As I packed our bags for our long weekend in Nashville, I decided to catch up on some good old fashioned country music.  As soon as I heard George Strait’s Here for a Good Time, I knew that I found our anthem for the weekend.  “I ain’t here for a long time, I’m here for a good time.”

We only had a few days to explore this new city, celebrate at a friend’s wedding and catch up with friends we hadn’t seen in a while.  For the first time in our traveling history, we had no agenda of things we wanted to see.  We just went along with the group and we had a blast.

Instead of a full play by play, I’ll just share the highlights.  You don’t really need to know how many beers I drank, hours I sat by the hotel pool or times I ate fried food, right?

We loved taking a few minutes to chat with the musicians on the sidewalk, learn a little about them and throw them a buck or two.  This man filled us in on his music journey that didn’t start until he “retired” at age 47.  He’s waiting for his big break.

We spent a few afternoons wandering through the stores around downtown.  You can find any kind of boots, hats or country records.  You can also find a classy collection of t-shirts.  The souvenir shops are pretty frequent, but we stayed away from those for the most part.

We had a road trip on Sunday to one of the most beautiful wedding locations I have ever seen (plus a stop at a very country breakfast buffet spot).  It was a 1853 plantation house with a beautiful open aired reception area in the back.  It was so fun celebrating an old friend and his new wife – even if it was 100 degrees out.  And yes, in case you were wondering, it was complete with a horse and carriage.  Duh.

We went out in the District (which made me feel like I was in the Hunger games.)  We hit the town on Friday night and Sunday night.  Paradise Park, Honky Tonk Central, Tootsies, The Stage.  We had a blast.

I give this area of town a lot of credit.  It was so busy on Friday night – there were people EVERYWHERE, but I never waited in line for a drink or to go to the bathroom, so whatever magic formula they have figured out – I would love if they could spread it to every other city in the country.

Yep, all the pictures were blurry from that night.  Oops.

I would have to say that my favorite part of exploring the city was the live music.  Holy smokes.  Every single performer we saw had incredible talent and they were playing for tips on a little stage.  I don’t know how many people make it in that town.  My favorite was the band we saw on Friday night.  I guess the girl was an American Idol finalist, but either way, they were fantastic.

It was an amazing first trip and I’m so glad we have friends there.  Keith, Whitney, Brady, Alec and all the rest of you Nashvillers – we will be back.  Thanks for hanging out with us and showing us the ropes.

Things for next time:  spend more time in East Nashville (including Jeni’s ice cream), the Bluebird Cafe, the Grand Ole Opry, take in a football game and get out in the beautiful country surrounding Nashville a little more.  Plus, we will eat WAY MORE at WAY MORE PLACES.

Maybe actually go into the Beaver Bar that I got my picture taken in front of… if we have enough time.

Thanks for the recommendations from those of you that have been there.  I can’t wait until our next adventure.