point.click.enjoy.: 2013

Sean and I wrapped up my 30th birthday week with a three-day trip to Nashville. I had never been and Sean was underage last time he went, which let's be honest, means he's never "really" been either.

We flew in Friday afternoon, picked up our rental car and checked in to the Nashville Downtown Hostel. I've stayed in hostels before and this one measured up. Great common area, simple rooms (we got a private one), clean bathrooms, nice staff, interesting characters, cheap rate, etc. It was also within walking distance of Broadway and Printer's Alley where we ended up both nights, ie. no drinking and driving. The only thing I could have used more of, was toilet paper.

Friday afternoon we wandered around Broadway, enjoyed a great country act and delicious burger at Robert's Western World and was able to make it to Hatch Show Print before they closed. Friday night we ventured to Edge Hill for dinner at Taco Mamacita (on par with Taco Lu), followed by some Jeni's Ice Cream covered in espresso at Hot & Cold. Then we headed back to Broadway where we lucked into Layla's Bluegrass Inn and were very entertained by Hillbilly Casino, a rockabilly band playing everything from Elvis to Johnny Cash. We ended the night with a final drink at Robert's and a quest for pizza.

Saturday we got up and headed to the Opry Mills mall because I forgot to pack appropriate shoes for our two-mile hike inside Mammoth Cave. A new pair of Tommy Hilfiger oxfords and a 6" turkey sub later, we were on the road to Kentucky. Mammoth Cave was just that - mammoth. Our two-hour tour had us walking through massive domes and over 105 ft. drops, as well as squeezing sideways through a section called "fat man's misery". At the front of our group was a 77 yr old man. He and his wife had come to Mammoth Cave on their honeymoon, it was the last vacation they took together before she passed, so he was determined to make it through one last time. A little nerve wracking for those of us behind him, but very sweet.

Saturday night we headed uptown for local bbq at Judge's Vinegarroon where Sean had a bloody mary with a splash of brisket. We lucked out and got the funniest taxi cab driver. He was all jokes and played us one of his original songs called Silly Me. You can listen to it here. Obviously we had him pick us up again on our way to see Matt Willis play at Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar. Matt was great, on stage and off, and so was the bar. A tucked away mix of locals and tourists, slow dancing to country music and taking shots at the bar. This is where I met Ronald, my twin slash spirit animal slash bearded guide. We also joked all night about the idea of nude karaoke.

Sunday we packed up, had breakfast at 417 Union (Sean got prime rib hash!) and walked around Nashville before heading back to the airport. All in all is was a great little weekend and we'd definitely like to go back.