I am so excited to be back at the Earl Scruggs Music Festival. What is the Earl Scruggs Music Festival? I’m glad you asked! You can read all about it HERE. I had no idea I liked bluegrass music until I attended last year’s festival. Now I’m hooked.

I love coming here for more than the banjos. My dad grew up in the area. When we were trying to decide if we wanted to stay overnight, I was looking up hotels nearby. FYI, all the hotels are booked during the ESMF weekend. I found what appeared to be a run down motel (never judge a book by its’ cover). Gardo’s Motel. My mom and dad stayed at Gardo’s on their honeymoon fifty years ago! According to mom, it’s not changed at all. It was booked solid, so we didn’t get to stay there. I was pretty bummed. Can you imagine the memories that would have flooded Faye’s mind. Good or bad, only she knows (and as their daughter, I don’t wanna know). We found a lovely hotel in Forest City. It was so much nicer than driving all the way home like we did last year. We had to be back this morning (Sunday) for the Gospel Brunch – I’m sitting here now listening to Darin & Brooke Aldridge.

It’s not been quite as hot this year. There’s been a breeze and the humidity isn’t 100%, thank you God.

The band last night was AMAZING. Greensky Bluegrass. They performed a tribute to everyone’s favorite legend, Jimmy Buffet. I cannot believe he’s gone! What in the world?

We’ve talked to so many people this weekend who are here for the first time. The common comment has been how nice Tryon Equestrian is. Actually, one couple used the word “classy.” Apparently, most of them thought they’d be standing in an open grass field the whole time. I knew we wouldn’t be in a field, but I’m still amazed at this place every time we come.

Another beautiful thing about the Equestrian Center is the food. There are lots of food trucks this year. It was perfect for grabbing a quick slice of pizza last night before the band played. When we need a little (aka a LOT) of AC in the middle of the day, we like to eat at Roger’s Diner. Yesterday, I ate a chicken wrap and very crispy tots! I’ve never had a dish I didn’t like! The service is stellar and the AC is always appreciated. Oh yeah, the sweet tea made me so happy. Sweet tea just goes with bluegrass, doesn’t it?

This afternoon we attended a workshop led by Jerry Douglas. Now I’m going to unplug for a bit and grab another bite before The Foreign Landers take the stage (they’re from Travelers Rest – stay tuned for their backstory). Tonight, before we head home, we get to listen to Emmylou Harris!