Instant Nashville

I felt bad that this restaurant is off the beaten path and took a lot longer than the 'just on the outskirts of town' description. 15 miles is a long way in Nashville because most of the highways circle and intersect the city.

I think the trip was worth the trouble. It wasn't the breakfast that had me, (although it was tasty), it was the surrounding area that the restaurant and motel occupy. It's the tiny little tourist shops that sell chow-chow and jams, and it is certainly about the man that you can faintly see in the photo above. 

A perfect gentleman, (the people in Nashville are very polite!), we had a good discussion about BBQ, while he mixed up the special meat rub for the day. The thing about BBQ in the South that makes it as amazing as its reputation: it is savory, not sweet. There's an element of vinegar that is the perfect contrast to meat and, well, it made me happy.

+++++++++++

One thing about Nashville that I quickly learned is that driving anywhere is going to take awhile. Landmarks, like this church and pumpkin patch, helped with me navigate around. 

Country music, (with a little bit of blue grass thrown in), spills from every establishment and on most corners of Broadway, in the downtown area of Nashville. It is the main drag, the stadium for sports and big concerts is there, and so are smaller, delightful venues. It is the tourist place to be, and it is the place to go if you want cowboy boots. 

My favorite part of the city that we explored a tiny bit was East Nashville. This place,

was one cool coffee shop. An old mechanics garage, there was a distinct lingering odor of motor oil, and the light...well that afternoon light streaming through those old windows, with all of the steam-punk looking equipment and the rockabilly appeal that each of the workers rocked in their own way, all in their matching denim work aprons, an amazing ambiance was set and the coffee and tea was awesome as well.