Nashville Tennessee was quite a surprise.

The first thing we did was find the Antique Archaeology store- home of the American Pickers show. It was fantastic. If you follow or watch this show, you will love the store. They had a few things I could definitely put to use. We bought a few souvenirs and walked around the complex the store is located in. It used to be an auto manufacturing company- a luxury car. Marathon Motor Works. The entire building is turned into a museum with little shops in every nook and cranny. It was a great place to unwind. We finished up and headed downtown.

The streets bustled with people. The strip downtown was full of honkytonks and music. Musicians looking for their big break sat in open window bars performing songs for the public and the inside crowd. The country music surrounding us was almost surreal. It was a real treat for both of us as we walked down the street listening and watching.

We decided to grab lunch and John knew just the place. We ducked inside a cool restaurant and sat at a table. I had no clue where we were, but John knew all the things. We were sitting in the establishment where many artists get their big break- and the biggest for John was Garth Brooks.

The Wild Horse Saloon had a great menu, and our lunch was perfect. It made me feel good to know this was a bucket list item for my husband checked off. He works hard, and he deserves a lot more than this. Little did I know, he was about to check off an even bigger item.

We strolled down the street and found the Ryman Auditorium. He purchased two tour tickets and we walked inside. It was incredible. If you have never toured this historical place, you need to. Regardless of your musical interests, this place will knock your socks off. The history is about more than country music. It is about bringing people together when things aren’t always so great. The building feels sacred, the walls hold secrets you could only dream about. You can almost hear them whisper.

Inside the auditorium, there isn’t a bad seat. The original church pews half encircle the stage, and the acoustics are amazing. The stained glass in the back provides an awesome reverent look. There are glass cases with items donated by artists through the years. The significance of the journey of the Ryman is stunning for this city.

I took a lot of pictures inside the Ryman, and Nashville. I hope you enjoy them because once again, pictures speak louder than any words I could ever write.