Fall Break

Last week we had three days off from school.  Emilie and Josh came out to see Lexington and Nashville.  I had a great time and am so excited to cross some things off of my goals list! 


We went to the World Equestrian Games, which was really neat.  We walked around the grounds and saw some of the women's individual vaulting competition.  Can you see the girl doing the hand stand on the horse?!  It was really awesome to have such a big event so close and to learn about horses/equestrian sports.  There was an exhibit called the Kentucky Experience.  We experienced Kentucky by sampling three kinds of Makers Mark and different wines from Stonebrook Winery. 

While in Lexington we also went to two wineries (Talon and Lovers Leap) and a bourbon distillery (Wild Turkey).  It is always fun to sample products, but I've got to say that finishing all of the bourbon samples was difficult.  Rye bourbon was definitely my least favorite, gag.  (Yes, I realize that I am talking a lot about alcohol, but isn't that what grown-up vacations are all about:  eating, drinking, catching up on sleep, and sightseeing.)  
Eventually we made our way down to Nashville. We went to the Country Music Museum, toured RCA Studio B, visited a couple honky tonks (Legends Corner and Tootsie's Orchid Lounge), had a fabulous dinner at Jimmy Kelly's Steakhouse, and went to the Grand Ole Opry.  I was most excited about going to the Opry and I wasn't disappointed.  It turned out that the night we went was their 85th anniversary!!  It was really cool to get to see Trace Atkins, Taylor Swift, and Dolly Parton among others.  Dollar General gave gift certificates to everyone sitting in section 9 row.... V and wouldn't you know we were sitting in row U.  So close.  


On the way home we visited another winery, Arrington Vineyards.  I have decided to collect wine glasses from each of the wineries that I visit.  I have a nice little collection started. 

It was really nice to have that time off and get to enjoy a bit more of the South!