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Home » Home » The Beautiful Gaylord Opryland
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The Beautiful Gaylord Opryland

BonBon December 28, 2016 14 Comments

For this year’s Thanksgiving, my family decided to take our longest road trip yet. Our itinerary was from Dallas to Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee and onward to Bentonville in Arkansas before heading back home to Dallas. It was definitely an amazing trip – educational, fun and an unforgettable one. Lots to talk about from this trip but allow me to first share with you our stay at the famous Gaylord Opryland Resort.

I have learned that it is one of the largest hotels in the world and the largest non-casino hotel in the United States. However, it wasn’t just HUGE but also a really beautiful resort. We stayed for 4 nights to give time for my kids and my mom (their first time in Nashville) to explore this huge resort and surrounding areas; we thought it would need a few days of exploring and how right we were.

This hotel is not just a place to stay, it is itself a destination and an experience unto itself.

There were many things that WOWed us which made our stay so special and unforgettable; here are a few of them:

LUSH INDOOR GARDEN AND CASCADING WATERFALLS

This hotel has 9 acres of indoor gardens with such an amazing variety of plants, flowers, and trees…. Palms trees, lilies, orchids and a looooot more. I wondered so many times if this was a hotel or a greenhouse? My guess is as good as yours 🙂

The glass ceilings provide ample of light for the plants and trees to thrive all through the years. Not only do the ceilings provide natural light during the day but regardless of how cold it is outside the temperature inside is always temperate. So refreshing!!! And as the sun sets, the blend of shadows cast by the plants along with strings of lights gives an air of serenity and romance to the place. But you really need to wait until night time… WOW!!! the place magically turns into a wonderland!!! A Christmas wonderland if you’re there around the holidays.

The Cascades during the day...
The Cascades Atrium during the day…

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This was taken around sunset time. Beautiful view from our room.
This photo was taken around sunset. Beautiful view from our room balcony.

The Gaylord was EXTRA gorgeous because of the holiday decor.With more than 2 million twinkling lights and festive new décor… night time is just extraordinary! WOW!!!

Magical night... my photo wouldn't do any justice.
Magical night… my photo just doesn’t do any justice.

The Delta Atrium is the largest atrium out of the three at the resort – there is a cute “main-street” along with shops and restaurants at this area. Beware of the toy store if you have kids with you 😉 . In this atrium you can take a scenic riverboat ride all the while admiring some of the various plants that were cultivated by the hotel’s horticulture staff.

Delta Atrium is surrounded with water:) So cool...
Delta Atrium is surrounded by water:) I love those hot Air Balloons… so cool.
We took the ride... short but the kids had fun looking at all the fishes and plants as the guide talk about it:)
We took a boat ride… short but the kids had fun looking at all the fishes and plants as the guide talk about it:)
You pass through under bridges during the ride:)
You pass under bridges and trees during the ride:)

It glows at night.

It glows at night.

Garden Conservatory Atrium is my favorite of them all. Here you will see beautiful tropical plants like palm, coconut and banana trees… It felt like I was back home in the Philippines 🙂 There are lots of lilies and orchids to admire… Totally, breathtaking!!! True to Nashville’s music culture, this atrium was decked with various displays of music notes and instruments.

 

Tropical plants in abundance... WOW!!!
Tropical plants in abundance… WOW!!!

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The crystal Gazebo, probably the most photograph spot in this hotel:)
The crystal Gazebo, probably the most photograph spot in this hotel:)
At peace in this lovely place.
At peace in this lovely place.
Tons of fishes...
Lots of fishes to the delight of the kids…
My Mom's happy place:)
My Mom’s happy place:)
My loves, enjoying the scenery:)
My loves, enjoying the scenery:)
And my hubby, can't get stop taking pictures:)
And my hubby, can’t stop taking pictures:) (he’s just playing around here)

ICE! Exhibition featuring Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The ICE! is Gaylord’s holiday attraction which has a different theme each year. We have been a couple of times to it at the Gaylord Texan and it’s always been fun. This time, the kids really had tons of fun with the slides and watching some scenes from “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” story. The story is brought to life in magnificent sculptures hand-carved from more than two MILLION pounds of ice.

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We all enjoyed our ICE! Adventure:)
We all enjoyed our ICE! Adventure:)

Tip: Gaylord normally run a holiday package promotion – best available room rates includes tickets to the ICE! Exhibit. 

Best of all are the ACTIVITIES that they offer to everyone, especially during the holiday. Here are some below.

 

The scavenger hunt was a HIT!!!
The scavenger hunt was a HIT!!! The kids had to find little elves around the hotel to solve a puzzle and win a prize.

While we were on the scavenger hunt, our girl bumped into her best friend from school, Lydia. During the entire trip before, she kept on telling us that her bff was going to Tennessee and would meet up with her. And, when I asked where in Tennessee, she said that she doesn’t know… but she’s still going to meet her anyways. And yes… she did meet her… in the biggest hotel in the world. HA!!! WOW…the power of Law of Attractions Indeed…

She's super happy to meet her Bff:)
She’s super happy to meet her Bff:)
An evening horse-drawn carriage ride to go around the property and enjoy the beautiful outdoor decorations and lights
An evening horse-drawn carriage ride to go around the property and enjoy the beautiful outdoor decorations and lights

 

 

Beautiful Gaylord Opryland at night!!!
Stunning Gaylord Opryland at night!!!

