Over Thanksgiving Cliff, Kelly, Winnie and I set off on a road trip to Nashville, TN. None of us had ever been but Kelly had really been wanting to go. I knew nothing of Nashville but we were all up for an adventure. Of course, doing anything with a 6 month old is an adventure.
We left Illinois at 2:45am the morning of Thanksgiving. It took us 7.5 hours and Winnie slept 6.5 of those hours. Unfortunately, that is about all she slept the rest of the weekend because poor baby was sick. We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. We were looking for a mix of relaxing resort and adventure. The hotel was decorated beautifully for Christmas. We had planned to take some family photos but Winnie was sick and crabby.
This was one of the indoor areas of the hotel
Another garden
There were over 3,000 rooms
We chose the hotel because there are a number of bars/restaurants in the hotel that we could go to while Winnie slept in the stroller. Also, there are a few garden areas to walk through that we thought would be scenic. The hotel was beautiful but we got lost very easily and it was so crowded. It also wasn’t very “Nashville” since it wasn’t in the heart of the city. But it was perfect for what we wanted. We weren’t stuck in a room with a baby that goes to bed at 6pm. If we were looking to go to a bunch of bars and see local entertainment, then it would not have been the ideal hotel. However, we were looking for low key and relaxation.
The number one thing we wanted to do while in Nashville was eat. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. We did quite a bit of research before we left and there were a few restaurants we planned to go. We ended up going to Hattie B’s twice and Peg leg Porker. Those were the food highlights of our trip. Especially Hattie B’s. We LOVED Hattie B’s. The specialty at Hattie B’s is hot chicken. I believe that hot chicken is a specialty of Nashville. And it was amazing. I don’t even really like chicken and I loved it. I loved it enough that I was happy to eat there for lunch 2 days in a row. Kelly and I had mild chicken tenders both times we went. Cliff got mild the first time and then went up two steps to hot the second time. The mild was plenty hot for Kelly and I. It was juicy and spicy and super delicious. The sides were great too. We had baked beans, pimiento macaroni and cheese and french fries. We loved the pimiento macaroni and cheese so much that we recreated it at home.
Hattie B’s from the outside
Hattie B’s-hot chicken menu
Chicken Tenders
“Hot” Chicken
We also ate at Peg Leg Porkers for dinner one night. We had ribs-wet and dry, smoked green beans, beans, and macaroni and cheese. The ribs were tender and flavorful but they didn’t beat the ribs we had in St. Louis. Peg Leg Porkers was delicious but it is Hattie B’s that we miss the most.
Outside the restaurant
Dinner!
In case you are wondering, we did more than just eat. We also visited the Parthenon and a plantation.
Parthenon from afar
And up close
I believe the Parthenon is also an art Museum but I don’t think it was open while we were there.
We had planned on taking some family photos for our Christmas card at Belle Meade Plantation. But, like I said, Winnie was sick. The grounds were beautiful and I’d love to go back. We also took a tour of the plantation house. Well, I saw the front entry. Then Winnie flipped out and I had to leave. Cliff and Kelly completed the tour.
Outside the plantation house
Kelly and Winnie
Family Photo #1
Family photo #2
Not exactly Christmas card material but cute anyway. Did you see Winnie’s boots? Girl was styling. We had a great time in Nashville eating and checking out some historical sites. We will definitely be back for some hot chicken!
