[Day Two] I may never leave Nashville. But srsly. We’re leaving today.

So yeah, I’m in love with Nashville. Thanks in part to my amazingly awesome friends Lisa + Mark who have shown Andrew + I the BEST 38 hours in Nashville.

We arrived late Monday night from a long day of driving, and had a great dinner and catch up with Lisa + Mark. That night, Lisa laid out a “Nashville in a Day: Lisa + Mark style” itinerary for us. We were so excited because we really didn’t have anything planned besides trying to stalk Jack White.

Lisa + Mark live in East Nashville, a very quirky, fun neighborhood northeast of Downtown Nashville. We started off with brunch at Marche near Five Points, where I seriously had the BEST turkey sandwich of my LIFE. Absolutely redeemed Monday’s Hamurkey experience. Andrew had a Lamb Burger that was also excellent.  Lisa told us that Jack White frequents Marche, but no sightings on this day. Yes, we contemplated staying until we saw him. “More coffee, please.”

After brunch we headed around the corner to The Groove Record Shop to do some vinyl hunting. Andrew found a Neil Young record and I found an incredible My Morning Jacket show poster dated on my 30th birthday. We also got some great pics inside the store. Much of the art work was based on Nintendo games, it was pretty rad. More pics here.

Next we headed to Music Row. A two street strip of house after house of records labels. We stopped at a few to talk with them, and get suggestions on how best to shop around a record. People were much nicer than I expected for a cold call! Andrew also went into ASCAP, as he is a member, and they signed him up for a workshop the next day that they hold at their offices (he’s actually there right now as I write this!) Near Music Row is a funny looking sculpture of a bunch of naked people dancing in a circle. Apparently it’s quite the controversy. So of course we took pics near it. Duh.

Next up we headed to 21st st in The Village for some shopping.  Reminded me of Pear Street in Boulder. Lots of cute shops and coffee houses. It was a beautiful day, so we walked up and down, in and out of the shops. Andrew bought guitar strings from a guitar shop that had been there since 1961, and a pearl snap from a thrift store. I (died!) in an absolutely charming store called Pangea, on Lisa’s recommendation. Got some great pics inside this adorable store, and even bought a denim dress that I later wore to dinner. Very Nashville. I was just missing my cowboy boots!

After shopping we were parched. And headed next to downtown Nashville for the honky tonks! We were told by Lisa and Mark and that there is a honky tonk war, and you’re either a Robert’s Western World fan, or  you’re a Tootsies fan. They also mentioned that if we’d like to stay in their house again that night, that we should be Robert’s fans. So we headed to Robert’s!

Downtown Nashville is quite the touristy spot. It reminded me of the western part of Astroworld. People playing on the street corners, boot shops, live music all up and down the street. We popped into Robert’s for a quick beer before heading to meet Lisa for happy hour. We were entertained by a great country musician, who quickly learned we were from Texas, and choose songs accordingly. Had some awesome Yazoo Nashville-brewed beers, and some greasy onion rings. It was a perfect Nashville experience!

Next we headed back to East Nashville to meet Lisa for happy hour at Eastland Cafe and chat about our day’s adventures. Mark joined us, and we headed over to Rumors for a drink before meeting up with Luke Amelang for dinner at The Family Wash. Shepherd’s Pies + Pints night! Had a great time catching up with Luke, and chatting about Nashville + music.

Next, after narrowly escaping getting a tattoo (all the shops were closed!), we headed to The Red Door Saloon, a dive bar in East Nashville. Had some fun on the video jukebox and peeked through a hidden hole in the floor. I can’t tell you what’s down there, but if ever there, take a peek for yourself! (Editor’s Note: i just remembered doing 10 BOY pushups at the bar. My trainer would be so proud.)

We’re packing up now and  heading to Charlotte, NC! Sad to leave Nashville, but excited to get closer to NYC!

A HUGE thanks to Lisa + Mark for being such amazing hosts. You did Nashville, right, guys! And we did, too.

[Full Nashville set on Flickr here.]