Getting ready for our drive to Nashville to see Forrest Frank felt like an uphill battle from the start. As usual, I (Abigail) felt compelled to deep clean the house before leaving, leaving me exhausted before we even hit the road. Does anyone else have this pre-trip cleaning ritual?
Our departure was further delayed when Rich, in an attempt to cool down the car, rolled down the windows – only for a sudden downpour to drench the interior. After soaking up the seats with towels, we finally set off, only to face a series of road closures. Third time’s a charm, they say, and eventually, we found our way out of town.
Dinner at Hawkers Asian Street Food
Arriving in Nashville, we treated ourselves to dinner at one of our favorites, Hawkers Asian Street Food. We indulged in Yi-Yi’s Chicken Dumplings, Spring Rolls, Five-Spice Green Beans, Korean Twice Fried Wings, and Chicken Lo Mein – a perfect antidote to our stressful morning. Our waiter, Mikel, was exceptional, and we even scored free dessert for leaving a review. The Jo-He Bag O’ Donuts – cinnamon sugar-dusted donut holes served with caramel sauce – were a delightful end to our meal.
Forrest Frank Concert
The Forrest Frank concert at Marathon Music Works was the highlight of our Nashville stop. We were “feeling good” throughout the show (pun intended). Forrest’s live performance was incredible, offering a unique take on Christian music that’s unlike anything you’ve heard before. If you get the chance, we highly recommend checking him out.
Overnight Stay and Morning Coffee
We took the scenic route to our hotel, the Hilton Franklin Cool Springs. Pro tip: use the “Avoid Highways” option on Apple Maps for a more relaxed drive with less traffic. Our room offered stunning views of the Tennessee hills through floor-to-ceiling windows.
In the morning, we fueled up at Hank’s Coffee Station in Franklin, TN. It’s a hidden gem with great coffee and friendly staff – definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Lunch and Departure
Before heading to Asheville, we met our friend Matt for lunch at Nectar Urban Cantina. This Mexican restaurant is a must-try, especially their avocado dishes – simply wow!
As we hit the road for Asheville, we couldn’t resist one last caffeine fix. We stopped at Dutch Brothers Coffee for their cookie dough blended freeze coffee drink. Because let’s face it, for us, caffeine is non-negotiable on a road trip.
Despite the chaotic start, our Nashville pit stop turned out to be a perfect blend of good food, great music, and cherished moments with friends. It just goes to show that sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected beginnings. As we meandered through the vibrant streets, we stumbled upon a hidden gem of a bar where local musicians showcased their talents. The energy was infectious, and we found ourselves swaying to the rhythm, fully immersing in the Nashville music city experiences that surrounded us. Each note played was a reminder that the heart of Nashville beats with creativity and camaraderie, turning our unplanned stop into a memorable journey.
