For the first time in many, many years I explored a new city on my own (poor husband had to toil away at work). As much as I adore my amazing girls and my husband, I don’t remember the last time I had the opportunity to discover a new place on my own terms. It was delightful (and it helped that the weather was beautiful).

I took one of the city buses to Belle Meade Plantation, a 19th century homestead owned by a family that became wealthy raising thoroughbreds. The lineage of champions including Secretariat, Sea Biscuit and others can be traced back to the horses bred on this farm. The mansion was privately owned until 1953 when the state of Tennessee bought it for $180,000.

After returning to downtown Nashville, I explored the city a little further, walked past the capitol building and checked out the farmer’s market, which looks like it would be great fun on the weekend when all the stalls are open.

The city’s transportation authority runs three bus routes that are free and I took advantage of that today (as did several homeless people, who must spend the day riding in circles around the city trying to stay warm).

On tap for tomorrow – I will likely venture to Opryland, because even though I despise country music, it’s a part of Americana and I’d feel remiss if I didn’t check it out.