WARNING: I apologize in advance for this long post, BUT, I just have so much to share about NASHVILLE!  You will be hooked and ready to add/subtract this place off YOUR bucket list! Stay tuned for Part 2 of my NASHVILLE excursion!

Bucket lists are a collection of ideas, things or places you want to accomplish before you start a family or you expire!  The best thing about a bucket list is the fact that whatever you decide to add, it has no expiration date.  You complete when you want and how. There’s no limit but the sky! Hopefully we all have one that you are adding to and checking off occasionally.  Well I have A LOT of NO ORDINARY things on my list and keep adding to it.

Last year after Christmas, I know, I’m so late in writing this post I had the chance to check off an item!  If being spontaneous had a name, then it would be NO ORDINARY LIZ.  I always keep an open mind and LOVE exploring places.  Sometimes the BEST adventures blossom this way! If you recall, I had Achilles Tendon surgery back in October, so at this time, I was rocking my fancy “robocop” boot! Thank goodness I could still drive! Nothing beats a good ole ROAD TRIP and NOTHING was going to hold me back. Nothing.

 (photo courtesy of Google)

So,without an agenda, a friend and I embarked on this journey to NASHVILLE aka MUSIC CITY.

The drive to NASHVILLE from Tampa was super easy, it took us about 10 hours.  I know that sounds like A LOT, but knowing where I was driving to made up for the long hours. 🙂

ECSTATIC would be the best way to describe the instant I saw the sign…NASHVILLE! For just a moment in my fantasy world,  I felt like I was an artist on my way to getting discovered.  Heck. If only I could carry a tune!

Thanks to airbnb for hooking us up with this awesome place!  The location was perfect.  This super cheap place reminded me of a quaint house you’d only find in movies.  It had the smell of “ole” living and everything we needed to enjoy our stay! Only a 10 minute car ride into downtown NASHVILLE!  Home for 5 days!!

So as I mentioned earlier, we didn’t have a game plan on how we spent our days.  I had limited mobility and had to find/do things that didn’t evolve in a WHOLE lot of walking.  Well, that didn’t stop me, I ended up walking and paying for it later, but it was ALL GOOD and worth it!

So where did I venture off to in NASHVILLE?

Well keep scrolling…

 Recognize this place?  This is the inside of Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.  Absolutely stunning.

These images were taken out front of the Gaylord Opryland Resort “garden” area.   The pictures don’t do any justice.  I truly felt like I was surrounded by pure MAGIC! I’m just sharing a glimpse of what I experienced.  Everyone should get to see this once in their lifetime.  This is a MUST to add to your adventures in NASHVILLE.

 Ever heard of the NASHVILLE Predators? This is where they call home, Bridgestone Arena!  So much cool things happen here.  From CMT award shows, to concerts and more.  It was really cool seeing this up close!

Now THIS!  I can’t express and CAN’T is a strong word here, express how cool this was!  Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located right beside Bridgestone Arena where the walking distance ( or crutching in my case) was super easy. Considered the world’s largest museum, you will find preserved clothing of various country music star, awards and records dated waaaaay back!

I took so MANY pictures of memories to last a lifetime!  But I’ve included a few for you to view yourself, you’re welcome! These exhibits/images are tasteful in showing you the “artifacts” of country music legends, icons and super stars from Elvis Presley‘s blue suede shoes, Johnny Cash‘s performing boots, that made his feet hurt because they were too narrow, HEE HAW, the best TV show ever, please bring it back to Carrie Underwood‘s dress she was wearing upon becoming the next American Idol! While viewing these exhibits, I could envision myself being at their individual concerts, front and center! What an experience.

WHELP, It’s time for me to put away my dusty “ole” old cowboy boot and Stetson cowboy hat, for now. I’ll let you take some time to digest all the amazing places I’ve been so far.  I’ll be back at a later date to share PART 2 on other adventures NO ORDINARY LIZ takes on!

Before I go, I’ll leave you with this:  know where I’m heading?

