I waited forevah to get on instagram, but now that I’ve finally caved and have really started enjoying sharing random pics from daily adventures, I’ve discovered another allure: the pics I see! I’ve started to follow a few fabulous lifestyle photogs both stateside and abroad with very happy eye candy results. So much inspiration to be gleaned for me from old and lovely architecture!

Y’all. My faves are @emmakateco, @chateaugudanes, and @vutheara. Just. Plain. Decadent. in the loveliness of their images.

But I digress.

SO, I thought [especially since I was a complete slacker and did not–unheard of–post even once last week] I’d share a peek at what kept me so busy! It’s not a tutorial or DIY or craft, but just me and my camera traipsing around downtown Nashville, Tennessee, with my family.

I love looking interesting architecture, so I hope you enjoy!

There are some beautiful old churches downtown, and I pray that they are as full of life inside their doors as they are inspiring on their facades.

I have a big crush on old ornate stone buildings with interesting details and lovely arches and curves.

Where my grandmother’s house was in England, you could see an old castle, but in the states, 1855 is a pretty old building, and I loved to see this first school and imagine all the years of children passing through and growing in its halls.

There were plenty of spires to inspire…

But the most famous spires of Nashville are atop this AT&T building, the city’s most famous downtown landmark, known for its resemblance as the “batman building.”

I love the contrast of old brick buildings against more towering modern architecture.

And this sign? i know it makes me a bit crazy by most people’s standards, but I just love the look of it. I’d take it home, clean it up a bit, and hang it on the wall as art in a heartbeat, maybe in one of the boys’ rooms.

I like to look for symmetry, and pleasing asymmetry.

The drag near the river is a fun family walk during the day, with live music inside every open door by incredible artists, toting their guitars and a dream.

And I long to know what this street and these buildings and the people’s lives looked like when they were first constructed.

I wonder if their original inhabitants ever dreamed of their present uses.

 

And I do love a good record shop. Reminds me of my teenage angst… But in a good way.

Oh, hello, Lyle! I love you and your large band and how you remind me of Texas and the sound of droning cicadas and that time I two-stepped in a San Antonio dance hall.

Of course, there’s always time for ice cream at the old time soda shop.

And photo ops at the visitor Center are fun.

Movement and metal sculpture meet by the river.

And I developed a crush on this bridge…

…and trying to figure out how best to frame it.

But THIS was my favorite building, white-washed and graphic and alamo-esque.

The paintings on buildings were fun…

…As were the signs. [I just love everything about this boot one.]

A 100-year-old bank becomes a neon-signed boot company.

And this place had free line dance lessons and shuffle board and pool upstairs. Perhaps another time!

 

This horse is in front of the Wild Horse Saloon, photo taken from just inside, looking out, but I love the light and composition.

I love the fleur de lis wrought iron spires standing like smart soldiers in a row.

As we walked back to our hotel, I wondered what used to go on behind these now-bricked-in windows. But I bet it’s a fabulous gallery space! Growing up, I often thought it would be neat to live on the second floor of an old building like this. Hmm, maybe one day…

I do adore a good downtown walk! Hope you enjoyed. I’ll have to take you on a tour of my town some time, wheeeee!