I Surprised My Wife With the Birthday Trip She’s Always Wanted

Yesterday was my wife Keri’s 36th birthday, and somehow I managed to keep one of the biggest surprises I’ve ever planned completely under wraps.

We got together with family for lunch at Western View Golf & Pub in Augusta, and as far as she knew, our anniversary plans were already set.

Every year, we usually head to Boston. We love Boston, we know Boston, and it’s become kind of our anniversary tradition.

a view of a city from across the water

So naturally, that’s exactly where she thought we were going again.

Except we’re not.

Keri has ALWAYS wanted to go to Nashville. And honestly, so have I. It’s one of those trips we’ve talked about forever, but it always seemed to stay in the “someday” category.

At lunch, I handed her the birthday card I’d been waiting for her to open. Inside was the surprise:

In two weeks, we’re flying to Nashville.

red and yellow led signage

Broadway. Honky-tonks. Live music everywhere. Neon lights. Drinks. Tourist traps. And, knowing me, probably chicken tenders at an embarrassing number of restaurants.

Watching her realize we were actually going was easily the best part of the whole surprise.

Instead of celebrating our anniversary in Boston this year, we’ll be doing it in Music City, checking off a trip that’s been on both of our lists for years.

red and black acoustic guitar

I have a feeling this one is going to be a pretty memorable adventure.

And don’t worry, I fully plan on taking way too many pictures while we’re there.

When we get back, I’ll share the photos, the highlights and probably another article about whatever trouble we managed to get ourselves into on Broadway.