Tell me, do you have a bucket list?  If so, where/what have you done to minimize that list?  I would love to hear about it!

While you’re waiting for Part 2 Nashville adventures, be sure to check out The Crazy Tourist, 25 Best Things to do in Nashville (TN)!

The review is written by me showcasing my adventures through Nashville.  The opinions expressed above are all mine.

The post No Ordinary Liz takes on Nashville (Part 1) first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

Whelp! It’s that time!  TIME for me to embark on an amazing ROAD TRIP!  I usually use this time around the holidays to get in my car and hit the road with no specific agenda or destination to adhere to.  I’m usually just driving, jamming out to the year’s top best songs and thinking about all the great accomplishments I had throughout the year!   Aren’t those the best road trips? Well this year, I’ve decided that I do HAVE a destination that I would like to explore…NASHVILLE!!!!

 (photo courtesy: Google)

 NASHVILLE!  NO ORDINARY LIZ is coming for YOU!!!  I can’t wait to explore your BEAUTIFUL city and see what you have to offer!  I need your help though?

What are the TOP 5 things I MUST do or try while I’m in your presence?  I will be arriving on 12/27 and departing 1/1/16!  Where should I RING in 2016?  The most important questions, what are YOUR favorite spots to dine at and where can I get a NEW pair of cowboy boots and a NEW cowboy hat?

So many questions, but I know I can count on you!  I look forward to singing a couple of tunes in Music City!

Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post of my journey to NASHVILLE!  If you want to see where I end up, be sure to follow #bUNordinary!

See you in NASHVILLE, NASHVILLE!

The post Hey NASHVILLE! No Ordinary Liz is coming for YOU!! Are YOU Ready? first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

I had this car for an entire week to review all her bells and whistles and to show her the best spots the city had to offer!  OH THE PLACES WE WILL GOOO...

 WE were out chasing rooftop sunsets with The Tampa Bay Lightning in the beautiful Tampa Bay…

WE were out chasing planes…

 WE were out and about…

 WE were out on adventures with Orangespoken…

WE were chasing palm trees and stadiums..

HOT TAMALE is Tampa Bay Rays BIGGEST fan…

 WE were chasing all the artistic talents that St. Petersburg had to offer.  This mural is by: Spearlife.

This mural is by: Michael Vasquez.

 This mural is by: Erik Jones.

 These murals are by: Island Nautical.

As you can see, we’ve been having a blast!  I’ve had an amazing time getting to know this car inside and out!

So HERE’S my TOP 10 reasons why this could be your NEXT car!

10. She starts at $12,995, making it an amazingly affordable NEW vehicle.

9. Highest Ranked Non-Hybrid Vehicle on the prestigious “Greenest Vehicles” List. (Greencars.org)

8.  She’s received multiple awards like “Best All-Around Performance” and “Best Environmental Performance” in the mini-compact class (Now that is pretty cool)

7. She has this pretty cool little feature that might just save you A LOT of $$$ on speeding tickets!  If you’re going a tad (and I mean a tad) over the speed limit, a little voice comes on in the car to alert you that you’re speeeeding!  BEST FEATURE EVER!!!!

6. You get to choose from a variety of FUN spunky colors!

5.  It’s very pretty at night!  When you’re inside the car, it feels like a party is going on in your car with all the cool looking lights!

4.  YOU can never get lost with the help of this cool navigator! Look at this 3-D effect of the Tropicana Field’s Stadium. I absolutely LOVED this!

3. She comes with either 10 year OR 100,000 miles warranty!  (YES, you read that correctly)

2. She gets 37/44 MPG

1.   UMMM who needs a TRUCK when you can have a MIRAGE?  Don’t let this little car fool you?  I needed some furniture for my newly empty apartment, I had no other way of getting this home, my friend thought I was crazy and was laughing that this wouldn’t fit in this car!  I proved her wrong.  Do you see what I’m seeing here?!?!  THIS is why I LOVE this car.  She took care of me and I had her packed down.  You’re looking at a chair and an ottoman in the trunk!  I was able to pull the seats down to make more room, but WOW!  I still had more room.  I was impressed.  We certainly had a great laugh all the way home.  (at amazement)

Soooo…WE seemed to have had a few things in common, we had the same initials, we love to GO PLACES and even though we’re in each other’s lives for a short time, we made an everlasting impact!

