Ever since I heard about the upcoming solar eclipse in my 2011 astronomy class, I anticipated traveling to the path of totality to experience the celestial event for myself. When we planned our trip, Jacob and I choose to drive to Nashville out of convenience; it was the closest city to us in the path of totality, and neither Jacob nor I had ever been before.

I had no desire to go to Nashville before planning this trip around the solar eclipse. I had the idea that Nashville was nothing but a country-music city—not the type of place that really attracted me. Little did I know that by the time we left, Nashville would become my most beloved city.