Traveling days are always a whirlwind. Before catching the flight to Nashville, Tennessee, we squeezed in an appointment to meet and test drive a mighty fine ford econoline camper van, who I already affectionately named, “McKenzie”. 

Physically standing in the van, the dream started becoming a reality… how would we set up storage, configure the inside, was it insulated? While we ultimately concluded it was not the one, it was a productive start to the viewings. The wheels were turning…

Egg and bacon sandwiches later, we found ourselves on a plane, sitting behind a 3 year old boy who introduced himself as “the blue ninja”. After “flying the friendly skies” with United… touchdown!

A short lyft ride away, we checked into The Fairlane, a historical bank building converted into a retro trendy boutique hotel (Yes, it was the coolest!) 

Hungry and anxious to kick off our trip, we went for a quick exercise at “Jim’s Office” (the hotel gym) before heading out for a late night bite to eat. Discovering Printer’s Alley, we settled in at The Bourbon Street Blues Boogie Bar. 

Walking through the alley felt like a trip back in time…

In the early 1900’s, Printer’s Alley was inhabited mostly by publishers, print shops and newspaper companies. Closer to the 1940s the area transformed into more of an evening entertainment district. Although illegal in that period, the alley night clubs were known for serving liquor to their guests ‘under the table’. (Restaurant guests could not legally purchase drinks until 1968). While country music is thriving in Nashville; this alley was and is known for playing more Jazz and Blues. 

The Stacy Mitchhart Band was getting ready for their next set, so we got cozy, ordered some Fried Green Tomatoes and did our first “Cheers” over a Chicken Scratch Pilsner and a Honky Tonk IPA. Welcome to Nashville!