I recently visited Tennessee so naturally I went to Nashville. It was like no city I had ever known. I usually dont like cites because whenever I go to one I feel like dirt is always flying in my eyes.
However I will never forget walking down Broadway. Practically all of the honky tonks and restaurants have live music that can be heard as you walk down the street popping in and out of all the amazing boot stores. The city even smells good. The whole time I was walking down broadway the smell of fresh barbecue filled my senses.
The Opry
It wouldn't be a trip to Nashville if I didn't attend the opry. Everyone should go to the Grand Ole Opry at least once in their life and do the backstage tour! The tour teaches you about the history and takes you back to the dressing rooms and lounge areas that country's greatest musicians. The tour even takes you on stage and allows you to stand in the iconic circle.
----> be sure to check out the opry's popcorn selection during the show the kettle corn is to die for! They also have cheddar, garlic, dill and more!
This Belle loves to Pick
I love American Pickers on the history channel. I have seen just about every episode and when I visited the store in Nashville I recognized so many items from the show. It was fun seeing pieces of history that I had learned about by watching the show. It was a pretty cool place to stop.
A Belle's Gotta Eat
I Dream of Weenie is a VW bus that has been converted into perhaps the best weenery in America. I literally dream about these things and wake up willing to drive hours and hours to get one of their chili cheese dogs.
Drive to it, walk to it, run to it, do whatever you have to to get there because it is worth it.
And just a bonus they have Cheerwine (my favorite) and they also have Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale.
I love ginger ale so when I came across a brand I had never had before I was all for it am when I found out it was spicy I thought that's even better. However DRINK WITH CAUTION. That stuff it hot!
But I think I would drink it again anyway because I love the story behind it. This spicy ginger ale got its start on the battlefields of the civil war!
Graceland
After I left Nashville I headed to Memphis to visit Graceland. Everyone always says that it is small and disappointing in a way but it was incredible for its time. I don't want to spoil anything for you so let me just say each room is better than the last and definitely check out the plane.
I probably don't need to tell you this but Graceland is well worth your time. Seeing all of Elvis' awards and success in one room is unreal. It is amazing that one person could do so much.
While in Memphis make sure you check out Sun Studio where Elvis recorded his hits. You get to go in and stand where Elvis did while he recorded.
The Night Life
Beale Street seems to be the place to go in Memphis. While I was on my trip I had people texting me to see if I had gone to Beale Street yet.
As I walked down the street I could hear music but it was from radios although the bars do have live music I couldn't hear it from the street. Also I passed a voodoo shop rather than a boot shop.
Beale Street was more like the cities I know and don't love. I am glad I went but it was just not my cup of sweet tea.
---> I did go back during the day and it wasn't so scary.
Some Shopping Tips for Y'all
I loved browsing the boot shops on Broadway in Nashville but being the Belle that I am I know my boot prices and I found them to be mark up pretty high. If you have your heart set on a pair on Brpadway splurg and get them. It is all part of the experience but if you don't have a particular pair in mind go check out Boot Barn at the local mall. They don't have a huge selection but they do have a lot and they are all the great brands you find on Broadway but nearly half the price!
As for souvenirs, they are cheaper at the actual place than somewhere else. Sun Studio shirts, hats and guitar picks are cheaper at the studio than at Graceland.
Graceland souvinirs are cheaper at Graceland than on Beale Street so buy it when you see it!
