That Sounds Fun Nashville

 

photo source

 

In need of good conversation, I picked up Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter, a book by Annie F. Downs.

 

A few hours later, I was finished. It's rare that I complete a book in one sitting. My soul must have really been craving truth, laughter and stories of perseverance, grace and Big Love.  

 

This is the second time I've read Looking For Lovely but the words felt new. I've also met the author, Annie, since reading the first time. I can testify that the feeling you get when you read her book is also the same when you spend time with her. She is encouraging, inspiring and your friend. 

 

In July 2017, I went to Nashville with my friend Laura for "That Sounds Fun" weekend presented by Annie F. Downs. It would be a few days of speakers, site seeing and of course, fun. In the program, Annie wrote, "my team has worked tirelessly to make sure that this weekend sticks in your memory and in your heart for a long time". 

 

That is certainly true since it is now three years later and I feel the need to share some fun with you. 

 

Laura and I flew in on a Thursday and ubered to our airbnb in East Nashville. That evening, we had burgers at The Pharmacy, a biergarten known for their impressive selection of German wurst and bier. 

 

Our airbnb entrance. Cool floor!

Laura had the farm burger. I chose the stroganoff burger.

The next day we went to Biscuit Love located in the Gulch for some Southern-inspired breakfast and to try out their bonuts (biscuit + donut). There was a line but it was part of the experience. There is another location at Hillsboro Village if you don't want to wait. Afterwards, we checked out 12 South. These neighborhoods in Nashville are filled with shops and restaurants that are walkable.

 

Nashville neighborhoods.

 

 

Get in line for some biscuit love!

bonuts!

 

Nashville has an impressive showcase of murals and wall art. Laura and I made sure to map out a few in advance. For lunch and coffee, we headed to Portland Brew.

 

Nashville Gulch Wings by Kelsey Montague.

How cute is this flower truck?!

I Believe in Nashville

Reese Witherspoon's store named after her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James.

 

That evening, we went to Forest Hills Baptist Church to kick off Annie F. Downs's weekend event. We heard from guest speakers while we ate dinner and also meet and greet with Annie. She was very personable and talked to us like she knew us for years. The speakers were Christy Nockels, Kelleigh Bannen, Eddie Kaufholz (hilarious), and songwriter Dave Barnes who sang a song that gripped my heart. 

 

Dave Barnes

Our photo with Annie. She loves confetti.

 

The next morning, we met back at the church for group exercise led by Emmy Singer and breakfast. We also heard from Milk and Honey Food Company owner Alex White. The rest of the day was spent exploring more of Nashville using Annie's guide book. 

We started by hiking some trails at Radnor Lake. In the book, Looking For Lovely, Annie wrote, "I think Jesus would love Radnor Lake and the trails because it reminds me of His garden. Just outside of town, nature at its best, a place where the connection to God is clear and constant."

 

Bench #10. Read Looking For Lovely to know its significance!

 

We worked up an appetite after our hike so we headed to Loveless Cafe for lunch. Known for their biscuit and jam, the wait was so long so we ordered to-go and ate at a picnic table on the grounds. 

 

 

The evening's event was a concert at the Grand Ole Opry. Known as the show that made country music famous, it is now a pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of people.

 

Grand Ole' Opry entrance.

 

The next morning, Laura and I headed to Sevier Park for Annie's book signing and to hear 20 year old Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson speak. This girl has alot of wisdom! She admitted she was afraid of what she would say at Annie's event but reminded us that we need to know who God is so we can hear and speak what He wants us to. 

 

Thank you for a great weekend, Annie!

A message from Sadie Robertson.

 

After we said our goodbyes, we headed to Steadfast Coffee for some breakfast. I tried coffee soda for the first time. It is a flash chilled coffee base with demerara (unrefined sugar named after the country of Guyana) and citric acid added to preserve the aromatics. It's then carbonated and served with a fresh orange peel. 

 

 

In the center is the coffee soda.

Smiles for miles. My travel bud, Laura.

 

After lunch, we ventured downtown to go see the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman Auditorium. It actually did start as a church. In 1885, evangelist Sam Jones held a tent revival with 5,000 attendees. Among them was a riverboat captain and businessman named Thomas G. Ryman. Ryman's life changed that night and he dedicated himself to constructing the Union Gospel Tabernacle which served as a place for people to worship. It was renamed Ryman Auditorium after his death. In the 1920s, show promoter Lula C. Naff leased the building and it became a popular place for traveling acts and speakers such as Charlie Chaplin, Harry Houdini and former President Theodore Roosevelt. From 1943 to the early 70s, the Grand Ole' Opry called the Ryman home, bringing famous singers such as Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Hank Williams to the stage. Johnny Cash also met June Carter here. The Ryman was named Theatre of the Year 2010-2015 and continues to be a spiritual place for the soul.  

Ryman Auditorium (photo source)

    People standing in line at the Ryman for the Grand Ole' Opry. (photo source)

Simply beautiful stained glass windows.

The next day, Laura and I rented a car and drove to the town of Franklin. After strolling and shopping in historic downtown, we met my friend Christina Sheer for lunch at Tupelo Honey. I first met Christina in Cape Town, South Africa 2015 on a mission trip. A speaker, podcaster and published author, Christina is so sweet, encouraging and inspiring. If you have a dream or vision, she will help you achieve it! Check out her site.

 

On our last day, Laura and I had to eat some more good food before we flew home. For breakfast, we visited Five Daughters Bakery to eat their 100 layer doughnuts. They were so good! Afterwards, we grabbed a lavender latte next door at Ugly Mugs. And, we might have had some Jeni's Ice Cream. I tried the goat cheese with cherries flavor. P.s. they ship nationwide. For lunch, we went to a small cafe with an airport theme called The Terminal Cafe. Sadly, it is now closed. 

King Kong (maple bacon with maple frosting) and Vanilla Cream doughnuts.

 

That wraps up That Sounds Fun Weekend with Annie F. Downs. Thank you Laura for introducing me to this author and inviting me to the weekend event.

Annie also has a podcast called That Sounds Fun. I've always been able to take away nuggets of wisdom from her episodes. And, you have to hear her laugh!  

Annie, if you ever read this, THANK YOU for being you and being obedient to God's calling on your life. You gave us some words 3 years ago on that first night and the message is timeless. 2020 needs this. I need this.  

"Even in laughter, the heart can ache. It's ok to live in joy and pain. Fun, laughter and joy is a holy thing. Make a list of "That Sounds Fun". Pursue fun and look for God in it. Go home with armloads of blessings and laughter after this weekend." -Annie

Psalm 126

Speak joy into the situation and the atmosphere changes. Because the Lord has done great things for me.