Yay! This was the first extended trip in our camper and it exceeded our high expectations. The idea grew from the thought of visiting Jett during his internship in Nashville when Bailey was visiting. We wanted to slow down and driving the 444-mile parkway with a 50 mph speed limit was perfect, complementing a fineContinue reading “The Natchez Trace Parkway”
Category Archives: Tennessee
Tennessee – Summary and Reflection
Visiting Tennessee was on our list-to-visit as it’s a potential move-to destination. Bailey visited with some of her friends earlier in 2024 and her inspiration was the foundation for much of Janet’s planning. Bailey made a PowerPoint showing us an itinerary to give us an idea what we could do. Janet got everyone to identifyContinue reading “Tennessee – Summary and Reflection”
TN Days 10 & 11 – Good Bye Nashville Until Next Time
Our final day in Nashville was just some chill visiting. We went to a fine Farmer’s Market, which I forgot to photograph… The girls loved browsing the stalls, with not too much buying! Then we headed to check out the TN State Capitol and a Parthenon replica. We spent the afternoon playing dominoes and BaileyContinue reading “TN Days 10 & 11 – Good Bye Nashville Until Next Time”
TN Day 9 – Horses and a Sunset
Today was about riding horses at the Natchez Trace Trailrides, about an hour Southwest of our house, back toward Franklin. But first we grabbed a quick breakfast on the way at a fine little eatery called Frothy Monkey. Having arrived at the horse farm early, we got plenty of time to hang around with otherContinue reading “TN Day 9 – Horses and a Sunset”
TN Day 8 – Goo Goo and The Grand Ole Opry
After some fine sausage and cream cheese bars for breakfast courtesy of Kylie and Samuel, it was off for our chocolate making experience with the Goo Goo Chocolate Company. Located just off Broadway and opposite the Johnny Cash museum at its original location, Goo Goo have been making their clusters since 1912. Their claim toContinue reading “TN Day 8 – Goo Goo and The Grand Ole Opry”
TN Day 7 – Nashville Biscuits, Murals, and The Listening Room
We experienced a fine assortment of Nashville’s best, showcasing different types of artistry. While I write this, much of Houston is without power after a devastating storm last night and we pray for your safety and recovery. Janet’s plan took us to Biscuit Love in The Gulch. It is a recently redeveloped area with newContinue reading “TN Day 7 – Nashville Biscuits, Murals, and The Listening Room”
TN Day 6 – The Grand Ole Opry and more
It all started in 1925 when the National Life and Accident Insurance Company started a radio station with country music for barn dances on Saturday nights. They called the show We Save Millions, the company’s slogan with the initial WSM and it broadcast on 650 am. In November 1927, when the show was coming onContinue reading “TN Day 6 – The Grand Ole Opry and more”
TN Day 5 – Welcome to Nashville
The vibe in Nashville compared to Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg is so different. While the Tennessee accent still prevails and there are crowds of tourists, Nashville seems classier. There are probably better adjectives but they don’t come to mind yet. After checking out of our AirbnB, we grabbed breakfast in Pigeon Forge. Research led usContinue reading “TN Day 5 – Welcome to Nashville”
TN Day 4 – Another Waterfall and Dollywood
We could also do things separately, as we had two cars. So Bailey and Jett headed off to Dollywood because they wanted to (well, Bailey did…) and the rest of us didn’t! So first, a summary of Dollywood: The rest of us headed back to Grotto Falls in the National Park. This time, we hadContinue reading “TN Day 4 – Another Waterfall and Dollywood”
TN Day 3 – Mother’s Day and More Bears
The first mission on Mother’s Day, as per Janet (with Bailey’s guidance) was breakfast at Gatlinburg’s Pancake Pantry. We had seen the long queue outside of it yesterday, so it was a 7am breakfast for us! However, the kids had to do the right thing first… Next was our first hike of the day, whichContinue reading “TN Day 3 – Mother’s Day and More Bears”
TN Day 2 – Birds, Anakeesta, and Bears
I spent a relaxed morning photographing birds while waiting for fine breakfast tacos from Bailey and Jett. Then the vulture swooped by, never landing as he soared circles continuously while looking for, but not finding some carrion for breakfast. The next door’s sign made us hopeful for a sighting, while we locked more than justContinue reading “TN Day 2 – Birds, Anakeesta, and Bears”
TN Day 1 – Gatlinburg and Dolly
The deck proves to be the perfect location for writing the blog! Yesterday’s Cardinal returned and joined me briefly on the deck, but was too shy for a photo. Day 1 had a leisurely start. Bailey and Jett did a quick grocery store run to get milk and cream for coffee, and Jett and IContinue reading “TN Day 1 – Gatlinburg and Dolly”
TN Day 0 – Driving to Gatlinburg
Who had suggested getting up at 2 am? It had made sense the night before with a 1000 mile drive ahead of us, but the logic was absent when the alarm went off. Everyone arose fairly readily so I guess we were all eager to get going, with Janet and Kylie taking the first drivingContinue reading “TN Day 0 – Driving to Gatlinburg”
The Adventures of the Cajunlimeys 