Our spot has a good amount of shade, good in the heat that is now rolling in. Not so good for our satellite dish - we're using the campground cable and our regular antenna. So all our recorded shows are being missed...I think So You Think You Can Dance is the biggest miss but I'll try to catch it on the computer.
Good friends of mine from Morristown, TN were already here and settled in. Karen bought my 2005 HD Deluxe from me back in 2007 when I was getting ready to go full-timing. We headed out to dinner at Logan's Roadhouse and really enjoyed both the food and the company.
We opted to wait until Thursday afternoon to pick up our registration packet and parking pass. We spent some relaxation time enjoying the comfortable temps.
Downtown was an absolute zoo. Stu dropped me off about three blocks from the Bridgestone Arena and continued searching for a parking spot. I was in and out in a jiff but never took time to take any photos. Lots of music, vendors, shouting, people, heat, ice cream, beer, police....loved it but needed to get back to wherever Stu was parked.
From there we headed to Shoney's for a late lunch-early dinner, knowing that we were right next door to the LP Field parking lot. Since we had secured a handicapped parking ticket, it was a breeze to get in and parked. The waiting wasn't too bad, considering, and we found out seats easily. We were in section 212 last time, 218 this time; row D last time, row B this time. Our goal is to get to row A which means no one in front of us.
We've taken a ton of photos but haven't taken them off the camera yet and won't until we're done. I have taken a few with my phone and some with Instagram so I'll put those up here to give you a flavor. Some of the stars we've seen so far: Glen Campbell, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Lauren Alaina, Kelly Pickler, Jake Owens, Miranda Lambert, The Oakridge Boys, Zac Brown, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, Ronnie Milsap, Blake Shelton, Randy Houser, and Carrie Underwood. Tonight we have Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Eric Church, Hunter Hayes, Kenny Rogers, and Luke Bryan. Tomorrow will be Bill Anderson, Scotty McCrerry, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Alan Jackson, Steel Magnolia and Martina McBride. Phew!!!
[click any photo for larger image]
We liked the campground here so much that we bought tickets for next year's music fest (and nabbed the elusive Row A) and reserved a full-hookup, 50 amp site for a week. We're ready to go...oh, and next year we'll buy the 4 day bus pass and not deal with driving and parking. It costs more but the convenience will be well worth it.
I won't be blogging until probably next Wed or Thurs...we will head to Jamestown on Tuesday but I know I'll need some down time and time to sort through all the photos. I might drop in a shot or two but not promising anything. LOL!
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna and Stu
Stu and Donna
Looks like you 2 are having a blast.... Looking forward to getting together when you get settled into Jamestown
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun!! But tiring!! You will have to rest up after it is all over!! Have loads of fun!
ReplyDeleteYou must be on people overload! I am jealous tho.... love the country scene. I'll have to do it one day. So am looking forward to your recommendations. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHere if ya need me...615-418-5229
ReplyDeleteHey...did that celebration use to be called FanFair?? Den and I won a weeks stay at the Nashville Hilton downtown, passes to all the shows, Opryland, Opryland Theme Park..in 1994...We also did the meet and greets with Vince Gill, Tim McGraw, Suzy Boggus, Neil McCoy..lots of country stars...We took the river taxi to the theme park..I love Nashville and would go back in a heartbeat....Did you go to Tootsie's Orchid Lounge downtown???What a hoot! Thanx for the memories!
ReplyDeleteI've seen a few of them at concert: Martia McBride, Alan Jackson, Bill Anderson the Oak Ridge Boys (more times than I can count). That Richard of the Oaks REALLY needs to change his looks. He used to be so clean cut and handsome! However, William Lee's long white hair and beard suits him.
ReplyDeleteHave fun. I am SOOOOO jealous.
Sounds like a wonderful time! So delighted that you're both having fun! How are Stu's knees holding up? We went to church this morning. (First time I've gone anywhere since the dual sprain.) Oh boy am I feeling it now!
ReplyDeleteDennis & Donna: Yes, it used to be called Fan Fair. I am a Nashville native, and I still have trouble using the new name!
ReplyDelete@Duane & Louise - We have had a blast and definitely look forward to a ride to meet up!
ReplyDelete@Sherry & Charley - Tiring isn't the word for it. We booked an extra day to rest before we even move the couple of hours to Jamestown. LOL! Hoping you get on the list soon, Sherry!
@klbexplores - I am SOOOOO on people overload, you are right! Definitely do it one year. Start your plans a year in advance. Hotels book quickly and campgrounds aren't far behind. Best tickets go quickly, too.
@Hembree - Thanks so much, Lisa! Hope we can meet up with you and Tony for a meal one day this summer. Be sure to let us know about any camping meetups.
@Dennis & Donna - Yes, it was Fan Fair for years. I think this is the 41st year (they mention that in the small print). It's much more formalized now but still fun and an amazing chance to see a lot of great stars as well as newcomers. We haven't done any downtown stuff, too hard to park and then walk a gazillion miles. Stu saved his energy for the evenings.
@Phyllis - It's been a blast!
@Beth - Glad to hear you got out, know how bad your ankle injuries were! Stu has done well, we had parking in the handicapped section (sweet!), and he's napped every day. Fatigue has been a bigger issue than pain.
@Diane - your hometown is an amazing town!!