With My By Myself

Have you ever stayed in a hotel by yourself? And not just in a room to yourself, but in a new city without knowing anyone else? On Friday evening, after running a ceremony rehearsal at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn, I checked in at 200 Main by myself for the evening.

After checking in I grabbed dinner to go at a local burrito place, made myself comfy by watching HGTV and finally updating the blog. I also had time to think through any last minute updates for the wedding the next day, take a bubble bath and simply relax. I tend to be a huge worrier when I'm alone and freak myself out by hearing "sounds" and assuming there is an ax murderer on the loose if Taylor is not right next to me...I didn't get the best sleep in the world but it was certainly an interesting experience to say the least.

Have you ever traveled alone overnight? If so, do you like it or does it give you anxiety? Perhaps I should have poured myself a fat glass of wine and called it a night ;)

// Image via Southern Charm //

Over the Weekend

I love long weekends, but they certainly make me anxious over how quickly a week can go by! I have a wedding this coming weekend so instead of getting nervous or stressed, I am going to focus on the fun that was had this past weekend.

Taylor and I got to our hotel early Friday evning, did a little exploring and quickly got ready so we could pick up tickets to the show at Station Inn. Being the newbies that we were, we had no idea most people stay at the venue once they buy tickets because seats are hard to come by and it gets very crowded quickly. We cancelled our dinner reservation and just grabbed pizza and beer from the bar while waiting for the show to start. The Steeldrivers were amazing and it's a true testament to an artist when they sound just as good (or better) live than on an album. I am already dying to see them again in August at Terminal West!

After the show we went back to our hotel to grab a drink and food at Bar Lines. A band was performing and the amount of women on the dance floor made me feel like I was back at a wedding reception. Taylor could not be convinced to get out and dance, which was probably for the best...

The next morning we got breakfast at the in-house restaurant, Kitchen Notes, and were stuffed to our heart's content with coffee and southern fixins. We strolled through the Music City Walk of Fame (to work off our breakfast) and then went out to the rooftop pool for a little sun and relaxation.

After checking out of the hotel, we did some window shopping at Two Old Hippies, then lunch at Cantina Laredo. The margaritas were refreshing and the table side guacamole was nothing short of perfection. If that combo doesn't get you ready for summer I don't know what does.

Next we drove to our friend's house where we would be spending Saturday night and headed out for a 7 mile canoe ride down the Harpeth River. We rewarded ourselves with dinner at The Loveless Cafe and I consumed more buttered biscuits than I dare to share.

Once we were back at Casey & Brittany's home to unwind, we watched Field of Dreams - a classic baseball movie I had never seen (which if you know my husband is quite shocking). Although the movie isn't a new favorite, I'm sure I would have a greater appreciation if I were a boy who grew up playing catch. Sunday morning we had breakfast together before T and I got on the road, and took some photos with our friend's huge Newfoundland- Norman! Isn't his facial expression hilarious?!

All in all, it was an incredible anniversary weekend filled with the people I love, good food, drinks and lots of laughs. Can't wait to go back to Nashville in August!

xo

Take Me to Nashville

For our first real anniversary trip we are heading out to Nashville for the weekend! We leave tomorrow afternoon and I am just dying to get away. When we first get into town we will check into our hotel, get cleaned up, then head to dinner at Cantina Laredo where they have 10 different kinds of margaritas!

After dinner we will see one of my favorite bluegrass bands - The Steeldrivers - at The Station Inn. Fingers crossed they play "Where Rainbows Never Die" and "Heaven Sent."

Saturday morning will consist of grabbing breakfast at Omni's Kitchen Notes, strolling through the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music City Walk of Fame Park and then some shopping at The Gulch. On my shopping wishlist are some bracelets to stack as a summer accessory. Lunch plans are somewhat up in the air - our friends recommended Sambuca, but I might want to try Pub5 or The Southern. After lunch we will meet up with friends and go canoeing on Harpeth River.

Since dinner plans are not set in stone I am open to suggestions! Our other Nashville trips haven't included as much exploring so I am super excited to try new things, and maybe convince our group to dine at Husk. Either way, it's sure to be a fabulous mini-vacation filled with yummy food and hopefully good weather! Have you been to Nashville? Any recommendations or must-sees?

Currently the biggest question for me is what to pack...

xo

P.S. For a great round-up of Nashville picks, check out this city guide by Pennyweight's Elise Joseph!

// Top image by Sionnie LaFollette via Design*Sponge //

Serenbe

Over the July 4th holiday, Taylor and I went on a much anticipated mini-vacation to the gorgeous Serenbe in Palmetto, Georgia. Since our honeymoon, Taylor and I have not stayed away from home (without Chief or any other family member) for more than one night so needless to say- it was much needed and well deserved!

Monsoon Season

I might have a terrible memory, but I truly do not remember a summer as rainy as this one in Athens. Sure we have our share of late-night thunderstorms- I just can't believe the torrential downpours that occur in the middle of the day! The rolling thunder makes my house shake and the large swaying oak tree in my front yard makes me feel a little nervous...

Overall, I think I am just missing the calm, rainy days of Paris.

xoxo

A Girls Trip to San Francisco

It might have been two months ago, but I am happy to finally share some photos from a trip to San Francisco with my mom. Back in November she asked where I would like to take a girls trip and even though the beach options were appealing, I couldn't resist the opportunity to travel out west.

traveling

Yesterday I flew into Austin for Erin's wedding weekend! There has been so much anticipation surrounding this weekend and I spent the last 48 hours nailing down my packing list and planning outfits for each day.

Often my biggest concern with traveling is eating before getting to the airport where the fast food temptation is too great. Taylor and I have been enjoying fried eggs on English muffins with feta & arugula the past few days and it definitely helps me have more energy to start off the day.

I also like being prepared with reading material so I don't have to splurge on magazines in the terminal. I was so happy yesterday when I spotted the new Ikea and Martha Stewart Living mags in our mailbox and saved them for take off :)

What are your traveling or packing rituals?

// Top photo via Pinterest //