Nashville and the Natchez Trace

We stopped by the Jack Daniels Distillery in Lynchburg, TN on the way to Nashville. They do a great distillery tour including he beautiful grounds with the spring that provide the water for their production. All of the Jack Daniels is produced in this tiny town of 361 people and has been since the 1800s. The creek and lawns and flowers in the "holler" were lovely with spring greens and pastels. The town of Lynchburg is historic and very cute. Stayed at Old Stone Fort State Park which had a fascinating hike around an old Indian mound, a half mile in circumference.

Nashville is a big city with lots of fun spots to see. Took the self guided walking tour of the river front, the 'district' where all the bars are, the Charlie Daniels Band Museum, the State Capitol and lots of other fun sights. Went to the Ryman Theatre (former home of the Grand Ole Opry) and got tickets for the Opry on Saturday. Very excited to see this historic radio show where every one in country music wants to play.

Spent one day on the west side of town and then on to the Natchez Trace. There is a full size replica of the Parthenon in the city park that was impressive. As we drove SW out of town through Belle Meade we passed by several mansions and old plantation homes. Stopped at the famous Loveless Cafe for lunch. Lots of famous people in pictures on their walls. The drive along the Trace is a National Scenic Byway and they aren't kidding. No commercial buildings, very few homes even, and no billboards. Just miles of rolling hills, beautiful trees, and lots of places to walk the old Trace. It was original a hunting path that became a commercial road for farmers returning from floating their goods down to New Orleans. We stopped for nice hikes at two waterfalls, one named for Andrew Jackson who is from the area and followed the Trace to the Battle of New Orleans. Anyone remember the old song? (hint: " in 1814 we took a little trip along with Colonel Jackson along the mighty Missisip"). Great day.

Today on the other hand did not start as a great day. Two nights with very little sleep because the weather radio kept waking us up with severe weather warning sirens. You don't want to be in a motor home waiting for a tornado to come by. After two bad nights, we decided to check into a hotel with a safe room. As I write this I am in a room at the Hampton Inn just east of the Nashville airport. Safe and comfy now.

The weather is supposed to improve tomorrow and we hope to get to President Jackson's family home, the Hermitage. Also looking forward to Opryland and the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday. Then on to East Tennessee and hopefully no more tornado scares.