Maine Trip 2026 - Part Nine - Nashville to Lubbock

 Day 32 - October 9, 2026  31086

Off to Nashville . We left Knoxville early to arrive in Nashville early so that we could go to the Country Music Museum, as they were having a special Dolly Parton exhibit. I dropped Deb off at the museum and went to find someplace to park. I got to drive down Broadway Street. The busiest street in Nashville, with tourist, tour buses, party barges, you name it. For those of you who have not been here, or not been here i awhile - here are some Dash Cam pictures

DashCam - Broadway Street  #1

DashCam - Broadway Street #2

DashCam - Broadway Street #3

DashCam - Broadway St & 1st Avenue. Hard Rock on the left, Tennessee Titans Stadium in the distance

Before I found a parking place, Deb called and told me to pick her up as the Dolly Parton exhibit had been removed.

After picking Deb up, it was off to the hotel. Grand Ole Opry tonight, with dinner at Salt Grass first.

We have been to the Grand Old Opry several times over the years. The last time we were there, about three years ago, we found that Uber was the easiest way to get to and from without having to deal with crowds and parking. So, Uber again.

Salt Grass Restaurant is directly across the street from the OPRY. Convenient to have dinner then cross the street. 

Grand Old Opry

 

Can't Miss the sign

This is the 100 year anniversary of the Opry

Plaza in front of the Opry

One of the things we have found about the Opry is that you don't know whom will be performing. We purchase the tickets back in April and there were no listing of the groups that would preform. There are normally about eight different performances with each group performing two to three songs. There is always a headliner. The night we were there it was Kathy Mattea. The overall show was good and we enjoyed ourselves. Getting the Uber to the correct location to take us back to the hotel did prove to be a challenge.

Day 33 - October 10, 2026

Headed to Little Rock, AR on the home stretch. Hurricane Isaias provided an ample amount of rain that lasted from Nashville to almost Jackson, TN before it stopped. Traffic did not slow for the rain, though it was obvious that hydroplaning was a distinct possibility. Truck traffic was heavy all the way to Little Rock. 

Dinner was at the Lost Forty Brewery and Barbeque.

The service was great, the staff friendly, but the food was a little lacking. Both the Brisket and the cornbread were dry.  The beer, 2nd Rodeo Light was good, but served warmer than I like. Debbie ordered a salad, and when it came, with the dressing on it, there was water in the bottom of the bowl. Debbie mentioned it to the waitress who took it back to the kitchen and the Chef came out. He apologized for the salad, stated that he was embarrassed that it had left the kitchen. They made Debbie a new salad - with out charge.

Had good conversation with some other folks from Texas that were dining there.

Day 34 - October 11, 2026

Today it is off to Oklahoma City. Another long driving day. Pretty uneventful drive, once we maneuvered out of Little Rock. We arrived at the hotel at about 2:45p after the 319 mile drive.  The wind was blowing and the dust was filling the air.

Dinner was at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

The motif is all Toby Keith country. A lot of photos and memorabilia. The limited menu includes salads, appetizers, sandwiches and some plated meals. I had he Brisket with barbeque baked beans, which included large chunks of brisket, and it was excellent. Deb had a grilled chicken salad and enjoyed it. Service was great and the staff friendly. If we make it to Oklahoma City again, we will go back.

Day 35 - October 12, 2026 -32008  - FINAL - 32388   Total = 6,253

The final day. Oklahoma City to home in Lubbock. Winds were whipping across the plains and I was getting a sinus infection. West on I40 to Amarillo, with a stop at Buc-ee's to get chopped brisket sandwiches for dinner, then down I27 for about 120 miles. We got home tired at about 4p. A very enjoyable trip, a lot of memories filed away, a lot of Dash Cam video and photographs. But, Home Sweet Home.