Whenever I can incorporate a race and a road trip, I’m a happy girl. This time, it worked out we had a long weekend, so we took off! First stop: Jacksonville, Florida for the Best Damn Race 1/2 Marathon Series. This was my 3rd half of the season, so I was about 50% trained and looked forward to the ‘mostly’ flat route and perfect Florida winter weather. Packet pick up was at Dick’s Sporting Goods located in the beautiful St. Johns Town Center. I wish we lived closer to this mall. We loved it! The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown/Southbank was super nice and perfect for the kids and I. Located 1.5 miles from the start and conveniently across the street from The Bearded Pig, which was an added bonus. The hotel was also a few blocks from San Marco Blvd, which has some trendy restaurants. I was able to enjoy a couple glasses of wine at Town Hall and loved it.
As long as they keep loving our road trips, I’ll keep on driving!
Race morning was a breeze. Easy parking ($10) in the garage across from the start at The Landings was super convenient. My only suggestion would be to start the 5k and 10k later than the 1/2 marathon. We had to dodge a ton of walkers. We caught up to them pretty quickly and it was dangerous for those of us running with a pace group. One gentleman tripped and fell over a walker. It was aggravating for about an hour until they split the routes. The last 2 miles were pretty along the water, but there was no-one directing us. For a couple miles, there was no one around me and luckily, I glanced at the map beforehand. That was the only thing that saved me. Typically, I don’t like to look at the course map. I finished in 2:02. No PR, but better than my first 2 this season and improving each month is my goal. The finisher medal was amazing. The biggest medal I have ever received. The race shirt was also the best tee shirt I have ever received. Super comfy and a nice fit. I would recommend this series (especially if they change the 5k/10k start time).
Time to continue the road trip northwest to Nashville; my favorite city in the US. A quick stop by First Watch (one of two chain restaurants I actually like) and we were off! It was a 9 hour drive and we arrived that evening to a winter wonderland. Snow on the ground and snow throughout the night gave us a beautiful couple of days in Music City. As always, using Airbnb is the way to go. Our cottage was tudor-style, located on Caruthers, just off of 12 South. It was perfect. Covered with snow and beautiful. The next morning, we were up and walking to Frothy Monkey on 12 South by 8am. It was 15 degrees and gorgeous. After some amazing coffee for me and hot chocolate for the kids, we were warmed up enough to walk around a little more and have some fun around town. The fun included Five Daughters Bakery (also located at Caruthers & 12 South) for some out of this world cronuts. They really are magnificent. The vegan cherry is to die for.
A short rest and we were headed out to explore North Nashville. We drove around looking at areas I had not been. My dream is to live there, so I am trying to see every inch of the city. Located in the Scottsboro Area is The Old School Farm House. A really good brunch spot, which also doubles as an event venue. Their garden (it’s a true farm to table experience) is on the property. It really is an old school turned restaurant and gives super chic, yet vintage vibe. A bluegrass duo played on stage and our meal was fabulous. Worth the 20 minute drive. On the way back into Nashville, we stopped by Nissan Field so my son could get an up close look at the stadium. It is located in a beautiful area between downtown and East Nashville. The stadium is the backdrop to downtown and has some gorgeous views of the Nashville skyline.
Next, we headed into Hillsboro Village to check out the new Tribe Kelley boutique (owned by FGL’s Brian and Brittany Kelley). It was adorable and we left with some gems. We decided to squeeze in some live music while in town, so we dropped the car off at the cottage and grabbed a Lyft downtown to Broadway. Parking downtown is tricky, so I always recommend calling a Lyft or Uber. FGL House opened this summer and we’ve been a few times. The kids like their menu and huge screen tv that covers the entire wall. They play country music videos and in the evenings, live music of course. Try their huge soft pretzel paired with a Music City Lite bottled brew. A perfect combo! As I have mentioned in a couple other Nashville posts, Broadway is kid friendly until 10pm (some places until 8pm). They love FGL House, Wildhorse Saloon, Hard Rock, Margaritaville and Honey Tonk Central. After listening to some good country jams by some wonderful local artists on broadway, we headed back to home base for some early evening snacks, Netflix and some board games that the AirBnB provided. A perfect ending to an amazing day in Music City.
The next morning, I wanted to try Barista Parlor. There are a few locations, but the one in The Gulch was the closest to us. I first saw it on CMT’s television series Nashville. It was amazing. The decor, the coffee, everything. I’m a decaf drinker, but wanted to try the recommended “Bourbon Vanilla Cappuccino” and it was superb even full of caffeine. My son begs for Biscuit Love every time we are in town. I love it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not my favorite. Urban Grub, Nashville Biscuit House and Frothy Monkey are my favorite breakfast joints, but he’s right about one thing, BL’s orange juice is AMAZING. I always grab a green juice from The Juice Bar after I eat at Biscuit Love to help with the guilt. After a yummy breakfast, it was time for the long haul home. 10 hours & 2 stops later, we were back home and hearts full. When we get back, I always ask the kids if the drive worth it and they always say yes! As long as they keep loving our road trips, I’ll keep on driving!
