The Parthenon ...

...but not in Athens. I'm in Nashville! There's a full-scale replica in
Centennial Park! Craziness... Apparently, it was built as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition of 1897. The original building wasn't made to last, but the Nashvillians loved it so that it was re-erected as a permanent structure.


It had all of the usual pretty park-ish things — benches, flowering trees, fountains, walking path — plus swings! Not kiddie swings — adult swings scattered all over, perfect for one or two people to sway in the breeze. I was thrilled.



The curvy, artsy chairs here were cool. This one seats at least three, facing backward, forward, backward. I bet the two on the end can project their voices better if everyone is engaged in conversation. And it looks fun, too.


A mile-jogging path loops a lake.


And winter? Winter is leaving the South ...


Check out these gorgeous blooms...





I was also a fan of the weird and vivid park art. Like, what is the dude doing? Is he on the grass? Is that a golf ball in front of his nose? Is that a drain spout, and he's swimming in water?

No idea. One of the many days I wished for an artist's statement.


I wish I had had more time to linger, but it was time to get on the road. If you are ever driving through Tennessee, this park is not far off the interstate and completely worth the detour.