December 13th - Franklin, Nashville, & the Bluebird Cafe!!

December 13th - Franklin, Nashville, & the Bluebird Cafe!!

Where to begin?

We had a fun-filled, action-packed day, starting with a trip to Downtown Franklin, just 21 miles south of Nashville, for their Heritage Foundation's "Dickens of a Christmas". Mark had seen this advertised online and we included it in our plans. It was a splendid street fair with attractions that were punctuated by people dressed up as characters from Dickens' various books.

Mark with Fagin

  


 

We met Fagin, the Cratchit Family, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, and none other than Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, himself, who gave me what for after I dared to wish him a Merry Christmas!! 

There were others dressed in period costumes along with performances from various musicians and entertainers.

 

The various goodies on display were a feast for the eyes.

   

We spent nearly 45 minutes watching a blacksmith making a gold leaf key ring from scratch. He told us that he was one of approximately 600 Smithies left in the U.S. who make things from the raw materials to the finished article. We ended up buying the key ring which coat a mere $8.00!

  

I forgot to mention - the temperature reached 74 degrees today, so we were back in shorts and t-shirts, which felt great. We even noticed some blossoms on one of the trees! A local woman was telling someone that new leaves started to grow towards the end of October! Go figure!!





 Mark even stopped to smell the roses!! 



After spending a couple of hours there, we headed back towards Nashville passing some amazing properties on the way. 

  

Parking for free on Broadway, in Downtown Nashville, we walked around the 'District' stopping to listen to live music emanating from so many venues. The thoroughfare was bustling with folks from all walks of life, and the aromas of so many different culinary dishes wafted into our nostrils, begging us to partake in the available gastric pleasures! Eventually we gave in, finding a bar with live music and basket food which satisfied our palettes. 

     

We found the Grand Ole Opry and took the customary pics of the exterior. Then, to our total surprise, we discovered that the Country Music Hall of Fame was offering free entry - just for today! ! Obviously we were not going to let that pass. .....so, in we went. 

 

An hour or so later, we emerged with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and perseverance of so many musicians who made it to the top - sometimes against all odds. We especially liked the exhibits dedicated to Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban. 

Elvis' gold piano

   

Looking at the time, we knew we had to leave and travel a few miles south again to reach the Bluebird Cafe where we were hoping to take in a performance of new and upcoming Country artists. The doors were due to open at 5.00 p.m. and the performance an hour later. The one hour wait to ensure we had seats (they could only cater for 80) was well worth it. .. especially as we were able to grab a table for two, front and centre!!!

   

The Wisherkeepers are a duo originating from Australia (like Keith Urban), and they entertained us for an hour with their new, unheard material. We loved every song and were more than happy to part with  $20.00 to get their C.D., and we're looking forward to listening to it again on our way down to Florida tomorrow.

The Wishkeepers