You know those moments that just feel like they were meant to be? That’s exactly what happened when we finally got to meet Matt and Nat in Nashville. We’ve watched their YouTube channel for years, following their amazing adventures – from completing their journey to all 50 states to their ongoing mission of seeing “1,000 Places To See Before You Die”. When they announced a Patreon meetup in Nashville (our favorite city! ), we just knew we had to be there. As we arrived at the venue, the excitement in the air was palpable, and we couldn’t help but feel like we were about to embark on an unforgettable adventure together. The meetup turned out to be a treasure trove of inspiring stories and laughter, as we bonded over travel tips and Nashville couple’s getaway ideas. It was incredible to finally connect face-to-face with the people who had inspired so many of our own travel plans and dreams.
Audio Overview
Day 1: Coffee, Games, and Instant Friends
First things first – coffee! We kicked off our weekend at The Horn, this super cute Somalian family-owned café. Their iced caramel macchiatos? Absolutely perfect for getting us pumped for what was coming next.
Then came the moment we’d been waiting for – the Welcome Party at Game Terminal. Walking up and seeing Matt and Nat in the parking lot felt surreal. Here’s the thing about them – they’re exactly who you see in their videos, but somehow even better in person. Their smiles and genuine warmth just light up any room they’re in.
The Welcome Party was everything we could have hoped for and more. The Game Terminal gave off total Stranger Things vibes, which was so cool! Between the games, food, and karaoke, we found ourselves surrounded by the most amazing group of people. It’s crazy how quickly strangers can become friends when you’re all on the same wavelength. We even got to meet Natalie’s parents, who are just as sweet as you’d imagine!
Day 2: Vineyards, Dancing, and Pure Joy
After crashing at the Courtyard Nashville Mount Juliet (way cheaper than staying downtown!), we started our day with some killer breakfast tacos at Tempo. Trust me, their coffee and hash browns hit different when you’re getting ready for a big day.
Arrington Vineyards was straight out of a dream. Picture this: gorgeous hills, beautiful scenery, and the sweetest gesture from Matt and Nat – they brought a charcuterie board for everyone to share. Seeing people spread out on picnic tables, some even bringing their fancy china and tablecloths, was just the coolest thing.
Between activities, we snuck in a quick coffee stop at The Well Coffeehouse (because you can never have too much coffee, right?). Then it was time to hit Broadway! Learning to line dance at the Wildhorse Saloon was definitely one for the books. None of us really knew what we were doing, but that made it even more fun! We wrapped up the night with dinner at Assembly Food Hall, laughing and sharing stories with our new friends.
Day 3: Church, Brunch, and Happy Tears
Our last day started with breakfast at Momento Specialty Coffee (sensing a coffee theme here?), before heading to something really special – joining Matt and Nat at their church. Watching Matt lead worship showed us yet another beautiful side of who they are. The whole service just felt right, you know?
Saying goodbye over brunch at The Hampton Social was bittersweet. Yes, it’s totally one of those Instagram-worthy spots (sorry, Ernie!), but the food was actually amazing. The best part? We weren’t really saying goodbye – we were just starting our friendships. We even extended the festivities by meeting up with Lauren, one of our new friends from the meetup, for coffee at Restoration Hardware.
Why This Weekend Means So Much
This wasn’t just any old weekend trip. Every single person we met became family. That sounds cheesy, but it’s true! We love each and every one of these incredible humans to infinity and beyond. It’s wild how a shared love for travel and adventure can bring people together like this.
Looking back, this weekend is one of those core memories that just makes us smile every time we think about it. To Matt, Nat, and everyone else we met – thank you for making this weekend absolutely unforgettable. You’ve shown us that sometimes the best part of traveling isn’t the places you see, but the people you meet along the way.
And hey, if you’re ever thinking about going to a meetup like this but feeling nervous? I get it. I’m an introvert and the thought of meeting a new crowd can feel overwhelming. You’re totally valid. Trust me though, just go for it! You might just find your people, just like we did in Nashville. These are the kind of uplifting friendships that stick with you forever, and we wouldn’t change a single thing about how it all played out.
Until next time, Nashville! ❤️
