It is 120 miles from Jackson to Nashville, and the state patrol must know people are in a hurry to get there. I can't remember seeing such a high concentration of troopers over such a short area. We arrived at 11 am without any encounters with John Law and immediately headed to Broadway. Having stopped in Nashville this past spring we kind of knew our way around a bit.
Our first stop was the Ryman Auditorium. We took the self guided walking tour and learned quite a bit about the place. I was surprised by it's history--I didn't know that it wasn't just built for the Grand Ole Opry. or that they moved out in the early 70's. or that it was once less than a week from being razed. All in all, time well spent.
Then headed over to the entertainment district. Blocks and blocks of bars and gift shops and the like. The Mrs. says its like the Dells only with more beer. We hit a number of these places and had a wonderful time. There are some newer places, which tend to be bigger, but I liked the older ones, the ones with some history. There is Tootsies and Legends and Roberts amongst many others. They all had good music and cold beer, friendly people and their own little claim to fame. Had no problem getting a seat anywhere and had a real nice afternoon.
We stayed right downtown at the Shereton, so about 5 we checked in and cleaned up for the hike back downtown. We walked pass Printers Alley, then headed back down 2nd Avenue to Broadway. By this time there were a heck of a lot more people on the street, and it was haed to even get into some of the places. We finally work our way back into Roberts and decided to hunker down. The music and food was good, the beer was cold, and we met some new friends from Chicago. Some Harley riders who told us to meet them at the Harlyfest, OK.
By 10 we had pretty much reached our limit. We took another stroll around Broadway to people watch, then made the uphill hike back to the hotel. A real full and fun day.
A few final thoughts......don't bring your school age (and younger!) kids to the bars in Nashville. I traveled with my kids all over the country. There are many better options than this for them. I doubt if they care or will remember the old pictures of Farron Young or Kitty Wells.
The bartenders and the swompers work hard. No doubt about it. But boy is the the waste! Ever see that TV show with John Tapper, Bar Rescue? The man would be having a grabber....
The entertainment plays for tips. They are awful talented. Some are more aggressive is asking for/acquiring those tips. It can be a real pain in the butt, but I suppose if that's how you make your living.....be prepared.
Nashville is one heck of a party town. Next we plan on checking out some of the more historical sites around town....
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