 1950s-type bowling alley and a swimming pool.
We loved Nashville. It's a big city that still has a hometown feel (but I'm not sure how much longer they can keep that up as people are pouring into the area daily). Everyone we met was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. A lot of the folks had lived in Nashville their whole lives.
We're already looking forward to our next trip back.
Have you done any traveling this summer? If so, where?
