[US Road Trip 07] First day in Nashville

After some indecison about what to do (it was raining when I got up but by the time I had had breakfast it had cleared up again), I decided to go into town after all so took the bus in. Walked around a bit and then visited the Country Music Hall of Fame. A wonderful collection of exhibits from the history of Country Music, with artifacts ranging from the first hand-built banjos to Elvis’ gold Cadillac and gold piano. The second floor had a temporary special exhibition about Ray Charles, again with outfits and instruments, like the Rhodes he used on tour.

More wandering around past the Ryman Auditorium (where the Grand Ole Opry used to be but now is a standard venue where all the big names not just in Country play).

Bussed back, got into my car and cruised around Music Row a bit where all the record companies are based. Oddly enough, these aren’t shiny highrises but normal houses, family homes.

After relaxing a bit in my room, I headed out for dinner to Rotier's, one of the local institutions. It's a cosy little place with a bar, a row of booths and a number of free standing tables in the back. I went for one of today's specials which was Country Fried Steak with fries, Okra and Zucchini. For those who don't know, it's a steak that's battered or breaded, deep fried and served with gravy (a bit like the German Jägerschnitzel but without the mushrooms). Now, a dish category called "Meat&Three" doesn't sound too bad until you realise that everything is deep fried. It was very tasty but too rich for my taste. I really shouldn't have that chocolate milkshake but the waitress asked so nicely...

My destination for the evening was the Station Inn on 12th Ave South. Again, a rather derelict looking building in a derelict area (lots of empty plots and construction work) but cosy inside. At least twice the size of the Bluebird with loads of tables and mismatched chairs, a bar and a real stage.
The order of the evening was Bluegrass and tonight's performance was basically a jam session with a variety of artists taking the stage. Very cool indeed. I also managed to get a decent number of good photos as I had a good seat and nobody minded me taking them.

When the show was over, the weather outside was just a little bit awful with driving rain. Good thing my car was parked just around the corner so I didn't get completely soaked. Good thing I didn't walk which had been my first plan...