Nashville Zoo

Last week was my first trip to the Nashville Zoo. And not just since moving to Nashville 7 months ago, but ever. So why didn't I go in all the 10 years I lived in Murfreesboro before moving to Birmingham? Here's the thing: I grew up in St. Louis. At least during your prime going-to-the-zoo years...I moved here (the 'Boro anyway) when I was 12. And, you see, the St. Louis Zoo is awesome. Like really awesome. And that's not just I-was-born-there-pride or childhood nostalgia talking- it's ranked #2 in the nation. Seriously, look it up. I think San Diego is probably #1. Anyway, aside from the size, cool exhibits and diversity of animals, the St. Louis Zoo is also awesome because it's free. They may charge for parking. So moving to TN, we were like, "what, you have to pay for the zoo? And it's not even as big as 'our' zoo?!" No interest in going. Anyway, I guess I got over all that by the time I had kids because we went to the B'ham Zoo all the time.

My sister is a member at the Nashville Zoo and was able to get me in free- I only had to pay for one child. It was a good day. The jury is out on which zoo I prefer- here or Birmingham. I like different things about each- B'ham had free parking (though it's included in membership here) and a really good layout. I loved all the trees here, but I felt like we did a lot of walking and very little seeing animals. I did like the picnic tables set up inside the zoo here...in B'ham, food was not allowed in the park, they had tables set up outside the zoo or you could eat in one of their cafeterias. And in B'ham I liked the mammal exhibits better...they had some tigers here but no lions, rhinos or hippos. Anyway, I'm sure I'll learn to love it here too. 

Jakers was so tired by the end of the trip

 No pictures please!