If you read any of my more recent blog posts, you know my family and I have a lot to celebrate this spring and summer. Both of my sisters graduated their respective bachelor’s degree programs, one from the University of Pittsburgh and the other from West Chester University.

You might also already know my family has a habit of wildly exaggerating any reason to celebrate and creating lifetime memories to honor each achievement and moment in time. All roads in this season of life lead us down south to Nashville, Tennessee, and we spent Memorial Day weekend raising our glasses to the two grads in the city.

Our adorable, themed Airbnb, named StoneFox by the gracious owners, put us 10 minutes from all of our planned reservations and events. The first day included the must-see attraction of the Country Music Hall of Fame. I will say this is probably most enjoyable for those who generally enjoy country music as a genre.

Broadway provided all of the entertainment (and more) to fill our days at each honky tonk. Live music and my new favorite drink, Ranch Water, carried us into the evenings where we had reservations at some of Nashville’s most recommended spots.

For sushi lovers, I cannot recommend Virago enough. The chic and modern vibe matched with an eclectic yet traditional sushi menu impressed the entire group. I also loved Ella’s on 2nd. Ella’s boasted a delicious Italian menu presented with phenomenal service and décor.

Shopping in 12 South and Hillsborough filled in gaps around our packed itinerary, and The Listening Room Café closed out our trip on the Sunday night before Memorial Day.

My best friend lives in Nashville, so it certainly won’t be my last visit, but spending the time with my family and close friends made this trip an extra-special one. Yeehaw!

— Haley Fogarty, advertising manager