After leaving Chicago we headed South- destination for the evening Nashville, Tennessee to see the good ole country music capital and our friends Ian & Emily (Johnson) Byram.
First city along the way, Indianapolis, Indiana- home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Zachary Harmer’s all time favorite team the COLTS! We enjoyed a drive through downtown and stop at the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium to check out the Colts home and take some memorabilia pics for our buddy Zachary! (We will send you a copy of all the pics Zack)
Next city stop, Louisville, Kentucky for a quick sightseeing of Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Derby is held. We were unable to see the actual race track, but were able to see the outside entrance and a small museum. I loved looking at the big ladies Derby hats they had on display- oh how i would love to get a big beautful hat, sip a mint julep and watch the races- how fun- just like Pretty Woman! 
After this super quick stop we were on to Nashville. We arrived around 6pm, did a brief drive through part of downtown- the Honky Tonky area, Em told us, and then headed over to Emily and Ian’s home. Emily and I grew up together in Burlington- we attended school together starting in elementary, were in the same Indian Princess tribe- yay Chinook and attended church together. She and her twin sister Natalie have always been dear friends.
We arrived at their super cute, Carolina blue home, and they welcomed us with open arms and sweet southern hospitality. We had a great dinner out with them and a mini tour around their neighborhood. We had a brief, but wonderful visit with the Byrams. Ian and Emily, thank you SO much for having us! We had such a great time visiting with yall!
After a nice rest at the Byram’s B&B we went to a cute coffee shop for breakfast and to a used bookstore across the street for our Nashville used book. Then we were off to the Grand Ole Opry…yeeehawwww….. We arrived at the Grand Ole Opry, home of country music’s greats as well as Old Navy, Dave and Busters, and various other commercial icons, seriously, I am standing facing the old building where many country music greats have belted it out, and yep, to my right sits good ole Old Navy- sad day, it is a bit commercialized to say the least. We still think it might be fun to come back and see a show one day- oh and pick up some affordable crew neck shirts at the same time.
Now we are off to Blowing Rock…yay NC and the fam….
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- the track is 2 1/2 miles around – crazy big- we were parked in the middle of the track
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- the new Colts stadium- yay Zachary Harmer!
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- Churchill Downs- home of the KY Derby
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- “gas” special on the way to TN! definitely back in the South- knew you would appreciate this Dad :)
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- with our sweet hosts at their beautiful Nashville home
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- outside the precious Byram B&B- thank you Em and Ian!!
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- Grand Ole Opry…and its upcoming country music star… watch out Carrie Underwood…:)
Couldn’t wait till you downloaded these wonderful pictures. The couple looks so kind and sweet and it is really nice to still remain so close after all these years. Just a bit disappointed about the Opry house; expected it to be a bit more than a building in a shopping mall. BUT all in all the trip so far is really interesting. Thanks very much for all the trouble to get this out there for those who won’t be visiting. Such a beautiful and newsy blog, if I must say so myself. Welcome home!!!!!!!