While in Nashville for a weekend vacation two weekends ago, James and I took Poppy and my brother to the Lane Motor Museum. The Lane Motor Museum is a neat little museum that is housed in an old 132,000 square foot bakery. What interested me most, however, is that the museum features the largest collection of European vehicles in the United States. I am not huge into cars, but I can appreciate such an important collection. Furthermore, both my brother and my husband like cars, so I figured going to the Lane Motor Museum would be a treat for both of them.
When we got to the museum, we pulled into the parking garage and discovered that the display of cars started outside in the garage. On one side was parking for museum guests and on the other side was a collection of cars including military vehicles and a really cool old silver RV. I made us walk down to the RV for pictures. Peering inside the vehicle, we were surprised to find a gas stove. I love my gas stove at home, but I sure would not want to be cooking with gas in my motorized home!
Running with Poppy in her stroller through the drizzle and flurries that I really did not expect for Nashville, we then entered the front doors of the museum. Right inside the front doors was a little car. After we paid our admission, we entered the exhibit area. I was surprised to find that museum was completely open. Nothing was behind glass or ropes. Although signs all over the place instructed museum guests not to touch most of the vehicles, one blue car was set up for touching and pictures. Poppy and I, of course, had to climb inside for a photo opp!
James and my brother had a great time looking at all the vehicles. James took a lot of pictures, and I took a few of my favorite cars. My most favorite vehicle was one that James and my brother almost missed. At the end of a hall of motorcycles was a sign pointing out a window under a platform that read “Unique.” I, of course, climbed up onto the platform and peered out the window. I expected to see some cars lined up outside. To my surprise, I found a huge military vehicle that turned out to be the largest vehicle in the world. My entire house could have easily fit atop this craft! When I asked James and my brother about it, they were confused, having been too entranced by the motorcycles. Silly boys! Going back to peer out the window, both were just as captivated by the huge vehicle as I was.
Not being as into cars as my husband or brother, my favorite part of the museum was the area for children. Right in the center of one side of the enormous room was a raised platform with some car toys for kids and a table with chairs for adults. When Poppy got hungry, I was able to sit down in one of the chairs and comfortably nurse her. Should we ever go back to the Lane Motor Museum when she is older, I also appreciate having an area for her to run around in without having to worry about her touching one of the valuable cars. All in all, I think that our trip to the car museum was a smash! If you are ever in Nashville, I highly recommend stopping by the Lane Motor Museum for an hour or two.
Image Credits
White Car at the Lane Motor Museum © 2012 Heather Johnson
Blue Car at the Lane Motor Museum © 2012 Heather Johnson
Car with Miniature Boat at the Lane Motor Museum © 2012 Heather Johnson
Green and White Car at the Lane Motor Museum © 2012 Heather Johnson
Red Car at the Lane Motor Museum © 2012 Heather Johnson
Giant Military Vehicle at the Lane Motor Museum © 2012 Heather Johnson
