By Cliff Locke
Do you think that sometimes you just have to get away, but you really don’t want to go too far? But it must be someplace that is going to be fun, interesting and an easy drive. Well, that’s what we decided to do one weekend. Thursday night as we sat eating dinner, I said let’s go on a weekend adventure. Just get in the car and go to wherever. Little did we realize that we would end up in Nashville!!
It’s an easy day drive for us and it has lots to offer. History, nightlife, food and fun!! We decided to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. It looks like a small town in the middle of the inside of the resort. The atmosphere is always great there. On our drive down I was lucky enough to get two tickets to a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, formerly the Grand Ole Opry House. I have always wanted to see a concert there and this one did not disappoint. The sound is awesome, and concert better than I ever expected it to be.
We woke the next morning anxious to get going I had a full list of historic things to see today. Our first stop is Belle Meade Plantation. This Greek-Revival Mansion is rich with history from being an equestrian training plantation to being right in the middle of one of the battles during the Civil War. In fact, you can still see bullet holes from the battle in the walls.
Next stop the home of our 7th President, Andrew Jackson and his home the Hermitage. This wonderful mansion was originally a federal style home built with brick, with construction starting in 1819 and finishing in 1821 by local craftsmen. It included only 8 rooms. After a fire devastating fire in 1834, the home was rebuilt with a Greek-Revival influence. The grounds are simply beautiful, and I could have spent hours just roaming around.
Lunch will be at Hard Rock Café. I love eating at Hard Rocks wherever I go. The food is usually good, and the atmosphere is always hopping! The memorabilia are always cool to look at, and at the location, they have outfits from Dolly Parton and Elvis!
The last stop before heading back to the hotel is an old Marathon Automobile Car Factory…you guessed it, Antique Archaeology! Seeing all the items that Mike and Frank have picked up on the road was pretty exciting. It’s worth the time to stop and check it out!
Getting back to the hotel we ate at the resort and reflect on the day’s adventures. I know that it may not be all that exciting to some, but just taking a relaxing weekend road trip is enough to recharge your batteries and spend time with that special someone. You never know what’s in store and what you might find along the way!
