We woke to a bright, sunny day. After breakfast we went to downtown Nashville and the Parthenon. The Parthenon is a full size replica of the Parthenon in Greece. It was originally part of the Tennessee Centennial celebration and built from wood and plaster and represented the city’s reputation as “The Athens of the South.” The building was so popular that it remained standing after the centennial celebration. In 1920 It was decided to rebuild the Parthenon from concrete and a group of designers and artists were commissioned to do the job. In 1931 the Parthenon was reopened to the public and it continues its history of of exhibiting fine art.
The Parthenon was totally amazing from the outside and we were equally pleased when we entered the main hall .
LINK
View of the columns along the exterior.
When we walked into the great hall we were awed to see the giant statue of Athena Goddess of wisdom, prudent warfare and the useful arts patron deity of the city of Athens. WOW – she sure was not what we expected – a 42’ 10” tall woman from the floor to the top of the center crest of her helmet. Nike, goddess of victory perches on Athena’s right hand and stands at 6’4” tall. Athena was guilded and painted with 8 pounds of 23.75 carat gold in 2002. Very impressive.
Back view with colorful shield.
One of many bronze heads on the massive bronze doors
Pediments located under the roofline of the Parthenon
We viewed the James M. Cowan art collection all done by American artist that span the years 1765-1926. The paintings were beautiful but we weren’t allowed to photograph.
Outside, the grounds were quite lovely with a lake and path surrounding the perimeter of the lake. We walked the perimeter and enjoyed the geese with their babies, the flower gardens and the views of the Parthenon overlooking the lake.
Unusual tree along the lake shore
Spring flowers in bloom
Another view of the Parthenon
Next we stopped at the Belle Mead Planation the home of the wealthy Harding family until 1820.
LINK
The plantation was spared during the Civil War because thoroughbred race horses were bred and trained there.
The Carriage House and Stables were quite impressive. They held several varieties of carriages and sleighs.
One of the many guides dressed in period costume
The Jackson family’s stone dairy produced as much as 240 pounds of butter each week employing mechanical churns powered by an attached engine house. (Engine house no longer present)
After touring the home we were brought to a wine-tasting. They have their own wines and I must say we enjoyed a small sample of each. Yes, WE were at a wine tasting and enjoyed it. Me thinks we have been hit by lightening or something!!!!!
The ride into Nashville provided us with more glimpses into how the other half lives – the rich and the very rich.
You can purchase a 3600 sf condo in the building below for a mere 1.3 million. YIKES – and on a really busy road with no view!
We parked in downtown Nashville in public parking for a mere $20.00. Then walked around the area of downtown Nashville called Honky -Tonk Town. Every bar/pub had a live band playing and some so close they were competing with each other.
LINK:
We stopped and ate at a great restaurant called the Big River Grill and Brewery. Since we don’t really drink beer we didn’t partake of their special of 6 different 4 oz glasses of beer offered. There were people around us enjoying the different varieties of beer. If I drank all that beer there would be no way I could stand up.
The food was excellent and of course they had meatloaf on the menu so Ron couldn’t resist. It was great as was my chicken cooked in brown ale. YUM.
After dinner we walked up and down the streets enjoying a street magician and his talents. Listened to some good and some very bad street entertainers and tried to steer clear of the obviously drunk and beggars.
There were heavy patrols of police on foot, motorcycle, bicycle and in cars as well as a Fire & Rescue bus circling the roads. Lots of people, so I guess being prepared for any issues was number one on the agenda.
We decided to stop into one of the pubs and listen to some music and have a drink. Yes, we are beginning to like Country/Western music. Again, that lightening thing – LOL.
The Pub we stopped at was loaded but not as crowed earlier when this picture was taken.
We walked to the top of the hill on Broadway and caught a picture looking down. You can see where all the congestion begins in Honky-Tonk Town.
Our day was filled with interesting places and surprises and long, long walks. We were happy to get back to the CG and relax for what was left of the night.
No comments:
Post a Comment