My girlfriends and I have been on various trips over the years. Those gals were my saving grace during my many, many years of being the token single girl in the bunch. During college we did spring break type things. After college, when I was a teacher, we would often meet up during my school spring break. When I retired, there was a collective, "Whew" that we were no longer bound by my school schedule.
I am lucky enough to be married to a man that encourages me to visit my friends from time to time. This is especially nice when it can be done during Spencer's work week. (When I was gone he ended up working three 13-15 hour days, so I didn't miss much.)
Last week I loaded up the refrigerator for him and jumped on a plane to Nashville, a city I had never been to before to meet up with my bestie from Denver.
Pampering
The weather this winter has been beyond crazy. My gal pal got stuck in the Denver airport for over 6 hours due to that spoil sport called Winter. While I waited for her, I wandered around downtown Nashville and ended up at the Style Bar & Salon on 6th. I told them I was trying to kill a few hours while waiting for my friend; even though they had a big wedding party coming in, they snuck me in for a blow out. Blair (and everyone at the salon) was so friendly and I loved my hair when I walked out. I would highly recommend this place. (No pic, as I was Han Solo and my selfie skills are suspect.)
Sports
My friend Stacy and I love the hockey. We have been to a multitude of games over the years. My Tampa Bay Lightning are looking pretty good this year. When we saw that her Colorado Avalanche were playing in town on this particular weekend, it was a no-brainer that we would go. Well, as I mentioned, Mother Nature had her own plans. Stacy was able to transfer me my e-ticket, as her flight was delayed multiple times. Luckily Bridgestone Arena was super close to my hotel. I have no sense of direction, so I just followed all of the blue and gold. (The Nashville Predators colors looked very similar to our alma mater's colors, the Montana State University Bobcats. I don't know why I thought this was so funny, but I couldn't stop laughing.)
The arena is gorgeous, the fans are passionate, and everyone was so friendly. The Avs won, 5-0, and Stacy showed up midway through the 2nd period, so all was finally right in the girls' trip world.
Eats
There is nothing finer than a quality ladies' lunch. My seatmate on the plane pointed me towards Etch, and I can't thank that stranger enough. Farm fresh, bold flavors, and beautiful plates were a perfect accompaniment to us catching up on life and setting new goals for the future. (It should also be noted that she is a perfect lunch buddy; all items are ordered and shared, therefore guaranteeing multiple dish tasting, which is sort of my objective at every meal.)
Music
Nashville is definitely called music city for a reason. There is nothing quite like walking down Broadway and hearing all types of music pouring out of every doorway. We ended up on the rooftop of Jason Aldean's and it was perfect. A band played hits from all eras and many genres (not just country, happily, to my surprise) and the crowd was multi-generational and fun. I sang along to many songs, loudly and terribly, something I hadn't done for years.
Our trips are a lot tamer now that we are older, but still so much fun. It was so quick (Saturday morning-Monday night) but so worth it.
(I don't think I can be away from The Doc for much longer than that, anyway.)
Do you take trips to see friends? What are some of your traditions when meeting up?
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