Continuing on my 2019 road trip through the Midwest, we headed to Tennessee after we last stopped in Mississippi. We actually hit Tennessee twice — once on the way up and again on the way home. So, I’ll cover all stops and activities from both pass throughs.
Memphis, Tennessee
On the way in, we mostly did a drive by of Memphis, which I’d been to on a work trip a few years before. I wanted to hit up Graceland, but we didn’t make it in time to catch it open. So, I remained content with an outside look and something to look forward to on another trip there someday.
We still had a great night out experiencing the ambiance of Beale Street. My travel companion and I stopped in at a blues bar and enjoyed a couple of cocktails while listening to a local musician play. We wandered the street, taking in the lights of nightlife and listening to all the sounds that permeated the atmosphere. Music is found on every corner and in every bar. It’s part of the gritty charm that is Beale Street.
Nashville, Tennessee
On our way back down, we stopped in Nashville, Tennessee to stay with a friend and celebrate the Fourth of July with her. Most of our time together is often spent eating. But we also managed to hit up the Grand Ole Opry where I stepped in the recording booth. For a few minutes I became a country music star. Taking my picture on stage was a delight, but singing into a microphone reminded me of how much I love and miss singing all the time.
After a day of being tourists, we stopped for lunch at The Rosepepper Cantina. This Mexican food joint hit the spot and had wonderful, vibrant decor to go along with a good meal.
For the 4th of July, we spent a scorching day at the Hot Chicken Festival. Vendors selling all kinds of chicken recipes abounded, along with live music in the middle of the park. After a day in the sun and heading into a food coma, we stopped for ice cream in an adorable little parlor and headed back to our friend’s house to play with her dog. Of course, the evening was spent watching Independence Day.
Tennessee is always a beautiful state to visit no matter where or when I go. It’s a destination I’d like to keep coming back to and keep discovering more of. If you have recommendations, let me know!