I have been a bit of a hermit as of late, but that all changes in October. Starting with my birthday weekend! Months ago I bought a ticket to the Denver Broncos – Tennessee Titans game in Nashville on October 3rd as a birthday present to myself (my birthday is the 4th). So I decided to make a weekend out of it.

I love NASHVEGAS! I had a blast today, but it didn’t start off that way. I took Elvis and Cilla to the vet this morning to be boarded while I’m away. They were so excited that they scratched my arms drawing blood. I have never seen Elvis jump all over me like that. And Cilla was crying when they took them back.

After the 3 hour drive east on route 40, stopping only once in Jackson, I arrived at my lovely hotel in downtown Nashville. This is a really nice hotel. I’m not used to such luxury because I’m usually traveling with Elvis and Cilla staying at Days Inns and Motel 6’s – not that there is anything wrong with that. My hotel is within distance of both Broadway and LP Field. I can even see the stadium from my room.

I looked down onto the street from my hotel room and saw a guy in a John Elway jersey. Throughout the day, I ran into many Denver Broncos fans that are here for the game tomorrow too! I was scared I would be the only one like when I’m in Philly or Baltimore. Glad I wore my Denver Broncos shirt.

I headed down 4th Avenue a few blocks to The Ryman, which is known as The Mother Church of Country Music.

 The Grand Ole Opry was originally here and greats like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline all played here. Although the Opry has moved, the Ryman still hosts concerts today. I saw Lisa Marie Presley here in 2003 – I sat right behind Priscilla!

I visited Lawrence Record Shop on Broadway across the street from the Ryman. I must confess that I wanted to visit Lawrence Records because of its name (for Larry), but it was a really cool record and souvenir shop. It smelled old like history. I love that smell!

Just a few doors down is the famous Ernest Tubb Record Shop where they used to have the Midnight Jamboree after the Opry, which was a free show. They have definitely redone Ernest Tubb’s because it is great condition. There were also a lot of souvenirs here as well as records.

I walked up Broadway listening to the music coming from all the bars and restaurants. It’s like Beale Street, except bigger and country. I was early to meet Caroline for dinner, but I was tired so decided to go to Rippy’s early. I got a table upstairs on the deck looking out on Broadway. I happened to sit next to a table of Broncos fans who flew out from Denver! I drank my Guinness and relaxed. Caroline arrived, but the menu had changed to a special event smaller menu, so we decided to go elsewhere to eat.

We ended up at Paradise Park / Big Bang – I still don’t know which is the actual name. It was a cool place. On the bar side, there was a rockabilly band playing Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash – complete with a stand up bass. The restaurant side was sort of like a diner. We sat near the window, so we could look out onto Broadway. I had a yummy veggie burger and sweet potato fries. It was fun to hang out with Caroline – my Elvis friend in Nashville.

By the time we left, it was dark out which was great because all the bars were lit up and it was easy to see why they call it Nashvegas.

We browsed the gift shop at Legends then parted ways. I walked the few short blocks back to my hotel, which was a little uphill actually. I’m exhausted and hoping to get some good sleep tonight, so I’ll be rested for the Broncos game tomorrow!

Please watch my video of my day in Nashville http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnN1DxRnOgo