An Unforgettable Weekend in Nashville

Hi Friends,

Few of my favorite pics from Nashville!

A few weekends ago, I had a business trip that turned into a weekend of fun spent in Nashville. Our company was in need of some new tow trucks, so my dad and I loaded up and flew to Ohio to pick them up. I was definitely nervous to drive a tow truck for 17 hours, but I decided that this was going to be a once in a lifetime experience; so, after praying and consulting my fears with my dad, I was prepared to face them for the greater good.

The flight up to Ohio was a little hectic. After our original flight got cancelled mere hours beforehand, our new flight was then delayed- making us almost miss our connecting flight. However, once we landed, the trip was sailing smoothly from there. Driving in Ohio was beautiful as I have never seen corn fields and farms of that nature. The drive through Kentucky and Tennessee was also beautiful in its own way with all the trees and what I would consider mountains. While I have done some traveling, even to other countries, nearly all of my experience travelling has been to beaches. So, it was a very nice change of scenery, especially in comparison to the East Texas view (though I do love East Texas from the bottom of my heart).

After a long 9-hour drive, we finally made it to Nashville, where my weekend fun truly began. Our mini vacation started Friday night with us going to Broadway, watching live music that fulfilled a spot in my heart that I didn’t know I had. My dad raised me on country music, especially 90s country music, and Nashville showed up and showed out with older country music. Steel guitars and fiddles were on every corner nearby, catching my attention each time.

Saturday is where I experienced the true once in a lifetime experience by having the opportunity to visit the Grand Ole Opry. I truly never thought I would ever get to go to the Opry, but what made the experience over the top and perfectly grand was who I got to see. I had the opportunity to see Jenna Davis (who was debuting at the Opry), Wyatt McCubin, James Dupree, T Graham Brown, John Conlee, Carrie Underwood, and most heartwarming, Randy Travis! The music was sensational, the vibes were undeniably high, I had an ear-to-ear smile the entire time, and tears of joy were shed. While Randy Travis battles his health issues and was not able to actually perform, James Dupree put on a great honorary performance by singing his songs while Randy sat on the stage with him. At the end of the set, Randy sang the final “Amen” in “Forever and Ever, Amen,” and it is a memory that I will cherish forever. Hearing his smooth voice with the biggest, brightest smile across his face is simply an image engraved in my brain that I don’t believe will ever leave my mind. Carrie Underwood gave the final performance, and it was a great way to end the night. She looked gorgeous in her pink sparkly dress, and her voice bellowed throughout the room in the most breathtaking way possible. She sang iconic songs- including “Before He Cheats”- and my little girl heart who was obsessed with Carrie was enthralled the entire time. All and all, this night was so great it’s even hard to write about. Looking back, I feel a warm sensation of pure bliss overtakes me that is indescribable.

Psalms are always gonna hit the spot!

My dad and I ended Saturday night after the Opry by heading back to Broadway to hear more live music- as it is something that simply brings us pure joy. We found two bars specifically that we really liked, so we bounced back between those two for most of the night. We ended up befriending the bouncers, bartenders, and band, even getting the band to perform “Swinging” by John Anderson for me. Unbeknownst to me, the guitar player of the band actually toured with John Anderson years before moving to Nashville, so he put on an extra special performance for me by impersonating John singing the song. I truly laughed so hard in that moment- another unforgettable moment of the weekend that will last me a lifetime.

Sunday morning was bittersweet as we packed up and prepared for our 8-hour drive back to east Texas. Finishing our drive through the rest of Tennessee and Arkansas was more flatland, but the sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the weather was overall perfect. I was thankful for God’s beauty, the safety He provided us throughout the trip, and the opportunity He allowed me to have to spend a good quality time with my dad during one of the most fun sporadic weekends I have ever had.

Today, I end this story with a verse that has been heavy on my heart, and something that reminds me of this amazing weekend I was able to experience. I hope this verse sits in your heart today like it has been mine.

Psalm 100

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Have a good weekend friends!

Jess C