Recently our group of travelers returned from our fall motor coach trip to Nashville, Tenn. We always look forward to exploring and learning about the various areas we visit.

Our first night was in St. Louis, Mo. It was also the last night’s stay on our return to Austin. We arrived in Nashville by early afternoon, enjoying the color of changing leaves along the way.

We were ready for a night of fun with a dinner party, music and country dancing with country singers Dave and Daphine showing us what country music is all about in the Music City. There was lots of great music, glitzy attire and cowboys. We never did see a Minnesota Twins baseball hat while we were there.

We also learned more about the place we were visiting. We learned the name of Tennessee originated from the Indian word, Tana-see, meaning “The Meeting Place.” A perfect place for Nashville to be capital. This city of more than 625,600 suffered a major flood in 2010 along the Cumberland River. They picked up the pieces and now showcase a beautiful, clean and friendly city which we are about to explore.

The next day a local guide stepped aboard our coach for a overview of Nashville, highlighting the home of several stars including Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Ronnie Milsap and Kellie Pickler. We quickly saw why they call the city’s most scenic, and secluded areas their home. There were famous landmarks including the Riverfront, the state capitol and Bicentennial Capital Mall. We concluded our tour with the Parthenon, the world’s only full scale reproduction of the famous Greek temple that also has a replica of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. It’s constructed of ivory and plates of gold that are fixed to a wooden frame and stands 42 feet and 10 inches tall.

The afternoon included a ride on the Delta River Flatboats at the Opryland Hotel, which can host more than 2,000 guests at a time. We enjoyed the view, as it was filled with beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees. The lighted jets of water go off at intervals making for a scenic view of southern charm.

Our next column will continue to expand on our tour of Nashville. You may pick up group pictures of our tour at the Mower County Senior Center.

Our November newsletter is now available and has been sent to members of the Mower County Senior Center. They may also be picked up at the south entrance, under the overhang.

Upcoming trips

•Nov. 13-16: Branson Chanhassen Christmas. We will be departing at 7 a.m. from the Walmart parking lot.

•Dec. 11: Trip to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre for “Fiddler on the Roof.” Registration due by Nov. 12. (The Center will be closed on Nov. 12).

•Dec. 31-Jan. 1, 2014: Spend New Years Eve with us and friends at Eau Claire, Wis. at the Fanny Hill Dinner Theater. Overnight stay will be in Chippewa Falls, Wis.

Our hours are on Monday,Tuesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Our phone number is 507-438-3946. Our mailing address is 1002 16th Street SW, Austin Minn., 55912