Dollywood, Tennessee - Day 3

Dollywood was basically a rural Tennessee Disneyland. The patrons seemed to come out of the surrounding hills to participate, which was both interesting and eye opening. The area is a bit economically depressed and town of Pigeon Forge is a commercial nightmare. Again like the Grande Ole Prey, I always wanted to visit Dollywood. I did. Check.

Nashville, Tennessee - Day 2

Atrium Room View 

Hermitage Plantation - Andrew Jackson

Frist Center for the Visual Art

Downtown Nashville Stroll

404 Kitchen - Excellent Food

The Hermitage is presented as the home of President Andrew Jackson, but it’s really a plantation.  Don’t be fooled. There are hints of racism and misogyny throughout the exhibits and grounds.  A week after visiting the Hermitage, the Obama administration announced Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. No bill surprise after visiting the Hermitage. It seemed appropriate.

Nashville Tennessee - Day 1

Classic Nashville Eatery - Excellent Food

Fried Chicken, Mac'n Cheese, Slow Cooked Beans w/ Pork

Parthenon 

Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Manhattan and Attitude 

Grand Ole Opry

The ambiance of the hotel under the atrium was spectacular – lots of greenery, floral scenery, waterfalls, and ponds.  However, the amenities under the atrium were very inefficient.  It felt like a cruise ship.  

The Grand Ole Opry was not what I expected it to be like, but I can say I went and experienced it.  Now that I reflexed I’m not sure what I originally expected.  It exudes the country music old guard white supremacy and racism attitude. No thank you.

We visited the Parthenon, because it was there and… well the structure is grand, but that’s about it.  It’s a very odd structure to find in the middle of Nashville. It was built for the city’s centennial and still remains, but not sure why.