When can I move to Nashville?

You know those weekends where you cram so much into 72 hours that by the time Monday rolls around, you feel like you need another couple days to recover? Thanks to a wonderful whirlwind trip to Nashville, that happened this weekend and I'm still recovering from the food coma and lack of sleep.

Since Friday night was wasted on the drive to Tennessee, we hit the ground running on Saturday morning. First, we ventured over to Wheat's old place of employment, Grand Old Golf and GoKarts, so he could catch up with the owner, who is also a close family friend. After a quick lunch at the Opry Mills mall, we went to Chuck's Sno Cones to take advantage of the end-of-season, half-price sno cones. These things weren't so much sno cones as they were gargantuan dessert towers. Wheat ordered the Titan, a mixture of blueberry and cherry with vanilla ice cream layered throughout and I chose the Bride and Groom, wedding cake and red velvet with vanilla ice cream. Unreal.

Next, we decided to check out the famous Opryland Hotel since we were already in the area. Piece of advice: Self-parking at the hotel costs $21, which is way too expensive for this cheapskate. Instead, park across the street at The Inn at Opryland and walk over. It's a little bit of a walk, but there are sidewalks and precious Christmas decorations (already?!) on the pristine white picket fences.

The hotel is absolutely gorgeous, of course. We spent a couple hours, admiring the beautiful lobbies and getting lost among the plants, waterfalls, restaurants, shops, and pumpkins. Actually, the hotel appeared to be having an identity crisis, stuck midway between fall and Christmas decor. True to form, Wheat tracked down an arcade inside the building and he beat me in Fast and Furious racing while I dominated in Guitar Hero.

After the hotel, we stumbled across Willie Nelson's general store, which included a hilarious Willie Nelson fortune teller, and Cooter's Place, a store and museum filled with all things Dukes of Hazzard. They even had replica cars, so I took pictures of Cooter's Tow Truck and the General Lee.

Next, we ventured downtown for some more exploring. We stopped at the Farmer's Market and wandered through row after row of fall produce. The market also has an amazing botanical garden filled with flowers and other garden trinkets for sale. I indulged in not-so-brief fantasies about moving to the area and filling my yard with treasures from the market.

Connected to the Farmer's Market is the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. I instantly fell in love with the amazing view of the Capitol building from the amphitheater. Pair that with the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows of the changing leaves, the fountains, and a huge state map of Tennessee and I was in tourist/photographer heaven.

Fortunately, we had wonderful plans to pry me away from the park: tickets for the Penguins and Predators game at Bridgestone Arena! Much to my surprise, it was James Neal bobblehead night and I might have unleashed a primal scream when I received mine. Oops. We arrived early enough to watch warm-ups, so I staked out a spot on the glass and took a million pictures of my favorite guys. Pascal Dupuis banged against the glass and shot the puck directly at us to show his appreciation for the support.

The game was everything a Pens fan could want - a 3-0 victory, a shutout for Fleury, and goals from Sid, Geno, and Dupuis. With his third-period tally, Dupuis registered his 400th career point and it was awesome to be there for it. I also woofed down some delicious barbeque nachos, so I was in hockey paradise.

After the game, Wheat and I braved the crowds on Broadway, stopping at a crowded sports bar to watch the Tennessee/Alabama and Ohio State/Penn State games.

On Sunday, we filled our morning the best way I know how in Nashville with breakfast at the Pancake Pantry. Despite the warm temperatures, I chose to relish in all things fall and ordered the amazing sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup. Wheat went with his favorite, the Georgia Peach. Guys, I know you're sick of it, but I really can't tell you enough how delicious these things are.

After breakfast, we took a driving tour of the city, stopping in Centennial Park and driving along Music Row. We stopped to check out RCA Studio B, where Elvis and many other famous artists recorded hit singles, including Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You." We also saw the studio where Nashvillian Meghan Trainor recorded "All About that Bass."

In an effort to stretch our legs before the drive home, we walked around Belmont University's amazing campus. The Belmont Mansion, complete with its gazebos, fountains, and lions, was breathtaking and I could not get over the amazing flowers all over the place. There were students everywhere, lying in the grass, hanging out with friends, and studying. Can you imagine going to school here?

Of course, we closed the trip with a quick stop at Las Paletas for popsicles. Duh. I tried the pineapple berry and Wheat sampled blueberry chocolate chip.

I refuse to speak about the ridiculous traffic and construction we encountered on the way home, but we found time to watch The Walking Dead before bed. Is anyone else really loving this season?!
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Today's #Blogtober prompt? Things You're Superstitious About.

Honestly, I don't think I'm very superstitious. I rely on reason and don't really think quirky personal habits will affect the outcome of things. I do, however, tend to wear a team shirt when my favorite teams are playing. For good luck, you know...

I do have one bizarre superstition that I follow very closely. Whenever I board a plane, I kiss my fist and tap it on the wall of the aircraft while walking down the aisle. I'm not really sure when I started this, but I've done it as long as I can remember. I have a newly-developed fear of flying, so it helps reassure me that we'll land safely. So weird.

Do you have any superstitions?