Each road trip keeps getting better and better. Here is a brief recap from the one I just completed to Central Georgia.
March 20, 2012:
Spent the day driving to Nashville. Stopped in Louisville early in the day to see the Louisville Slugger factory and museum - which included a purchase of two mini Louisville Slugger bats. Quickly walked through the lobby of the Muhammad Ali Center only to find the greatest of all-time did not want a statue constructed. Favorite part was the drive down Third Street, going through the Old Louisville neighborhood with 100-year-old homes and then the University of Louisville campus, which looked very nice. Best part of Louisville was seeing Churchill Downs - the home of the Kentucky Derby with a statue of Barbaro.
On the way from Louisville to Nashville - Alyssa and I stopped at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky which is new. Lots of old Corvettes and information, fun time.
After getting the Kentucky sign at the Tennessee border - we made our way to Nashville. When I got to downtown, at first I thought it was boring being a Tuesday night. But around the Bridgestone Area, I was able to get a ticket to the Predators hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers which provided a pleasant surprise to a trip I assumed would include no sporting events.
Preds fans were surprisingly passionate, yelling out "YOU SUCK" every time their team scored a goal, which was puzzling as to what they meant by that.
Downtown Nashville at night was interesting - at least on Broadway - where bars and restaurants were open late with almost all of them featuring a musical group. There were also individuals outside playing violins, guitars, and such. It truly is "Music City."
Saw a guy with a Preds jersey running from police only to get caught minutes later near the Ryman Auditorium.
March 21, 2012:
After breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we checked out the Opryland Hotel and the Grand Ole Opry house that "Made Country Music famous." Went downtown to se the Country Music Hall of Fame and to get daytime pictures of Fort Nashbrough and the downtown restaurants before leaving for the Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga area.
Although we were in a rush - getting the Welcome to Alabama sign was a must - and we made a detour off I-24 to get it through the town of South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
Filled up on gas in Bridgeport, Alabama,
Made it to Lookout Mountian a little too late to get the Incline Railway tour, but did have a guided tour of Ruby Falls, a breathtaking underground waterfall below the peak of Lookout Mountain. Afterwards, we were given a chance to go to the top for a nightime view of the city of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Valley.
Ate dinner at the Cracker Barrell in Ringgold, Georgia before making our descent through Atlanta and finally to the Budget Inn in Forsyth, Ga. that night.
March 22, 2012:
After the Budget stay, which featured a woman that talked a lot as well as many stray cats, we made our way to Macon to see the Cherry Blosson Festival and get Alyssa's first Waffle House experience.
nice day in Macon - highlighted by a gospel choir that was performing during the Festival. The cherrys were a blossoming.
Went from Warner Robins hotel to new one in Byron with a swimming pool. Met with Adriana and the group that night in WR.
March 23, 2012:
Early morning trek to Plains, Ga. to see the Jimmy Carter Nat. Historic Site, Boyhood Farm and Billy Carter Service Station. Nice Georgia experience driving through back roads to get to the town that jump starter Carter's 1976 Presidential campaign.
Rehearsal for wedding at Rain Church and rehearsal dinner at Rusty's in Perry.
