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Travels with Elvis (Part 4). Visiting Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville 2012 001 intro.  Pantheon

Until I attended my first medical meeting in Nashville, I’d never thought much about visiting this mid-sized city, an oversight on my part.  Nashville’s a fun destination in many ways, especially if you’re a fan of Country music.  I enjoy Country music, though don’t consider myself a particularly big follower of it, but I’ve had a great time in “Music City” each of the three times I’ve visited it.

Nashville was the last Tennessee stop on our Elvis tour.  We decided to see those sights in Nashville important to Elvis’ story because Nashville is where he recorded most of his wonderful music, including many big hits.  We also wanted to tour around the city and immerse ourselves in its Country music …

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“Pic of the Week”, August 15, 2014: Graceland’s Hall of Gold

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It was 37 years ago (August 16, 1977)  that legendary performer Elvis Presley died.  Elvis’ influence on popular culture in the mid 20th century is hard to overstate, and he left a broad range of recorded music that endures.  Like millions of his fans, I remember precisely where I was when I heard the news of Elvis’ death (Geyser basin, Yellowstone National Park).  Elvis’ music has been a blessing in my life; I never grow tired of listening, and it always seems fresh and new.

I’ve twice visited Elvis’ Memphis home, Graceland.  The first visit was just a few years after it opened to the public and the second decades later.  I was surprised to see how Elvis’ fame had not …

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Travels with Elvis (Part 3). Memphis — Home of Soul, the Blues, and Rock ‘n’ Roll!!

memphis-2012-001-intro

There’s a lot more to Memphis than Graceland, although Graceland is by far the city’s most popular attraction (and I’ve previously discussed it here).   A city of about 650,000, Memphis has a interesting southern flavored ambiance.  Here you’ll find hard working friendly black and white folks, great food, but especially you’ll hear music — wonderful music!  There’s no other city in North America with as rich a musical heritage as Memphis (and arguably few in the world).  The blues and its offspring, soul and rock and roll, were birthed here.

The purpose of our trip to Memphis was to immerse ourselves in the world of Elvis Presley, long a favorite of your …

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Travels with Elvis (Part 2). A visit to Graceland

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3764 Elvis Presley Blvd.  It’s an address many Elvis fans know by heart because, as you’ve certainly guessed by now, that’s where you’ll find Graceland.  Graceland is THE place every Elvis must visit at least once in their lifetime.  Not only was it Elvis’ home for 20 years, it has more artifacts and memories of his life and career than any other place on the planet.  It’s important to Memphis’ economy as Graceland is the second most visited home in the United States, second only to the White House.  With the constant flow of Elvis fans, there’s a lot of tourist dollars coming to this fairly poor region….and always having been supportive of Memphis, Elvis would …

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Lynchburg: A visit to the Jack Daniels’ distillery

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One of the favorite destinations in south-central Tennessee is the Jack Daniel’s distillery, situated in the small town of Lynchburg.  It’s about an hour and a half drive south of Nashville and an excellent day-trip destination if staying in Music City.  The journey to Lynchburg is pleasant, through the rolling wooded hills of Tennessee which seem not to have changed much since Davy Crockett was hunting and exploring in them.

We had no preconceived expectations and it turned out we were most pleasantly surprised by what an interesting visit this was.  The distillery is a charming complex in a lovely wooded setting beside a small creek.  It has an attractive modern Visitor Center where you can browse …

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Sojourn to Nashville and it’s Hermitage

Sojourn to Nashville and it’s Hermitage

Sadly this past New Year’s weekend was spent traveling to Tennessee to attend the funeral of Uncle John.   Our trip from Spokane to Nashville and on to Big Sandy, Tennessee, took just over a day; we were able to pay our respects and participate in the burial of Uncle Johnny beside his beloved wife, Molly, who passed a year earlier.  It was sad — but nice at the same time.  John lived to the ripe age of 88 and was ready to move on.

After the funeral we headed back to Nashville where we had a day and a half before our flight home — which coincided with New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.  We had …

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