The Ryman Auditorium is legendary. 

Click the link to learn more about all of the fantastic history about “The Mother Church of Country Music”. If you happen to be in town you can get a lovely tour from a docent who might just sing some old country western hits while you are tooling around the backstage area and taking your picture on that storied stage. 

I’ve been blessed to see three shows at Ryman since my move to Nashville in June. 

1. The Script 

2. The Civil Wars w/ The Staves 

3. Mumford & Sons w/ The Apache Relay 

These are listed in the order in which I attended and not in the order in which I love them. That order would be in reverse. 

I’ve never heard better sound in my life. The Civil Wars and Mumford & Sons went acoustic or as Marcus said “without technology”. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. People were afraid to breathe loudly for fear they would miss one sweet note. 

You sit (and bang) on the original church pews that were installed in the building in 1892 when it was built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle to seat those who wanted to hear a charismatic preacher. 

The wood floors call you to stomp with all of your might. My hands are aching from the overzealous clapping that took place throughout the night. 

There isn’t such thing as a “bad seat”. Even those with an “obstructed view” are highly coveted. 

Don’t forget to pick up an historic Hatch Show Print as a reminder of your visit. 

People whoop and holler like they’ve caught the holy spirit. The encore call is a deafening roar. 

Your stranger neighbor becomes your best buddy by the end of the evening while you revel in the fact that you actually got a ticket! 

The place makes Marcus Mumford nervous and Joy and John giddy with delight. 

You sing your soul out loud.  

Every time I’ve been there tears spring to my eyes with the weight of what I’ve just witnessed. 

It is cathartic. You realize that this is the fulfillment of all of those car rides with your favorite CD playing at an incredibly high volume and getting hoarse from singing loudly.

You feel music in the Ryman at a rate that is mind-blowing. There are 2361 folks around you but really you feel like the only person in the room.  Luckily, when you do want to exist in the moment with others there is a broad selection of Nashville Natives and Newbies to share the blessing. 

I have taken moments during the shows and have just closed my eyes. I just want to listen and store the memory for safekeeping in the recesses of my mind. 

Ryman Auditorium is the Cameron Indoor Stadium of concert venues. It don’t get no better! 

Can’t wait for the next show but until then I will just remember the power of Mumford & Sons and thank God that he blessed me to have the best concert experience of my life last night. 

Oh, Nashville. How I love thee. 

flawless-fearless13:

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden is next on my list. 

Why?

It is one of the many quirky delicious eateries in East Nashville. 

The service is impeccable. 

The (turkey) burgers are ginormous (totally don’t think that’s a word) and you can get tater tots! The bread they use actually makes the folks at your tables sigh with pure pleasure. 

You can certainly get all the beef you want or you can get a chicken sandwich. Load it up with an array of extras including mushrooms, bacon, and other things that I would never have thought to put on a burger. Luckily,we all have different taste buds and there is something on that list for all of us. 

I just had to jump off the wagon and get a chocolate malt (yummy and so creamy) and if you’d like you could get a shake or ice cream soda. My buddy Jenn had a chocolate shake and was not disappointed. 

I also had a Strongbow because, why not? 

All of this for like $22.00. Say what? Just the burger, tots, and a drink would have costs me like $10.00. Super economical! 

Yes, there was a 40-minute wait but it didn’t feel like it at all and I love the “call your cellphone” service they have to tell you when your table is ready. 

I’ve been to this place twice but I’m super excited to return when the weather is warmer because the beer garden will be in full effect and they’ve done some beautiful landscaping in the outdoor area. 

If you’re ever in Nashville check it out. 

Follow on Twitter: @ThePharmacy1

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