Every time we begin plotting vacation ideas here in the US I am always amazed by the vast size of our country. How incredible it would be if we could just move into an RV and drive, coast to coast, north to south, exploring every state at our leisure.

This year we will visit a few places new to our family as well as places my husband and I visited before we had kids, which we can’t wait to explore with the girls. Also included is a small “wish list” of destinations we would like to make it to, if time and money allow.

The Desert Southwest

Apache Junction

February will find my eldest daughter and I enjoying a long weekend in Chandler/Tempe/Mesa/Apache Junction, Arizona. I have visited in the past, but this will be Brenna’s first time seeing large cactus, mountains, and a real desert. We won’t get to the Grand Canyon, but have it on our “when the girls a re a bit older” list. Read More »

Nashville may be known as Music City, but in my book it is one of the most family friendly cities we have visited. No matter what activities your family enjoys, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained in Nashville.

Explore the Opryland Hotel

Whether you stay at this magnificent resort or only visit for an afternoon you must not skip the Gaylord Opryland. Inside her biodome- it’s always 72º indoors- you can wander through lush gardens, take a Delta boat cruise or watch a fountain show accompanied by music.

Fountain in the Conservatory

You’ll be able to please everyone in the family if you eat in the Delta. Kids will love building their own burger at Stax while family friendly Italian fare – and adult friendly wine- are available at Paisano’s. Take your food out to the dining area overlooking the river and fountains.

Opryland has three swimming pools- two outdoor and one indoor- for those kids that rate hotels by their pools. The Magnolia pool is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, while the Conservatory pool is great for a family with older children.

If you stay at Opryland be sure to get a garden view room. Not only will you overlook the beautiful gardens, but you can enjoy your morning coffee on a private balcony.

Nashville Food

Of course you’ll find anything you could want in Nashville’s restaurnat selection, but two restaurants are so fabulously kid friendly that they shouldn’t be missed.

Your kids will love making their own pancakes at the Pfunky Griddle. Just order the pancake mix, choose from a wide variety of toppings and then create breakfast masterpieces on the “griddle in the middle”.

The other must is Elliston Place Soda Shop for great hamburgers, thick milkshakes and ice cream sodas. Your kids will be fascinated by the individual jukeboxes at every booth.

Things to Do in Nashville

The Nashville Zoo sits on the historic Grassmere Plantation. In addition to animal exhibits visitors can also tour the plantation house, gardens and Grassmere Historic Farm.

Nashville is filled with Civil War history. Belle Meade Plantation had a battle fought on its front lawn, while Carnton Plantation served as a field hospital. Forts Nashborouh and Negley can be visited, as can The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson. The Tennessee State Mueum has one of the best Civil War exhibits in the US- along with many one-of-a-kind items from some of history’s most well-known figures.

Helicron at Lane Motor Museum

If you like cars- or even if you just think of them as basic transportation- the Lane Motor Museum will fascinate you. Filled with unique automobiles from around the word you’ll be amazed at the ingenuity and imagination of some manufacturers. From cars with three wheels, cars that are propeller powered and even a collection of amphibious cars, this former bakery building is filled with a collection that will astound you. Follow your visit with a Music City Duck Tour- an land and water tour of Nashville on a amphibious vehicle.

You really can’t visit Nashville and not take in some of its musical roots. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum features hands on displays and special childrens programs that tell the story of Country Music.

These are just a few of the activities Nashville offers families. I would love to hear your favorite things to do in Music City!

Opryland photo by JLHalsted

Helicron photo courtesy of SavvySource.com

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

While the Gaylord Opryland Hotel is a hotel there is enough going on inside its walls for it to be a destination in its own right.  And because it is always 72° inside the Opryland is a great place to spend the day when the weather gets cold.

Walking in the doors of the reception area you are greeted by an enormous stained glass dome directly over the concierge desk.  Adorned with butterflies, ladybugs, flowers, guitars and banjos it only hints at the beauty that waits beyond the lobby.

Stained Glass Dome

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