Thursday morning started off with a free breakfast at our hotel. Our breakfast was free because my husband is a triple-platinum quintuple-diamond member of the Hilton Honors program, so the hotel gave us free breakfast. Then we set out for our adventures-CMA Fest was on!
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| having a bath |
We headed down to the Riverfront Stage, as concerts were starting there. It’s GA and open to the public, and I heard it could be quite crazy down there, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. I didn’t realize there would be all kinds of activities and promotions set up. As we were walking towards the riverfront, we saw the Budweiser Clydesdales! And they were getting their baths! Then we came to an Outdoor Zone, where we tried shooting air rifles and hunting bows. Randy and Nick also did minnow races. We played some games and the guys both won T-shirts. We were very entertained. We didn’t make it to the Riverfront Stage, but we could hear Craig Morgan, and then Jake Owen performing.
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| trying out the hunting bow |
We then went down to the riverfront area, and it was really crowded. I couldn’t even see over the people to see how many folks were in front of the stage. Not fun. So we wandered around Broadway, and checked out other exhibits, tried samples, listened to music, etc. Chevy had a game where you did half of it by the river, and the other half in another area off Broadway. If you completed it, you got a free shirt. Heather and I decided to do it, and got shirts, but they only had XL, so we gave ‘em to the boys. Jack Daniel’s had a trailer set up with a “tour” of the distillery, so we went in there. (We had planned to go to the actual distillery, but it was a long way away).
We were getting a little peckish, but we had a nice, early dinner planned. We just needed a little snack. Every place on Broadway was packed. We had visited the bank the day before, and the teller recommended places to eat in the arcade across the street. It was away from the main section of town, and it wasn’t crowded. There wasn’t a huge selection of places to go, but we ended up at a place called Maggie’s. It was just a place where you ordered at the counter with sandwiches and stuff. I wasn’t expecting too much. Randy and I split a chicken salad plate and it turned out to be perfect. What a surprise! When I opened the white styrofoam container, there was a scoop of chicken salad on a beautiful green lettuce leaf, some watermelon and orange wedges, and whole grain crackers. Just the right amount to take the edge off my hunger.
In the afternoon, we drove out to the Grand Ole Opry and took a tour. If you go to Nashville, I recommend doing this. I loved it. It was interesting to hear how people become members. They have to apply, and they have to show that they want to uphold the tradition of country music. I don’t think Sugarland will ever apply for membership.
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We went to dinner at the Capitol Grille at the Hermitage Hotel, which a friend at church had recommended to us. It was very good, but expensive. The cocktails, the Brussels sprouts and the onion soup were fabulous. Randy’s pot roast and Heather’s filet were to die for. I didn’t really like the lamb I got. Sad face.
After dinner, we walked to LP Field. I was ready for my first night of concerts! Zac Brown Band opened with a lot of guests: Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Amos Lee, Sonia Lee. Then Easton Corbin played-his eyebrows are out of control! He was followed by Sara Evans, who I enjoyed even though she seemed a little nervous. Then Jason Aldean performed with Kelly Clarkson, and Brad Paisley closed out the night with Alabama. We decided being the 3rd or 4th performer of the night is the best spot. The concerts went on until midnight or later, and a lot of people left before the last performance or two.
Favorite performance of the night: Jason Aldean
Coming up tomorrow-our Friday adventures. They might be Sugarland-tastic.
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