It was just over a year ago that I first visited the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center for the BlissDom conference. It was unlike any hotel I had ever experienced. I couldn’t wait to return with my family later in the year.

And then… devastation. On May 1, 2010, Opryland Resort- and much of Nashville- was underwater. As photos and information appeared it was obvious that the resort would be closed for quite some time.

Visual Reminder of the Flood

Recently I returned to the Gaylord Opryland for the 2011 BlissDom conference. While I found much changed, the heart of the resort remained.

Changes in the Cascades Lobby

Cascade Lobby after the flood. Photo courtesy of Gaylord Opryland

The Cascades Lobby, one of the lowest points of the hotel, the flood waters reached 10 feet- almost to the top the the pillars just below the stained glass dome.

New Pillars Replaced the Roman Columns

New, sleek pillars have replaced the Roman columns, but the most noticeable difference is the disappearance of the concierge desk, which used to sit below the dome. In its place is a breathtaking hand blown glass sculpture titled “Resurgence”; brilliant flowers in jewel tones bursting powerfully upward. The accompanying plaque reads:

Resurgence

Another update in the lobby is the opening of a second check in area to help streamline guest check-in.  This was very apparent as there were three conferences happening when I visited, yet my time at check-in was under 5 minutes.  Take a moment to notice the obelisks on the counter.  They subtly change color; this helps the desk clerks to know how long a check-in is taking.

New Restaurants

In the Cascades the Cascades Bar was replaced by The Falls Bar, its edges guided by the path the Cascade Bar followed along its rotation. The Cocoa Bean, a new coffee spot, welcomes you to relax with comfortable seating, gourmet coffees, fresh pastry and delicious sandwiches.

The trio of restaurants in the Conservatory , where the water covered the tables and place setting floated gently, have been replaced by Ravello- fine Italian dining, Solario- upscale casual Mexican cuisine, and the Conservatory Bar- nestled in between, featuring international wines and mixed drinks. Can’t decide which restaurant to dine at? Stay in the Conservatory Bar and order from both!

The popular Jack Daniel’s Saloon will reopen soon in the Magnolia wing of the hotel, across from Findley’s Irish Pub.

Refreshed Rooms

Delta Guest Room After the Flood Photo courtesy of Gaylord Opryland

Amazingly only 115 guest rooms in the lower Delta level were flooded. These rooms were torn down to the studs and completely restored. While the resort was closed the entire Magnolia wing was refreshed and updated with new furniture and a contemporary feel. The new desks- with multiple outlets- were a welcome update to this traveler!

Updated Magnolia Room

The Gaylord Opryland is truly a resort under one roof. Whether you stay a few days or just visit for a day, make sure this is a stop on your Nashville vacation.

Photos, except those attributed to Gaylord Opryland, by JLHalsted

Looking for Orlando’s most relaxing experience?

My first suggestion would be one of the nearby beaches; you just can’t beat the sun, sand and melodic surf for natural relaxation. But if the weather isn’t cooperating or you aren’t keen on spending the day in a swimsuit, the next best thing is a day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes Resort.

First and foremost, give yourself permission to spend the day – or at least several hours – enjoying the spa facilities. One of my favorite things about this spa is that the purchase of any spa treatment gives you access to the entire spa facility for the full day, until the doors close at 7 pm at night.

For the price of a facial or manicure, you can give yourself hours and hours of pampering and relaxation.

But what would you do all day?

Of course you have a wide range of spa and salon treatments to choose from, including massages, skin treatments, manicures and pedicures. (I’ve always wanted to try the Ashiatsu Massage.) But before, between and after your services, you can spend your time leisurely taking advantage of the other amenities, including:

• Steam room, Sauna and Hot tub – great for the skin, tired muscles, and a mind desperate for a little calm.
• Spa cafe – have a healthy treat inside or outdoors beside the pool. Feel free to dine in your big comfy robe and slippers!
• Fitness center and lap pool – some people may find this relaxing or invigorating. At least, that’s what I’m told.
• The sanctuary room – this may be one of the great hidden gems of the spa. It’s a quiet room filled with ridiculously comfortable chairs and cushions, fur line throws and pillows. Sit and read while you sip tea and munch on fruit. Or you can do what I did Monday afternoon and enjoy a two-hour nap!

As you would expect in a spa, the atmosphere is quiet and soothing. Calming music plays throughout the facility and the staff is committed to creating a relaxing but friendly environment. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to spend hours doing little more than lounging and pampering yourself.

I first visited The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Grand Lakes Orlando a few months before moving to Central Florida. Four years later, it remains one of my favorite places in Orlando.

Photo Credit

What’s better than a day at my kids’ favorite science museum?  A day with free admission and special events at that museum, of course!  This Saturday, February 26, from 9 to 5, The Works, a science museum in Edina, Minnesota, is presenting its annual Tech Fest.  In celebration of National Engineers Week, the museum offers this free day of educational fun.

Special activities include hovercraft rides, a planetarium show, and chemistry shows, all of which my kids enjoyed last time we went to Tech Fest.  In addition, kids (and adults) can participate in hands-on activities like paper making, magnetic bridges, making slime, and more, and of course spend as much time in the museum as they wish.

Programmable Bee at The Works

I like The Works because it’s a smaller museum with lots of fun packed in.  I especially like that it’s my daughter’s favorite place, and while her brothers are off building walls with foam bricks or racing K’nex cars or controlling a robot, she’s figuring out binary numbers and color combinations and learning about pulleys and math and programming the bee while having fun the entire time. Read More »

Nestled in the Des Moines area known locally as “south of Grand”, sits Iowa’s Castle.  Shaded by mature trees and overlooking a magnificent English garden, Salisbury House welcomes thousands of visitors each year for events and tours.

Shakespeare on the Lawn at Salisbury House

Modeled After a Royal Manor in Salisbury, England

Carl Weeks was a pioneer in the women’s cosmetics industry.  His company, Armand Cosmetics, was one of the most successful beauty firms in the United States.  It was the fortunes of his company that allowed he and his wife to travel extensively.  It was during a 1921 trip to Salisbury, England that they saw The King’s House, which would become the model for the Des Moines, Iowa estate that was their home for almost 30 years.

Many of the building materials for the home, from the exterior flint from the White Cliffs of Dover to original Tudor ceilings, fireplaces, paneling and railings recycled from buildings around England.   While the house was designed to evoke Merry Old England, it contained all the modern conveniences of an “American Country House”; they were just integrated into the design or hidden in special alcoves.

The Treasures of Salisbury House Read More »