To learn more about this AMAZING car or to stay up-to-date with the latest news, be sure to follow Mitsubishi USA on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!  #DriveMitsubishi

You never know, I may be behind you one day at Starbucks 🙂

Disclaimer: This post is written on behalf of DriveShop!  I was able to drive this AMAZING car in exchange for blog and social media posts.   All opinions are my own.

The post OH THE PLACES WE Will GO… first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

You know that ole saying, “You can take the girl out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the girl”? Yep, it’s true.  I remember the day I was taking that loooonng drive down I-75 with my car packed down.  Windows were halfway down, wind blowing my hair across my face and jamming out to every  burnt CD that I owned.  I remembered driving across the GA/FL line and immediately felt sunkissed.  I was hooked!  It’s pretty crazy to think that was FOUR  years ago!  FOUR yearssss agoooo…  Where has the time gone?

While people come to FL to vacation,  I always head away to NC to escape for a while.  Every now and again, you just need a bit of the south to soothe your SOUL!   I feel like it doesn’t matter what season it is to visit, you will always get a good view.  You will come back feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever comes your way!  Over the summer, I decided to take one of my mini escapes to the GREAT SMOKIES and wanted to share with you some of the hot spots you should check out if you ever decided you just wanted a different kind of view 🙂

  This view is simply breathtaking!  This was in the summer!  I can only image what Fall must look like.  This is Wayah Bald in Franklin, North Carolina.  If you are ever in Franklin, I suggest you take this drive.  The curves and nerves will be worth it.  Promise 🙂

  THIS though.. is simply breathtaking.  Yes, NC has waterfalls and this is just ONE of them.  This is heading into Highlands, North Carolina.  I have to warn you, the roads leading up to this is not your typical straight roads.  I believe they couldn’t decide which way they wanted to go when they designed those roads, HAHA!  Yes, prepare to drive slow and enjoy the view. 

  Do you want to know what this cool place is all about?  Have you ever heard of  Fields Of The Wood Bible Park.  It is located in the heart of Murphy, North Carolina.  I loved this place! 

  You can either Climb the Ten Commandments Mountain or there is a secret road where you can drive to the top and be greeted with a GIANT Bible!

 You can also take a walk in Jesus’ tomb!  I got chill bumps when I walked in.  Enough said…

  This sign to ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  is always so nice to see.  If you stay on this road, it can lead to many adventures.  What will yours be?!?

No matter where the road that I’m on takes me,  my heart will always be in the GREAT SMOKIES!

Have you ever been to any of the places I’ve mentioned above?  If so, tell me about it 🙂

The post I HEART YOU GREAT SMOKIES!!! first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.

I love my job! I love it so much that I literally find it hard to break away long enough to enjoy some “me” time.  I love it when my boss encourages me to actually take a vacation!  I always say, “oh, I will get to it…eventually.”  Well this year, when I was planning my vacation, I had decided that I wanted to go somewhere that I had never been before.  I have a friend and blogmate, which you all know now, Beautiful Booze who lives in Seattle.  I wanted to go on a spur of the moment trip, that I called her up and said, “Mig, is your calendar open for May 17th?”.   She was like, “yeah, of course.” Before I hung up,  I had the ticket booked and was on my way to the DREAM city of Seattle!  Now mind you, the longest I have ever been on a plane was an hour lol.  I was in for a long haul.  S0 between changing planes three times and sitting next to many friendly faces, visiting 4 different airports AND 10 hours later, I arrived in  S-E-A-T-T-L-E.  Yes, I get to enjoy this B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L city for a week!

Are you ready to explore the city of Seattle with me?

