Today promises a little more sunshine.
We still have water left from the heavy rains that passed through here previous to our arrival. It looks like we left Texas just in time. The whole south is either being flooded or hit with tornadoes. The north is being hit with terrible snow storms. We will keep trying to avoid the worst of the bad weather.
We relaxed this morning before going to the Chef's Market Restaurant. Voted #1 Caterer in Nashville, it is one of the area’s most popular restaurants, Again, ask a local: "Where do you eat?" I would not have found this place, situated in a section of a small mall, without research. If I had found it by accident, I probably would not have entered and that would have been sad. Besides a steady flow of customers there were also two different wedding planning groups discussing their catering details. I know the guests will be happy at those weddings.
Chef’s Market is highly rated by Zagat: About 20 minutes north of Downtown, this Goodlettsville Southerner is a local "favorite" offering an "exciting variety" of "exceptional cafeteria-style food" that includes "addicting" desserts and "plenty of healthy options"; "good prices", an "always-smiling" staff and a "fun" vibe amid "interesting", European-inspired decor are pluses.
We ordered a Club House Wrap and, on the advice of the rabbit (didn't see Alice - grin), a bowl of the Beef and Beer Cheese Soup was also ordered.
Now we know, first hand, why they are so highly rated by Zagat for their food (28/30). Charlotte kept saying; "OMG, you have got to try this soup!" I waited, I was too busy devouring the Club House Wrap: Black Forest Ham, peppered turkey, Swiss, cheddar, romaine, tomato, Dijon mayo and bacon wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and sealed with cream cheese.
...and then we shared a "small" piece of Hummingbird Cake. The ultimate recipe for Hummingbird Cake is the most requested recipe in Southern Living magazine history and frequents covered dish dinners all across the South. The Chef's Market version was another OMG!
Next, on the agenda, was a visit to Andrew Jackson's "Hermitage". Although today's meaning is usually a place where a hermit lives in seclusion from the world, hermitage was more commonly used in that era to mean a settlement where a person or a group of people lived in seclusion.
The Hermitage is a historical plantation and museum located 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. It was owned by Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, from 1804 until his death in 1845. Jackson only lived at the property occasionally until he retired from public life in 1837. It is now a National Historical Landmark.
The "Side View" shows the facade-like front in a different perspective.
We started the our tour by viewing a 20 minute film introduction which gave us Andrew Jackson's life in a nutshell. Not to be missed!
We then picked up our audio aids which were the basic units without visuals. Entering in the three digit reference numbers found on signs on the walking tour played a related informational message describing interesting facts about that section. A strap allowed us to hang the unit around our neck and bring it easily to our ear when necessary.
We opted for the "General's Tour" without the more sophisticated audio/visual devices, preferring to apply the $8 (each) saved by not taking the "President's Tour" towards the $11 (each) cost of "The Hermitage By Wagon Tour".
Next we entered the Museum in the Visitor's Center. Here there were a variety of historical artifacts and anecdotes on the life of Andrew Jackson. This to was very interesting. I like the picture of Jackson on the B & O railway.
After the first section of the self-guided tour, following the supplied map, we arrived at the line for the Hermitage Mansion Guided Tour. The line moved fairly quickly. At the last stage before entry we spent a few minutes on benches facing the main door as a guide gave us an overview (and a few rules to follow).
Inside we moved from section to section which where we received an overview by era-costumed interpreters.The view from the rear of the second floor gave a glimpse of the area where the original home stood before "The Hermitage" was built.
It was from this area behind the Mansion where we boarded the horse-drawn wagon. This tour offered a glimpse into what life was like on this 1000-acre cotton plantation for Andrew Jackson, his family and his slaves. Reserve early as this tour sells out quickly.
Craig, our driver, was excellent. His stories, as the wagon traveled to the First Hermitage, where Jackson lived from 1804 to 1821, the site of the Cotton Gin and Press, the Field Quarter and several archaeological sites associated with slavery and farming was both entertaining and informative.
This was our favourite part of our visit!
The most famous in America are the matching Anheuser-Busch teams that represent their Budweiser brand of beer.
I enjoyed another form of Scottish (in a way) Horsepower at The Hermitage. In the parking lot there was a ($250,000) McLaren 12C Coupe (2011-2014 - not sure which year). The Mclaren F1, designed and manufactured by McLaren Automotive, was originally conceived by Gordon Murray who was born the son of Scottish immigrants in Durban, South Africa. (OK, the Scottish Horsepower reference was a stretch, but I had to get these pictures in the blog - grin).
We stopped at Harbor Freight to pick up a few items before the "Freebies" (24 packs of "AAA" batteries) expired tomorrow. I picked up 2 Super-Loud 12V 135 dB Air Horns that I will install on the Del Sol and the Motorhome when we get back home. I hope the louder horns will be heard over the loud music people play. This would, hopefully, when needed, make it safer as we drive.
As we were preparing to leave our parking spot we were signalled by these two wonderful gentlemen to stop for a moment. The Schwartz', Frank and Mark, who are mostly into (rare) Jensen autos (Interceptor and Healey versions) were in the process of restoring a 1995 Del Sol. They asked if I would raise the hood. They needed a few details and this helped. We talked for a bit (OK, a long time - we're car guys). Thank you, Charlotte, for being patient.
Supper was at a Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen. Started in 1972 in New Orleans, LA, it was named after Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle of "The French Connection" fame and not the cartoon character who is known more for spinach. Popeye's specializes in New Orleans style "Southern Fried Chicken" and is #2, by unit count (over 2,000), in the "Quick-Chick" business.
As this was our first time at Popeye's, we ordered "Mild". We enjoyed the mild - maybe next time - Spicy!
We returned to the RV and prepared for tomorrow's departure by hooking up the Del SOl, connecting the Brake Buddy, plugging in and checking the tow lights, pulling in the slides, disconnecting the water and sewer lines and securing loose items in the RV.
Tomorrow will only require unhooking the power, final setting up of the Del SOl: transmission in neutral, steering unlocked and Safety Light (I put on the steering wheel) flashing. Then, we pull up the levelling jacks and head out.
Severe rain warnings on TV for Sunday so we will plan our departure time, if we can, around the storms.
We are not going far (85 mi.) to the KOA at Horse Cave, KY. We plan to stay here for at least 3 days. Beyond that, as yet, has not been planned.
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