Nashville, TN

We are officially in Nashville, Tennessee (Kara wanted to make sure no one would be confused as to what Nashville we were in). Today is Day 2 of our road trip. We traveled 11 hours yesterday to arrive here. Our first big trip was filled with many learning experiences. For instance, the abundance of Cracker Barrel restaurants, blasting zones, and traffic-o's (traffic circles). For your knowledge, there are 25 or 26 Cracker Barrels from Berryville, VA to Franklin, TN.

Upon arrival, we learned the hard way that every road in Nashville is one large circle, oval or any geometric shape you can think of. We have been staying with our friend, Danny Cooper (childhood nickname: Fanny Pooper) along with visiting girlfriend and our good friend, Katherine. We shouldn't have stopped here first because this is probably the nicest place we'll stay all month. It has a continental breakfast, lunch AND dinner (aka supper - southern talk, you know) along with a hot tub, patio and our personal veranda. It's been fab.

Today we were introduced to our new friend, Judy. Judy is four years old and unlike most four-year-olds, Judy only remembers things before she was born. She has been an interesting companion thus far considering Danny's neighborhood is a mere 1.5 years old. Despite her age, she is extremely persistant and is not afraid to tell us we are going the wrong way. Fortunately, she loves to "recalculate" and will continue to be our driving buddy throughout the rest of the trip. She is our GPS system. (Uncle Greg and Aunt Renee - you are welcome to rename Judy when she returns home to you at the end of the month - Thanks again!)

Today we got up extremely early and enjoyed a great "conti" (aka continental breakfast) filled with muffins and Honey Bunches of Oats. We then headed to the Belle Meade Plantation, home to the Jackson and Harding families. Much to our surprise, they have nothing to do with our former presidents, Andrew Jackson and Warren G. Harding (this was confirmed by Angela through her extensive knowledge of the presidents of our great nation . . . this phone call took place after our 45 minute guided tour of the plantation which we still weren't sure if presidents lived there or not). However, the plantation is home to two famous thoroughbreds called "we can't remember" (Lindsay swears it is Bunny Snootspa) and Iriquois. If you really want to know the first one, look it up on the internet. Anyways, their bloodlines can be linked to famous horses including Sea Biscuit, Secretariat, and Street Sense. In addition to the guided tour, our ten dollar fee included the opportunity to take our own picture behind cardboard cutouts of a couple in period dress. Hopefully, we will be able to post these for your enjoyment.

The Plantation was followed up by an amazing southern meal at the Loveless Cafe. It is one place in the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and Kara is not sure why. It is a small cafe and former motel 30 miles south of Nashville, yet every single country star has left a signed picture on the wall of the establishment. It was good nonetheless and also provided an opportunity to take our pictures behind cardboard cutouts of a hillbilly family. If we post those, you can see we had the chance to be all that we can be. I personally favored the dog character. Being short, it was easiest for me to reach.

Next, Judy took us to Cooter's, home of the Dukes of Hazzards Museum across from the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. We didn't stay long at Cooter's, actually we didn't go in at all, and spent our time at the hotel. It was amazing, however, it did not provide any cardboard cutouts for us to take our pictures as the previous attractions had.

Judy then took us to The Grand Ole Opry House and it was closed. We did spend a good hour touring the gift shop. We discovered that Tim McGraw is not a member of the Opry but Dierks Bentley is. . . us country music fans were dumbfounded.

We are off now to enjoy a lovely meal at Chez Cooper and head out for a ghost tour in Downtown Nashville. More to come later on the Nashville nightlife. Our quest is to find a good Lynchburg Lemonade since we did not have time to make it to the Jack Daniel's distillery. Yes, there is Lynchburg, VA but no, Katherine, it is Lynchburg, TN that is the home of Lynchburg Lemonade. (I guess this is where Kara's state distinction is important, so thank you Kara). Signing off. . . .