Gracie (the dog) and I rolled in to Nashville after getting a late start from our previous airbnb (which we loved and lingered at a bit too long). This was out last stop before home on our 5,000 mile journey to California and back. I know that our previous stop had been Gracie's favorite, but this one turned out to be mine! The charms of this little hideaway are many. It is a garage converted beautifully to what they call a cassita (sp?) further out west. The décor is indicative of the location and, I thought, really nice. I know that Nashville is a fantastic place to spend time, especially if you like music, but this was just an overnight stop in a long trip and I had no plans to go out. I did venture out to get a pizza, though, and so know that the location of this airbnb would be a perfect base for enjoying all that the great city has to offer. For me, it became a secluded refuge where I could really get in touch with myself. The entertainment offered is a turntable and a (frustrating) collection of vinyl and empty jackets. (If you have some favorite vinyl, bring it along). On the turntable when I arrived was a John Denver album so I played it and the first song got me singing right away and feeling like I just got home.
Now, it is called the Artist's Retreat, and I'm not sure you could call me an artist, but I do dabble. I found it a little spooky that, after a long car trip during which I neglected it for days, dragged it in and out of stopovers, let it get cold and warm and cold and warm, my guitar, after a bit of a struggle to get it out of its slightly too small bag, amazed me by being in perfect tune! Not by my poor ear but by the electronic device I use to get it right. The acoustics of the place were surprisingly good so I stayed up late playing, singing, honkin' on harmonicas, and dancing on a fabulous floor with a texture that kind of massages your sock-feet while you dance. Eventually, I flopped into the massive bed and slept like a baby. It was not a perfect place for Gracie, I know, but it was kind of Laura to allow her to stay. Gracie is used to just laying around watching me make a fool of myself, so it was OK.
I loved this place and hope I can plan to go back again. I enjoyed being alone, but I see it as a perfect romantic getaway, or a great base for taking in the joys of Nashville. What a great honeymoon place!