Last week, we set everything else aside and took time away to focus on our marriage. Kelly and I had planned on driving to Rome, GA for the second year of CONNECT and ended up making the trip along with my parents who were able to get away for a little vacation at the same time. We don’t get to spend all that much time with them on a regular basis, so having several hours to visit and the need to find creative ways to entertain ourselves in the vehicle was a welcomed treat. Taking full advantage of driving half way across the country, we stopped at several places along the way.
Our first point of interest was the Ryman Auditorium and the Nashville Honky Tonks. I have no recollection of the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman, although my Dad did, and it is always thought-provoking to step back into history and consider how much has changed.
We spent the rest of our time in Nashville walking by the Honky Tonks, grabbing a quick bite, and enjoying the live music.
Kelly has recently acquired an appreciation for an occasional sip of whiskey and after visiting the Jameson Distillery in Ireland last year, it was fun to stop by the Jack Daniel’s Distillery to compare their process. I’m not so much a fan of the taste myself, but any craft that takes such dedication and precision is intriguing and we all enjoyed the tour.
Dad and Mom dropped us off at Winshape, and with a hug goodbye, they went on their way for a couple of days. It felt a little like being dropped off at school. Ha! The time that we spent there deserves it’s own post and we’ll be touching on that topic tomorrow.
After leaving Rome, we detoured just a bit to enjoy some time in the mountains. (We took advantage of being in such close proximity to the Smoky Mountains last year too. You can read about that trip here.)
Our last point of interest was Churchill Downs in Louisville, home of the Kentucky Derby. Last year we were driving through town on the very day of the race and I was secretly wishing we could attend. Although we weren’t able to watch any horses run the track, the tour was a neat experience. I love the level of determination and commitment required, and the hope that this place represents. How even though the odds are stacked against them, an underdog (under-horse?) can always rise to the top. I get goosebumps just thinking about it.
Kel and I are still talking about whether or not we’ll make the 18 hour drive down to GA and back again now that we’ve seen so many of the sights along the way. However, the quality time together in a vehicle is much more tempting than dealing with airports, so if you have other suggestions for places to stop close to our route, be sure to let us know!
-m
