Tennessee: Nashville

Nashville, famously called Music City, is known for its vibrant music scene, rich history, and delicious food. It’s where we met up with Scott’s parents to kick off our road trip together. 

Come along as we discover family-friendly spots that make Nashville a great destination for all ages!

Nashville KOA Resort 

KOA Resorts always feel like a true getaway for us, and staying at one is a rare treat. This time, we were spoiled with all the extras— a hot tub, pool with live music, pickle-ball, ping pong, a jump pillow, and even an affordable shuttle to downtown Nashville.

On our last day, our full-time traveling friends unexpectedly arrived, and it turned out they’d landed a job there! They graciously extended our stay for an extra night, giving us some much-appreciated quality time together. We even scored one of those upgraded sites with a patio, grill, and a cozy table.

Our family friends also flew in and stayed in the cabins, making the resort perfect for everyone—whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or opting for the comfort of a cabin. Nashville KOA Resort truly is a convenient and fantastic place to stay.

Franklin Civil War Tour

Scott’s parents surprised us with the Franklin Civil War Tour, and we started our day catching a bus from downtown Nashville to explore the Carnton, Carter, and Lotz houses. While Nashville felt a bit like cowboy Vegas to me, I was enchanted by Franklin’s charm and history.

We enjoyed lunch at Merridee’s Breadbasket, known for its delicious homemade bread and treats.

• The tour began at the Carnton House, which served as a makeshift hospital during the brutal Battle of Franklin. The floors, still stained with blood, and the Confederate cemetery on-site were emotional reminders of the battle’s intensity.

• Next, we visited the Carter House, which was taken over by Union troops. This was my favorite stop, largely thanks to our exceptional guide. The house was in the thick of the battle, and seeing the bullet holes was a solemn experience.

• Finally, we explored the Lotz House, owned by a German immigrant and master carpenter. Like Carnton, it also became a hospital, with bloodstains still visible. The house’s unique craftsmanship—its varied windows, doors, and trims—served as a showcase for his work.

Nissan Stadium

RaeMa and Pop surprised the kids with Supercross tickets, and it quickly became the highlight of their trip. They took the shuttle from the KOA and enjoyed fantastic seats at Nissan Stadium. The only downside? 

The Nashville hot chicken was too spicy for them to eat—though they still compare every spicy dish they try to it!

Opryland

Opryland is truly a spectacle. It reminded me of a cruise ship atrium, complete with a river and boat rides. It’s a mesmerizing place with lush greenery and stunning views.

Opry Mills

Adjacent to Opryland, Opry Mills is a mall where we found amazing deals on boots—buy one pair and get two free! 

Long Hunter State Park

While the kids were at Supercross, Scott and I explored Long Hunter State Park. It’s a gorgeous area with serene waters, dense trees, and a few curious snakes—perfect for a nature escape.

Cumberland River Greenway

We made the Cumberland River Greenway our nearly daily stroll from the campground. The trails are well-maintained, and we were treated to sightings of deer and turkey on each walk.

Monell’s Home Style

Monell’s is a unique family-style restaurant where you dine with strangers and enjoy an endless array of Southern comfort food. Be sure to check their meal times before you go—it’s a delightful experience, complete with plenty of fried chicken! 

Overall Experience

• I was genuinely surprised by the natural beauty around Nashville—it was far more picturesque than I had imagined. While Nashville is renowned for its vibrant music scene, what truly left an impression on me was its rich history.

• Throughout our travels across the country, we’ve learned about the Civil War from various perspectives—Union, Confederate, and neutral. It’s sobering to witness the extent of human conflict and the pain that hatred and division can inflict. 

• My daughter, deeply aware of the divisions in our world, fears that history might repeat itself, especially after the pandemic's impact.

• The Civil War, driven by the fundamental issue of slavery, starkly shows the struggle against the dehumanization of people. Each individual, made in the image of God, possesses inherent value and dignity. 

• God’s compassion for the oppressed is clear in how He worked to end the injustices of slavery, even if it meant brother fighting against brother.

Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Reflection

Although humanity’s free will has led to grave sins and injustices like slavery, God’s plan for redemption is far greater. Through His Son, Jesus, we are offered forgiveness and the hope of eternal life, free from the consequences of sin.

As we navigate our time in this world, marked by imperfection and struggle, we hold onto the promise of a future where sin and suffering will no longer exist. Our role is to be a beacon of God’s light and love, knowing that a sinless, eternal future awaits us.

"We may speak about a place where there are no tears, no death, no fear, no night; but those are just the benefits of heaven. The beauty of heaven is seeing God."-John Stott

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As we navigate the distractions of election season, help us stay focused on Your morals, love, and compassion for humanity. You have shown us Your heart for the oppressed through Isaiah, and we pray that You move our hearts to “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” May we be defined not by our political affiliations but by our identity in You, the One and Only True King. May Your will be done in our lives and in our world.

In Jesus name,

Amen

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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