It's a beautiful fall morning today. The colors haven't been as brilliant as we had expected but there's still more to see this week. The Tennessee River Fresh Water Pearl Museum in Camden is our first stop today. According to Bob at the museum there was a possibility of TDOT (Tennessee Department of Transportation) doing some road construction on an exit on I-40 that coincidentally was the exit we needed to take to get to the museum. Thankfully that road construction was not taking place when we arrived so it was clear sailing off of the interstate to the Pearl Museum. Bob, Judy and their staff greeted us warmly when we arrived and couldn't have been nicer during our visit. Fresh coffee, water and a nice gift shop were available for us to enjoy, shopping for gifts and souvenirs which is the order of the day (every day).Bob thrilled us with a most interesting presentation followed by a video on the history and development of the pearl, the fresh water pearl industry and the part the Tennessee River plays in the supply of pearls nationwide. They have been featured in National Geographic magazine among others as well as a piece on CBS Sunday Morning. Our time at the museum was limited to two hours but we could and will on another trip, stay much longer and get the full effect of their knowledge and hospitality. A short drive down to the marina gave us a real life view of the "farm", very quiet on the surface but teeming with life underneath we're sure. Our time passed quickly and after receiving our sack lunch along with a wealth of information we were on our way to Nashville. Thanks again to Bob and his staff for a very interesting visit and insight into the world of pearls. Check them out at www.tennesseeriverpearls.com. We will be back!
Music CityJust about an hour's drive up I-40 east and we are in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee. City tours with a local step-on guide are one of he best ways to get the flavor and local perspective of a city. A good guide can provide a great introduction to the history and culture of their city and our guide today was no exception. Linda, from Art Henry's Tour & Receptive led us on a three-hour, very interesting tour of Nashville, filled with history, architecture and stories from the city's history and culture interspersed with frank commentary that really held our interest. From downtown to Music Row's recording studios; from the Ryman Auditorium to the Parthenon and Centenial Park, Linda regaled us with information, stories and and facts that brought the history and people of Nashville to focus we simply couldn't get enough. Good guides will do that. They can make or break an introduction to a city and Linda's three hours with us simply flew by. Great job!
It's time for the OprySometimes a curve all gets grown at you and how you handle it defines who and what you are be it from a personal nature or business. We arrived at The Grand Ole Opry in time for our 4:00 pm backstage tour only to find out there had been a mix-up and our tour had been scheduled for 9:00 am, earlier today. We had just left our hotel in Jackson so no doubt this was a mixup. Trying to adjust an event for a group of 39 with limited available time and to keep us on schedule is not always the easiest of tasks. However, with some pleasant conversation (really) and help from a member of the Opry staff (thanks, Andrea) we got our pre-show backstage tour changes to a post-show backstage tour which we came to find out is actually the preferred tour to take. So, booked and now off to dinner at the Backstage Grill. Fried check and brisket were on the menu as we sat down to a delicious meal. We were also treated to an impromptu music performance by a member of the Grill's staff after dinner. What a great lead-in to our 7:00 pm show at the Opry.Speaking of the Opry, tonight was "Opry Goes Pink" in support of breast cancer awareness. The entertainers we some of Country music's finest and a sold out house of over 4,400 was treated to a first class Tuesday night Opry performance. Headlining the show was LeAnn Rimes singing a few of her hits along with the "Grits and Glamour" of Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis. Jeannie Seely, Natalie Grant, Mandisa and Amy Grant rounded out the two-hour performance of country and gospel tunes that had the crowd singing and tapping their toes in time. What a fantastic show!
Let's go BackstageBackstage tours are a wonderful insight into what goes on prior to and during each and every show. Our guide, Mary took us on a 45-minute walking tour of the Opry filled with stories of entertainers past and present and how the show comes together. A special treat for us was the appearance of Amy Grant heading out of the building carrying her guitar on her back and making her way through the group. No one really expected to see one of the stars of tonight's show but Marsha recognized her and managed to get a quick photo without interrupting her departure. We saw all of the dressing rooms, each one named for either a country music legend or a unique use for the entertainers performing that night. For instance, one of the dressing rooms is named "Into the Circle" which is used by the performer making their Opry debut. Photos adorn the walls along with a mural done by Archie Campbell which hangs in the Ready or "Green Room" which isn't really green, only in name. OK, there is a green chair in there so I guess that qualifies. A long day and night is over as we made our way to the Drury Plaza in Franklin to rest our heads for the night.More fun in store tomorrow.
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