I’ve got friends in Nashvegas

If this blog was a podcast, you’d probably be able to infer how my weekend in Nashville went within the first minute. Lucky for you the written word doesn’t have volume because I left my voice in Nashville. I also left quite a few hours of sleep on the table so I’ll keep this post short and sweet.

I’d heard people refer to Nashville as Nashvegas a few times over the past few years. It wasn’t until I experienced myself this past weekend that I understood why. I went into the weekend with an open mind, fully expecting us to have leisurely days of site seeing and lunching, followed by a nice dinner and perhaps one crazy night of dancing. I love country music, so I knew I’d be in my element. I had heard there was a good food scene, too. What occurred over the next 48 hours was equal parts unexpected and awesome. Here’s why:

1. 5 of my best friends made the trip from various states for our first girl’s weekend in a long time (I should end the post right here because without these girls, the rest of these reasons just wouldn’t make sense.)

2. We had a fabulous brunch at local spot, the Southern complete with pitchers of Bloody Mary’s AND Mimosas.

3. We ate biscuits every day. Classic American dining is right.

4. This bar. Where we spent no less than 5-6 hours in over a 48 hour period, most of which during the day. Like a casino with loose slots, we just couldn’t get enough.

5. Because they have taverns that you pedal. While sipping on drinks. And woo hooing. We have these in Chicago too but because I’ve yet to try them, Nashville ones get my vote for now.

6. Because my girlfriends don’t let a tummy ache get them down. Instead they devise a strategy and hold themselves accountable by requiring photo evidence. Well done, sista.

7. The Country Music Hall of Fame. And even though we didn’t see any of it besides this gift shop, we can say we’ve been there. It is Music City after all.

8. See #1.

9. Sunsets like this.

10. A friend who is willing to live band karaoke Ring of Fire at noon on a Saturday.

11. T-shirts that mock your love of salads.

12. Soda shops.

13. A delicious birthday dinner at local spot, City House.

14. Headwraps and southern hair.

Did I mention that they call it Music City? The talent in this town is unbelievable. You have to love a place, where on a Saturday afternoon you can witness something like this:

Young talent in Nashville from Sarah Murphy on Vimeo.

My voice may be an indication of some of the fun I had this weekend, but even without a new city and all the noise that comes with it, I’d probably still have the same things to say about my experience today. It’s hard to put into words how thankful I am to be able to spend a weekend with some of my best friends. Life gets in the way sometimes and many times for good reason. At this point in our lives, everyone has a lot of responsibility. I feel blessed each and every time I get a chance to laugh with them and reflect on the years we’ve spent building our friendships. I know not everyone has friends like that and I feel incredibly lucky to have had mine throughout most of my life.

So if you don’t have a weekend planned now, do it. Or at least reach out and tell you friends how much they mean to you. We all know how important family is, but a good friendship is something to be truly thankful for.

Enjoy your week.