“Down on music row. Down on music row. If you want to be a star. That’s where you’ve got to go.”
Living in Nashville is a lot like these infamous lyrics by the ultimate Tennessean herself Dolly Parton. It definitely has its perks; live music on just about every corner/any day of the week, frequent celeb sightings, and southern food so good even your meemaw’s mouth will water! Let’s face it, there’s never a shortage of things to do in this thriving town. We have staples like the Ryman, The Bluebird Cafe, The Grand Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame just to name a few. Stars are born, made, and buried in this storytelling town. With strong country roots like this, it’s no wonder fans and friends flock here by the groves.
If you haven’t been to Nashville yet, it’s more than likely than not that it’s at the top of your list. Coming from a true Nashvillian, there is no better place to rest your boots than the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Catch a live show from some of your favorite artists at the Grand Ol Opry, make a splash at Soundwaves indoor/outdoor water park, skate your way under twinkling lights at Winterfest, then unwind and grab a bite in the vastly impressive botanical atrium. Opryland has truly got a little bit of something for everyone.
We spent the weekend celebrating my oldest daughters 12th birthday at the Gaylord Resort this past weekend and “my oh my” it did not disappoint! Those tweens had more activities to do than they could have possibly imagined. After a seamless check in, we headed to our garden view room overlooking all of the restaurants and gorgeous botanical terrain. I’ve stayed in both non-garden rooms as well as garden view and in my opinion it is well worth it to request the garden view for your stay. They have the most charming balconies to sit and relax on while you sip on your favorite cocktail.
Next, we headed to ride the tide at Opryland’s Soundwaves. This isn’t your average water park friends, it’s 111,000 sq. feet of upscale attractions. The kids got carried away in the Rapids River, face planted on the Crowd Surfer, competed in a game of friendly basketball in the Lagoon Activity pool, and rode water slides until there skin turned to prunes, there was truly something for everyone. They even have an adults only area upstairs if you are visiting sans kiddos. If you prefer to have a little privacy, you can pre-rent your own cabana. We really enjoyed this feature, it allowed us to order as much food and drinks as we wanted yet still have a designated place to celebrate with her friends. Soundwaves is a great option for any season, seeing as not many pools are open in the winter and if you come during summer months, you can enjoy both the indoor as well as the outdoor amenities.
Another perk about hitting Opryland during the winter months is that you also get a chance to attend their majestic Winterfest! I think the kids may have had almost more fun here if that’s even possible. All activities are just a short walk outside of the hotel. The kids battled in Ice Bumper Cars, raced down Ice Tubes, and skated to songs by many of our beloved iconic Christmas greats. Hot cocoa and snacks were readily available if you needed a pick me up!
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is just another reason to make a stop in Music City. You could spend your entire vacation just at the resort and not even have to head into town. Book a show, race down the waterslides, eat endless pasta at Ravello restaurant (its my personal fav), have the entire family compete in one of the scavenger hunts. Every season is a celebration at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
I leave you with a few words to the wise from some of Music City’s greats
Dolly. “If you don’t like the road you’re walkin, start paving another one.”
Johnny Cash. “Trust gets you killed. Love gets you hurt and being real gets you hated.”
Kasey Musgraves. “Maybe in a world of squares you’re just round. You can’t be everybody’s cup of tea.”
Willie Nelson. “If you wait for tomorrow to follow your dreams, by the time you get there they’re gone.”
Loretta Lynn. “You’ve got to continue to grow, or you’re just like last nights cornbread – stale and dry.”
Chris Stapleton. “At the end of the day, I just have to do what I do and let it be what it’s gonna be.”
George Jones. “When you’re happy you enjoy the music. When you are sad, you understand the lyrics.”
Reba McEntire. “To succeed in life you need three things; a wishbone, a backbone, and a funnybone.”
*For addition information and to book your next stay at the Gaylord Opryland Resort visit their website
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center/
Great review Leslie. I will definitely put this place on my “bucket list”!