NASHVILLE - MUSIC CITY

With Hurricane Sandy bearing down on the East Coast, it was hard not to have home on our minds as we drove into Nashville Monday morning.  Choosing Greyline's Hop On/Off Trolley Tour worked out well for us.  Our first stop was the Ryman Auditorium.  Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892, it was later used as the venue for a wide variety of events: from religious revivals to boxing matches.  From 1943 to 1974, it became home to the Grand Ole Opry, a popular live radio show, and became known as the "Mother Church of Country Music."  It's amazing that the original church pews are still used as seating.

After lunch at Tootsies Orchard Lounge located in "The District" area, we hopped off next at American Pickers Mike Wolfe's "Antique Archeology" shop.  We were surprised that this stop was on the tour since Keith often watches the TV show on the History Channel.  More exciting, people leaving the store said that Mike was there and talking with them.  The sales staff said that he was 'in and out' but, unfortunately, we didn't see him.

Our last stop was the Country Music Hall of Fame, two floors of Country memorabilia and exhibits.  What really amazed me was how THIN most of the female singer's dresses were.  (They looked like about a size 2.)  It was a nice day and interesting, but my foot still hurts a lot so I was glad to get back and sit down.

We were planning to travel from Nashville to Memphis on Tuesday but the weather report was calling for residual winds from Sandy so we decided to stay here another day.  Although it was windy, it was sunny so we chose to visit the nearby historic town of Franklin, established in 1799.  The town suffered years of economic devastation from the Civil War, Union occupation, and the Battle of Franklin.  Then in the late 60's, there was a successful effort to preserve the history of the original square and surrounding Victorian architecture.  Again because of my foot, we took an abbreviated walking tour of the Main Street area, we drove around to see the large Victorian homes, and then we ate dinner at Puckett's Gro. & Restaurant (included in the "Top 100 Restaurants to Eat at While Traveling" by Rand McNally.)  I had a 'Redneck Burrito' and it was delicious!

A funny thing happened today.  As we were walking down Main Street, a few blocks from the square, we walked into a small antique shop called William Powell Co.  I mentioned to Keith that I thought it had the same flair as Antique Archeology, but I actually liked this store better.  On the way out, I asked the proprietor if there was a connection between the stores.  She said that it was interesting that I asked because although this store was owned by her husband, Mike stops in frequently and had just been there this morning.  What are the odds??