I'm Not In Syracuse Anymore | 6 Highlights from Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee... the Country Music Capital of the world. Where live bands play everywhere you go. Where 'Yes ma'am' and 'yes sir' easily rolls off the tongue. Where the savory aroma of BBQ travels through the air. Where plaid shirts, cowboy/cowgirl hats and boots color the streets. Yeah, that place is pretty awesome.

Here are my top 6 highlights (in no particular order) of my adventures in Nashville, Tennessee:

1. NCAA Convention

Attended professional development workshops, voted on the floor for the proposed DII legislation, met some incredible people, drank a lot of coffee and thought of this scene from Dumb and Dumber every time I looked at my credential...

2. The Gaylord Opryland Resort

This place is no joke. Does anyone remember Kahunaville? The restaurant in the lower level of what once was called 'Carousel Mall?' If you do remember, picture that in your head. Now picture one that is a million times bigger... with an interior gondola ride, water light shows, exotic (real) plants, waterfalls everywhere and some of the best gelato I've ever eaten (seriously).

Between getting lost exactly 4 times and thinking an ostrich was going to pop out at any moment during my walk through the Kahunaville-like jungle path... walking throughout the hotel was an adventure in and of itself. But perhaps one of my favorite moments of this hotel was discovering the severe weather shelter area in the stairwell. I was definitely NOT in Syracuse anymore! Problem is, you can't storm chase in there...

3. The Undiscovered Talent

The talent was EVERYWHERE - artists just trying to make their big break into the music industry. For example, when I was trying to successfully navigate to my room for the first time after checking-in, I passed through a different lobby where a man was sitting on the couch strumming the guitar and a woman was beautifully singing "Better Man" by Little Big Town. And don't even get me started on downtown Nashville. Music filled the air. It's amazing to think how much undiscovered talent is being harvested there and, who knows, while you're listening to an unknown band play, some really famous country artist could just inconspicuously stroll by...

Hank Williams Jr., everyone.

4. The Fashion

Blue jeans. Plaid shirts. Cowgirl boots. Cowgirl hat. My kind of style. I told my family to mark my words in that I would not be returning to the north without a pair of cowgirl boots on my feet and a cowgirl hat to wear on my head...

#missionaccomplished.

5. The Food

BBQ pulled pork, pulled brisket, fried pickles... the best barbecue I've ever eaten (much respect for Dinosaur though). Featured below is a BBQ pulled pork sandwich accompanied by some coleslaw and fries (I discovered that adding the coleslaw on top of the pulled pork in the sandwich was a great choice about halfway through my meal). Highly recommend eating this meal in Nashville if you're a barbecue fan. Delicious.

6. The Live Entertainment

Wherever you go. Wherever you are. Whatever you're doing... Country. Music. All. Day. From the music playing through the speakers in the hotel to bands playing at various places.. if you're a country music fan, Nashville has got you covered. Below is a video I took of a band playing "Proud to Be an American." When I heard them playing this, I immediately got chills just thinking about the meaning behind the song and all of the events happening around the inauguration. With a strong message of unity, this musical ensemble is by far my favorite patriotic song... so I was pretty pumped to unexpectedly hear this live rendition of it. And as I looked around the room and saw every single person singing, swaying and intently listening to the song by putting their conversation aside... my heart smiled a bit. Listen here...

Nashville was quick to become my favorite city that I have traveled to thus far and, quite honestly, it is certainly going to be a hard one to top. It's hard to beat blue jeans, plaid shirts and country music. Have a wonderful week ahead, ya'll (guess I brought a little country back with me)!