As a matter of fact, I was in Gatlinburg (the gateway to the Smokies, as it's touted) back in May for my sister's wedding. Highs: The Smokies. Lows: driving through Pidgeon Forge to get there.

Louisville was the original site for the Grand Ole Opry, but city officials nixed the idea. Hindsight, as they say, is 20-20.

Nashville is supposed to be the friendliest city in the U.S.

Before I die, I'm going to take a tape of original songs downtown to all the record companies, just to say I did. I'll ring you up and buy you a drink to celebrate my impending "success."

Wish me luck...signed, "the soon-to-be next hot country hunk"