The whole property was fully decked with holiday decor. SO beautiful:)

IMG_2587

20161125_105728

 

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So if you decide to stay at this hotel, getting a room with a balcony might be a great idea. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony – staring at the lights and of course, just people watching:) Shout out to the front desk (the person who helped us during check-in was a Filipina – bonus point). She gave us a perfect location room – upper level and near the waterfalls:)

Tip: Asked upper-level rooms for a better view of the atrium garden.

Overlooking the Cascades Atrium
Overlooking the Cascades Atrium

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Yes, the resort is also in a perfect location… 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from downtown…plus, the Grand Ole Opry House is just a few minutes walk away.

The famous Grand Ole Opry

The famous Grand Ole Opry

As I said, it was my kids and my mom’s first time in Nashville too so we drove to downtown twice during the day and on one night, my husband and I took Uber downtown to experience the famous Broadway Street night scene.

Broadway Street at night

Out and About, Nashville Downtown:) Honky Tonks indeed... HA!
Out and About, Nashville Downtown on Broadway Street 🙂 Honky Tonks indeed… HA!
2nd Avenue, Nashville

 

1st Avenue, Nashville
1st Avenue, Nashville which overlooks the Cumberland River
Playing around with my girl:) The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens.
Playing around with my girl:) The Parthenon in Nashville, Tennessee is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens.

George Jones Rooftop Barriver boat

The rooftop bar at George Jones Museum with spectacular views of the AT&T Building aka “Batman Building” as well as the Cumberland River, you may even spot a river boat

 

Tip: The Opry Mills is a block from the hotel if you are up for some good shopping galore. Plus, the Aquarium Restaurant is located inside the mall. I do recommend to try this place; they have a good menu selection – food is good as well. Take your whole family for an underwater adventure – a unique experience that you should try at least one’s in your life:)

A unique dining experience...
A unique dining experience…

I hope you get to stay or visit the beautiful Gaylord Opryland some day and enjoy your stay as we did:)

My beautiful family enjoying the beautiful Gaylord Opryland!!!
My beautiful family enjoying the beautiful Gaylord Opryland!!!

Thanks for dropping by:)

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BonBon

Call me BonBon!!! I am here to help you with your family travel plans and to inspire you to get out of your comfort zone. GO and explore the world. Travel. Learn. Evolve.

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14 Comments

  1. CHLOE LIN Reply
    January 15, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    THIS PLACE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND family friendly! What a good way to spend your thanksgiving here!

    • BonBon Reply
      January 17, 2017 at 1:24 pm

      Thank you Chloe for dropping by. It is indeed an amazing place for the whole family:) Happy travels…

  2. mark wyld Reply
    January 15, 2017 at 12:50 am

    Wow its like an indoor theme park with plants, The air balloons are amazing inside. I can never quite believe that Nashville has a pantheon. I find that so strange on many levels but hay it seems like a place worth a visit. The aquarium dining experience looks amazing

    • BonBon Reply
      January 17, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      SUPER, rgt?!? Th resort was transformed into a winter wonderland inside and out!!! STUNNING!!! Bravo to all the crew and the horticulturists:)

  3. Lara Dunnign Reply
    January 15, 2017 at 12:27 am

    I’ve never heard of the Gaylord Opryland. I would really like spending time in the gardens. The holidays with all the lights and decorations look like a great time to go. Thanks for sharing.

    • BonBon Reply
      January 17, 2017 at 1:29 pm

      Yeah, i think the holiday is the perfect time to go!!! THope to get to see this place one of these days:) Thanks for dropping by:)

  4. Rashmi and Chalukya Reply
    January 15, 2017 at 12:20 am

    Must agree the Gaylord Opryland Resort is a destination in ITSELF. Loved the indoor embellishments they are gorgeous and the Ice Exhibition will be a fun for kids.

    • BonBon Reply
      January 17, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      Yup, tourists, and locals are flocking to this resort all year round and this place is extra gorgeous during the holidays:)

  5. Kelly | TastingPage Reply
    January 8, 2017 at 11:36 am

    Wow, those gardens are spectacular. I can sit and stare at it all day. And what a great job they do at the holidays. so festive!

    • BonBon Reply
      January 8, 2017 at 11:46 am

      Yeah, right?!? AMAZING horticulture!!! Whoever he/she is, must be so proud looking at all the plants growing and adapting so well:) Decor is spectacular as well!!! Thanks for dropping a note;)

  6. Brianna Simmons Reply
    January 7, 2017 at 7:02 pm

    Wow, the Gaylord Opryland really knows how to dress up for the holidays! You guys look like had great time.

    • BonBon Reply
      January 8, 2017 at 11:51 am

      They did an amazing job considering there are so many plants that they can potentially harm while putting up the lights…. WOW…. 2million lights!!! And yes, we had a great time… Gaylord Opryland is the place to be:)

  7. Jessica The Dining Traveler Reply
    January 7, 2017 at 3:22 pm

    What a beautiful winter wonderland! So many great things to do. We have a Gaylord Hotel near DC. They also go all out with their holiday display.

    • BonBon Reply
      January 8, 2017 at 11:54 am

      Same here in Dallas, we have one and they decorate the place like it’s the last Christmas hahaha A destination in itself, indeed:) Hope you ahd a wonderful holiday:) xoxo

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Call me BonBon... I am a mom of 2 beautiful toddlers. My family loves to discover new things near and far... So, I am here to inspire your whole family to travel, to get out of your comfort zone and to explore this wonderful world. And, I am here to help you get started:) Stay in touch!!!

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