Last night I went to downtown Nashville to see a concert at the Ryman Auditorium. It was a cool band I like called The Neighbourhood, and of course the historic Ryman is always an awesome venue for a show.
At the last minute, literally – the day before, I decided to make a night of it and stay in downtown Nashville for the night.
While I was researching spots to stay near the concert venue, I came across the Nashville Hostel and I thought…
Hmm. 🙂 That sounds like fun!
What could be cooler than bunking with a bunch of random strangers for the night?!
Normally I’d stay somewhere like the Hilton, but I decided to be adventurous… so I booked a night at the Hostel. 🙂
I had no idea what to expect, outside of the photos on their website, but it turned out to be way cooler than I imagined. There were people in and out from all over the world, and they had a really nice commons area set up for hanging out. You can see just a part of it in the picture below but they also had a TV area and a community kitchen – it was a neat setup.
The rooms had 5 bunk beds and slept 10, with a shared bathroom. It was co-ed, so just a random group of women and men bunking together. It wasn’t at all awkward like you might think. It kind of reminded me of being at 4-H camp when I was a kid.
I loved it. What a NEAT experience! Definitely something I’ll do again…
I parked my car as soon as I got there, and walked the rest of the night.
I also danced nonstop through the entire concert 🙂 so I got in TONS of steps in a few short hours!
It was a rainy night – just a light drizzle though, nothing major – so I wore my favorite rubber flip flops and just hiked my skirt up and splashed through downtown Nashville enjoying the city!
There was tons of music, lots of neat places to step in and out of, and at one point I sat down and had a coffee and just did some people watching. 🙂
The concert was great! I had a ticket for one, an awesome seat, and danced through the whole thing. There’s something really cool about being part of a crowd that’s so into the moment, and just BEING in that moment. Everyone singing the same song, everyone dancing, everyone there to have a great time.
It’s hard to feel “alone” in FUN crowd, even if you go out by yourself.
I met some really neat people last night, including a skydiving instructor! So yes, that is now one of the next things on my list of fun adventures. 🙂
The whole night left me feeling inspired. It inspired me to keep working hard toward getting in amazing shape, to keep getting out to experience the world, to keep meeting new and interesting people… and to keep exploring while I figure out what this next phase of my life is going to hold. Which is A LOT, I imagine. 😉
Have you ever stayed in a Hostel? Would you?
Earlier this week I bought another ticket for an upcoming concert, and now I’m thinking I may just hunt down a hostel in that area! Not only are they super cheap, but it’s definitely one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.
It’s so much more social than your typical hotel, and a really great way to meet and spend time with interesting people from all over the world.
Adventure is good for the soul. I highly recommend it…
Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler
Wow! I wish I were more like you. To get up and go do what you want when you want and alone in me would require bravery. I am always impressed with your passion for life! Your Awesome Lynn.
It required bravery for me too. 🙂 I’m all about “facing my fears” lately, and breaking any barriers that might hold me back in life. This was a BIG step for me, because I’ve been afraid of parking lots ! for years (for good reason)… among other things.
I’m actually doing a study on facing fear, and using it as a positive instead of a negative. I went through a rough spell recently of nightmares and insomnia, and feeling “shut in”. I decided I didn’t want to live that way… and set out to DO something about it. 🙂
I was cautious – didn’t go to places like bars or clubs where I might feel like a target (lol), etc – but I still pushed myself outside my comfort zone. And I really enjoyed it!! What a fun night!
When ever we are in Nashville we stay at the Gaylord Hotel we love that Place
Have ever been there ?
I have stayed there, Dorle – it’s beautiful.:) It’s like a whole town inside a building!
Yes it reminds my of somewhere in the Caribbean
Nope, never stayed in a hostel but know lots of friends that have! Great lower-cost alternative to hotels that make traveling affordable! They just opened one up here in our Richmond,VA area!
That’s good to know! I might come stay in that one sometime soon. 🙂 lol. They are super cheap yes – but more than that, they provide such an awesome experience TOO! I stay in high dollar hotels all the time when I travel alone… and actually had a better time AND felt safer in the hostel. 🙂
Sounds like a GREAT time Lynn! I haven’t ever stayed in a hostel but I’ve seen plenty of horror that they were included in! LOL Glad to hear they’re not all like that! I’ll have to add that to my list when I’m back to traveling.
Really like that you’re facing your fears too. I’m afraid of heightsbit I’ve been skydiving several times…. specifically to prove to myself that I can be afraid and get it done in spite of the fear! 🙂
Well done!
Did you ENJOY it, Debi? Skydiving sounds like so much fun! It’s the landing that scares me. 😛
What an awesome adventure! It feels so good to just relax and go with the flow, I need to remember that. Thank you for the inspiration.
I agree, Jo – and that’s what the night was all about for me: just go with the flow and have FUN. It was rather nice being alone because I had total freedom to romp in the rain, have “rain hair” (lol), dance all I wanted, be social and speak to interesting people, and just go wherever the night took me. Which was back to the bunk by midnight, lol – it was a LONG day. 🙂 haha *cheers*