Dunkin’ and the Drive to Nashville

Every good road trip starts with coffee. For us, that meant a quick stop at Dunkin’ in White House, Tennessee. It was the kind of morning where excitement was already brewing, and all we needed was that first sip to seal it in. With iced coffees in hand and music playing through the car speakers, we hit the road bound for Nashville.

There is something special about driving into the city with anticipation building. We had great plans ahead, but the drive itself was part of the magic. No rush. Just caffeine, conversation, and that familiar excitement when Nashville’s skyline begins to peek through.

Check-In at the Renaissance Hotel

We arrived in Nashville and checked in to the Renaissance Hotel, which felt like a treat in itself. Thanks to Chase Ultimate Rewards, we redeemed points and stayed completely free. It was October 3rd. If you know, you know. The hotel was beautiful, with a glass walkway from the parking garage and sleek glass elevators we couldn’t resist riding to the top for a bird’s eye view.

Our room was spacious and the view was unbelievable. We could see the Ryman, Bridgestone Arena, Broadway, and even Mutemath’s tour bus parked outside. It felt surreal to be in the middle of it all, with the iconic Ryman just outside our window. Back in 2017, they had just broke ground on the construction site for Fifth + Broadway. We had no idea then how much that block would change in the coming years. And we had no idea that the view of the Ryman from our room would no longer exist once Fifth + Broadway was finished. We really cherish the photos we captured from that view and hold them as a remnant of what Nashville used to be before the city’s continuing expansion.

The hotel made everything feel elevated. From the moment we arrived, it felt like a night to remember was already unfolding.

Mutemath at the Ryman Auditorium

The highlight of our trip was seeing Mutemath live at the legendary Ryman Auditorium. We were already buzzing with excitement when we spotted their tour bus from our hotel room, but being at the Ryman made it all feel even more surreal.

Before the show even started, we had a serendipitous moment outside the venue. We ran into David Hutchinson, who would be drumming on the tour, and Jonathan Allen, who was playing bass. Both were incredibly kind and generous with their time. We also ran into some members of the Mutemath FAMbase.

The opening acts were solid, but Colony House completely stole the spotlight. Their set was full of energy and creativity, and we instantly became fans. When Mutemath finally took the stage, they launched into “War,” and it was everything we hoped for and more. Their live sound somehow exceeded their already insane studio recordings.

We jammed to “Stroll On,” lit up during “Light Up,” and rocked out to “Used To” and “Odd Soul.” When Roy came out with his upright bass to play “Obsolete,” the crowd erupted. It was a powerful moment. He stayed on for a few more songs, and the joy in the room was incredible. We danced to “Break the Fever,” watched Paul and his daughter Amelia share a tender moment during “Pixie Oaks,” and jumped along to “Spotlight.” From “Stratosphere” to “Achilles Heel,” every note hit just right.

After the show, we waited outside the Ryman and got to meet more members of the band. We chatted with Todd Gummerman, David Hutchinson, and Roy Mitchell-Cardenas, and each of them was gracious and genuine. Meeting them added such a special touch to a night we’ll never forget. We genuinely felt so blessed to have so much time to talk with everyone. Todd and I bonded over our gray cats. David, Roy’s wife Wendy, and I chatted about healthcare stuff. And it was great spending time with Roy. Little did we know at the time, we would connect with Roy again and become good friends with him and his family.

Barista Parlor and Exploring Nashville

The morning after the concert, we started our day with breakfast at Barista Parlor Germantown. The atmosphere was cool and inviting, with an industrial-chic vibe and the smell of freshly roasted coffee in the air. We ordered their breakfast biscuit sandwiches and iced coffees, and everything was on point. Their attention to detail in both flavor and presentation is something we always appreciate.

With full hearts and happy stomachs, we set out to explore one of our favorite areas…12th South. This charming Nashville neighborhood is filled with boutiques, murals, coffee shops, and that signature laid-back and at the same time lively vibe that keeps us coming back. We took our time strolling around, soaking in the scenery and popping into a few local shops.

It was the perfect way to ease into the rest of the day and reflect on the amazing concert experience from the night before.

Whole Foods Lunch and Time with Friends

After exploring 12th South, we made our way to Whole Foods at Hill Center Green Hills for a casual lunch. Sometimes you just want something quick and fresh, and Whole Foods always delivers. We grabbed a couple of our go-to items and enjoyed a low-key meal while chatting about the concert highlights.

Later that evening, we met up with our dear friend and insanely talented musician Joshua Eaves for dinner at Mafiaoza’s. This pizza spot was a longtime favorite in Nashville, known for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious pies. We ordered a couple of different pizzas and caught up on life. Sadly, Mafiaoza’s is now permanently closed, but it had a long and beloved run…we’re grateful we got to enjoy it while it lasted.

To cap off the night, we walked over to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Their flavors are always fun and imaginative, and the experience feels like a treat in every sense. It was the perfect sweet ending to a memorable Nashville trip.

Final Reflections

This overnight trip to Nashville was short, but it left a lasting impression. From grabbing Dunkin’ on the drive in to singing our hearts out at the Ryman, every moment felt like something worth remembering. The Renaissance Hotel gave us a view that made us pause and soak it all in…the city lights, the buzz of Broadway, and even Mutemath’s tour bus parked nearby.

What made it even more special were the little surprises. Running into members of the band before the show. Hearing Roy unexpectedly take the stage. Watching Paul dance with his daughter during Pixie Oaks. Sharing pizza and ice cream with a friend we don’t get to see nearly enough.

Trips like these remind us that you don’t always need a long vacation to make meaningful memories. Sometimes, a single night in a city you love, surrounded by good music and even better people, is all it takes to feel full.

We’ll never forget this one.