Nashville

Well, words can't even describe how much of an once in a lifetime experience today was.

It started off great with a complimentary breakfast in Gatlinburg, I went for cereal and cinammon toast while dad went for a double sausage & egg sandwich

After a stop at Dolly Partons home town we drove all morning before stopping at a Cracker barrels for lunch. It was nice to stop a real American type cafe. I went for traditional chicken and dumplings with biscuit, dad went for a roast beef dinner. Though I wouldn't have it again I'm glad I tried the chicken dumplings. I didn't enjoy the cornbread it was much too salty for me but I enjoyed the warm biscuit (a lot like a scone but with salt in) I had it with jam on the coach

Next up was the main event - Nashville. The afternoon was spent up at the Country Hall of fame museum, where I spent an hour fangirling over Taylor Swift displays. We had a quick walk on the main strip then stopped for a cold drink the temperature was 33 degrees and we were feeling it. The studio B tour was next, while it was a humble room, the tour guide was excellent giving you a real feel of the room and the greatness that had transpired here. I got a bit emotional wishing mum was able to experience where Elvis produced so much of his best work

We had a great surprise at the hotel. Tea was included along with three free drinks. We had baked potatoes with chicken, veg, chilli and nachos. I went for a wine while dad had brandy and coke. We then toasted a beer for dad and a mojito for me while looking out over the skyline before heading down into Nashville itself.

I'll never forget the experience of Nashive. The atmosphere was buzzing with live country music blasting out from every venue. It was feast for the senses, you really felt like you were witnessing some amazing talent and possible future country stars. We had a couple of beers trying a few different bars with a rooftop bar. Singing and dancing along in the heat with a beer in hand was paradise. It wasn't like clubs or bars back home where everyone is leary or jostling with each other, it was respectful and you felt everyone was joined together by the appreciation of the music. Dad went back to the hotel and I stayed out for one more beer in the Honky Tonk bar, I felt safe and welcome, even meeting a few people. I never wanted it to end. I felt like I'd got the true country girl experience that I've always longed for from when I was first introduced to the genre by Taylor swift at 14 years old.Read more