Tuesday, October 25, 2011

My Nashville Recap


My trip to Tennessee was amazing/disastrous at the same time. I got to do and see so many things that I am still in awe of; however, the night I landed I got sick and still remain sick today. Worst cold ever! Let's focus on the wonderful aspects though.

My great friend Stephanie recently moved to Nashville and welcomed me with open arms to experience her new city. And because Steph is the best, I got to take it all in first class style. Here's a breakdown of how the first two days of the trip went:

Thursday
Breakfast at Arnold's - an unassuming Nashville staple featuring meat and 3. Great, country food.

After breakfast I headed to Franklin, a suburb, with one of Steph's best friends, Cassie. Franklin is the quintessential small town with a historic town square that we spent lots of time exploring antique shops. I even picked up a cute antique key charm that I plan on finding a necklace chain for.

Fun fact: Justin Bieber recently filmed a Christmas music video in Franklin.


Thursday night we headed to the Americana Music Awards at the famous Ryman Auditorium. It was my first awards show and way cool to be in the presence of so many talented people - some of which included Robert Plant, The Avett Brothers, and the Civil Wars. And at such a respected venue that's housed countless talented acts. To end the night we grabbed some food and drinks at a fun bar with friends.



Friday
I did more in this day than I have ever done in my entire life! Before anything I got myself some biscuits and gravy and savored every minute of the meal. First real stop of the day, The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home and burial place. I have an American Studies degree so I eat this kind of stuff up. Next was Belle Meade Plantation, an incredible estate that was home to the most successful horse breeding/racing family in American history. Every major race horse that you have ever heard of descends from the horses that were once at Belle Meade. There's even a winery on the estate so I indulged in some really tasty vino.



After the tourist events we cleaned up and prepared for the most exciting part of my trip - a night at the Grand Ole Opry. Because Stephanie is ahmaaaazing and has a kick ass job, she got us backstage passes so we got to take in the concerts on stage. Yup, we were those cool people. The reason we were there was to see Josh Turner and he did not disappoint. He has a fantastic voice, is HOT, and super nice. After he performed we went to his dressing room and I got a picture with Josh.


No night in Nashville is complete without hitting up the honky tonks on Lower Broadway. Door to door bars, live music, dancing, and a great time. Because I was so sick, we only hung out for a few hours and in that time I partook in my first whiskey shots (I'm more of a clear alcohol kinda gal) and managed to lose my driver's license. Nice way to end the night right? :(


Sorry for such a long recap, I actually tried keeping it short. And please excuse the pictures - I know i look like death.

Come back Thursday to hear about the rest of my trip!

30 comments:

  1. nashville is definitely on my list of places to visit.

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  2. I am so glad that you had such a fun time while you were here but I am so sorry to hear that you didn't feel well. I hope that you will feel better really soon!

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  3. I’ve been so looking forward to reading this post. Besides being a little under the weather and the whole license fiasco, it sounds like a fabulous trip. I’m going to need to remember some of these places if I ever get to go.

    You must share the whole necklace once you find a chain for the charm. I’ve heard Franklin is really pretty.

    The awards show sounds like an amazing experience and the venue it was held in holds so much history. You also looked really pretty at the awards show. I love your hair!

    I could go for some biscuits and gravy right now…yum! The plantation looks beautiful and that is right up your alley with all of the history.

    How cool is it that you were able to experience the concert from backstage?! VIP, baby :)

    I love the last pic of the honky tonk bars!

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  4. I love Nashville, but it's been forever since I've been. I haven't gone as an "adult" though so I know it would be way more fun now than it was then.

    How did you get on the plane w/o an ID??

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  5. It sounds like you had a ton of fun! And on top of all that you got to meet Josh Turner! What a cutie! Lucky girl! :)

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  6. wow sounds like a busy trip! but looks like you had fun! :)

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  7. You were such a busy girl! Love that photo of you and Josh Turner and you look gorgeous in your black dress!
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

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  8. OMG, this looks like it was soooo much fun! I love all the pictures and the recap! You got to meet/see so many cool people! And the places look beautiful! I want to see The South one of these days! Thanks for taking the time to share!

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  10. Looks like you had a great time! I'm sorry that you were sick though, that's the worst!

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  11. was it the "mistletoe" music video that the biebs filmed in franklin? because that little town looked too cute!
    xo TJ

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  12. fun! still cant believe you got sick :(. The bars look fun there

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  13. Looks like you had fun despite being sick and losing your license. I've always wanted to tour Nashville.

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  14. WOW! It looks like you had a blast! Despite sickness and all you took in the town =)

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  15. sounds fun...and so sorry to hear you were sick...i would love to check out nashville one of these days!

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  16. ahh! I've always wanted to go to Nashville!!

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  17. Out of the whole post, Justin Bieber and Christmas video are what really stuck with me. Am I really almost 25? Looks like a fabulous trip!

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  18. Sounds like you had a great time despite the sickness. Nothing worse than having to deal with a horrible cold on vacation. Been there, done that! Nashville is one of my favorite cities. A friend I grew up with lives near there. Such fun! And yes, Josh Turner is one hot man. So cool that you got to meet him!

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  19. oh hello handsome josh turner!! looks like a great trip leeann and don't worry about the length it is so interesting thanks for sharing. ill be back thurs to check out more :-)

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  20. Fun! Fun! Fun! I love the picture you took from backstage. Can you imagine being a performer and seeing that every night? I’m so sorry you were (and still are) sick, though it looks like you didn’t let it ruin your trip. And you look great in every photo!

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  21. Oh my gosh, I LOVE Nashville. Looks like you had a blast! I am totally jealous that you got to meet Josh Turner.. he's so gorgeous! Hope you get to feeling better soon doll.

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  22. I was just thinking that you look adorable, especially in that second to last picture--so pretty!!! I'm really sorry you were sick the whole time, though. :( Whiskey is definitely the best choice when you're sick though, hahaha!

    I loooove Nashville and your recap & pics make me want to go back immediately. Maybe I'll try to plan a weekend there when I'm in Georgia for Christmas. Country music, cute southern boys, delish food! Wish I could visit with you! xoxoxoxo

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  23. your recap was great! now i have some ideas what to do if i ever find myself in nashville. :)

    when we visited my aunt in memphis a couple of years ago, we were supposed to spend a weekend in nashville but plans were cancelled because my parents both got the flu. :/

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  24. Always wanted to go to Nashville, someday I'll make it. Looks like you had a fabulous time!

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  25. I am completely bookmarking this post because I'm actually planning a move to Nashville in the next few months!! So glad you had a great visit :) {bummer about the DL and your cold, though}

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  26. This looks like so much fun!! Sorry about your cold - I had a cold that ruined a trip to Vegas. It sucks. BUT your pictures are amazing. Welcome back!

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  27. I must go there someday soon. I am jealous!! And while I am there... I would like to meet Josh Turner as well haha.

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  28. I have never been to Nashville and after this amazing post...I truly need too.

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  29. Never been to Nashville...though it sure looks pretty...one day, hopefully!!!

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  30. I'm sorry to hear that your still so sick but at least you still had a great time seeing the sites.

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