 Hellooooo Seattle!  It sure is a pleasure to meet you 🙂

 Beautiful view of Seattle from the Gas Works Park

 More Images from Gas Works Park

 Stunnng photo of artwork from Gas Works Park

  Street view of China Town

 The BEST authentic chicken fried rice from Phnom Penh Noodle House in China Town.  I would recommend this place if you are ever in Seattle!

 People playing street chess!  It was really cool seeing it up close. Better view 🙂 China Town was really neat!  I thought I wasn’t in Seattle for a second…

 Of course, you can’t go to Seattle without visiting the one thing it’s known for… the SPACE NEEDLE 🙂  Yes, I went up to the top of it.  The view was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G…

  See for yourself…

 This was pretty cool, when I looked down from the Space Needle, I spotted spiders on one of the buildings… YIKES!

 This was a cool shot!  This has NO FILTER!  What was cool about this picture is these flowers are made of different things.  It’s an art and they SING to you when you walk up to them.

   Life really has come full circle 🙂

 Welcome to Pike Place Market!  Boy, I was in a SEA of FISH 🙂

 This is the best part of the trip for me!  The Public Market Center.

 Yes, I got to play around with the fishy…

 Things you will see at the fish market. I have no idea what is in his mouth?!?!

 More fish for ya!

 The FAMOUS GUM WALL!  Yes, this is all gum.  If you ever make it to Seattle, I challenge you to go find this wall and send me selfie.

  See!  I did it.  It was BIZARRE. It just smelled like all kinds of chewing/bubble gum lol.

 I found the ORIGINAL Starbucks!  It was pretty cool.

 Nice seeing the original logo. That SMELL tho.

 I just thought this was a cool shot of signs posted along a wall in Seattle.

 I had to put this picture on here because I thought I would never see gas get to this amount…EVER.

 This view was just stunning!  This was from Shilshole Bay Marina.

 Ahhh…I just loved the ferris wheel.

 The Olympic Sculpture Park was pretty amazing.  Some of the images posted below were really cool to see in person.  The pictures really don’t do it justice.  A MUST see also!  Better start making you a to-do list for Seattle.  Hehe…

 This is the newest addition to the sculpture family.

 You have probably seen this image on the National Geographic’s website.

 Very Artistic.

 You never know what you will find on the streets of Seattle.  This was adorable though.

 All aboard!  This was SO much fun.  Seattle Ferry Tour was really neat.  It took you to an Island and you could get off and explore/get back on, etc.

 So this happened!  I got chocolate wasted at Theo Chocolate Factory!  It is sooooooooooo good and organic.  I had to get pulled out of there haha!

 So I really had fun hiking up to find this fellar at Fremont.  He was living under the bridge just as he should!

 View from Fremont Troll. So cool.

   So my last night in Seattle, I went out in style.  I went to Perche’ No pasta & Vino. This place was heaven.  The pasta homemade. You could actually sit at the top of the restaurant and watch them cook your food.  The atmosphere was perfect.  The staff/owner was very accommodating to your needs. The owner actually came around and asked me if I had any special occasions and I told her I had a birthday coming up.  She made me a sign and brought me the best Gelato for desert.  I loved this place and didn’t want to leave.  Again, if you make it to Seattle, add this to your stop!

Man, Seattle was sure good to me.  She spoiled me rotten. I didn’t want to leave.  I had such a wonderful time.  I believe a week was a tease.    I do believe I will have to book more time in the future to go back and explore more about this beautiful city.  I hope I gave you a glimpse of just how much FUN you would have.

Tell me, have you traveled to Seattle before?  If so, what have you explored?  OR, where would you like to go on your next vacation? HAVE YOU GOT IT BOOKED YET?!?!?!

  I saved the best picture for last.  As we were leaving Seattle, I got a glimpse of Mount Rainier.  So BEAUTIFUL. 

 The DREAM CITY

The post It’s Just Me & SEATTLE! first appeared on #NoOrdinaryLiz.