I wasn't prepared for Gaylord Opryland.
Sure, I'd looked at photos and studied the rides at Soundwaves with my six year old. I'd mapped out directions from the airport and looked into the resort amenities and nearby attractions. I'd done my research and planned accordingly. But what awaited my daughter and me upon arrival on a beautiful, early fall afternoon, was not what I was expecting. Not at all.
Let me back up.
A few years ago, I was invited to the opening of Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. It was during the busy back-to-school season and we had a conflict, but I remained on the media lists for events and openings, patiently staying on my radar as if waiting for the most opportune time to grab my attention.
My attention was grabbed this summer, as I began planning one-on-one trips with each of my kids. My youngest, Pearl, is happiest in the water and also a huge music lover. She's also a "yes, and" kind of gal and basically the coolest little human. So I reached out to my contact and arranged for us to spend a weekend at Gaylord Opryland, thinking we'd likely be at the Soundwaves waterpark the entire time, something I was 100% okay with because my daughter would be having a blast.
I wasn't thinking I, too, would be having a blast. Nor was I expecting to be so completely taken by Gaylord Opryland -- and the town of Nashville, Tennessee.
We arrived on a Friday afternoon and driving into the resort was a magical experience. Think beautifully landscaped grounds, rolling green hills... Gaylord Opryland makes an impression. We pulled into the parking lot to check in, grabbed our bags, and were immediately, and warmly, welcomed. The lobby of the hotel is jaw dropping, with stunning artwork and a front-row seat to Opryland's famed atriums.
Yes - atriums, plural. There are three atriums at Gaylord Opryland that feature waterfalls and winding waterways, koi ponds, spectacular floral arrangements, and a robust array of flora that rivals any botanical garden. Twinkle lights at night transformed these gardens into an enchanting world of wonder -- an experience we enjoyed whilst dining at several of Opryland's on-site restaurants. Even better? Our room had a balcony that opened out to this glorious oasis, and we fell asleep to the rush of a waterfall each night.
Gaylord Opryland is like Disney World, but if the latter were a music mecca in one of the coolest towns in the country. The resort is a world unto itself, complete with shopping, dining, entertainment, transportation (definitely take advantage of the shuttle!), and more. The front desk concierges were super helpful and learned our names after the first day; ditto for the valet drivers and restaurant servers. I recognize that getting valet service is a luxury, and while the resort covered the cost of our service, it was absolutely worth it for the convenience and also, surprisingly cost efficient as there's a daily rate for resort parking. Sprinkle in gorgeous scenery and greenery that made my tree-hugging heart happy, plus the incomparable service and hospitality you get at a Gaylord resort, and you have the makings of a truly memorable and special vacation.
It's virtually impossible for me to relax, even on vacation. I'm sure you can relate. My mind is always buzzing with deadlines, multiple kids' schedules, my own think tank rabbit holes... it's a lot. While I enjoy traveling with my family, I've recently discovered the joy of solo travel and vacationing with just one of my kids at a time. In these scenarios, I am able to melt into the kind of relaxed, spontaneous, in-the-moment person I want to be; I love who I am. Travel gives me the opportunity to be my best self.
Of course, I was set up for success with this trip to Nashville. Not only did I have accommodations at a world-class resort that felt like a destination designed especially for me, but I had the very best travel partner: my six-year-old daughter, Pearl.
There's a quote from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where the unlikely protagonist says "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." My trip to Nashville both defined -- and defied -- this. On one hand, I got to spend three uninterrupted days with my youngest born who is hilarious and thoughtful and kind and spontaneous. She lives every moment to its fullest and all she wants from me is... me. This trip made me appreciate her in a whole new way, and also marvel at how very wise she's gotten.
On the other hand, our three days in Nashville were lived. We woke up early and enjoyed breakfast by a duo of rushing waterfalls. We laughed hysterically zooming down waterslides and attempting to surf. We threw pennies into ponds and spent way too much at the hotel's arcade. We had fries and Shirley Temples for dinner. We walked hand-in-hand all over downtown Nashville, Opryland Resort, and the beautiful winding paths of the hotel's gardens. I took pictures -- but then put my phone down. I really, truly, lived every minute of this vacation and while I am sad it's over, I feel invigorated by the experience.
We'll be back, Gaylord Opryland -- I have a Soundwaves surf challenge to conquer!
Many thanks to Gaylord Opryland Resort for their hospitality. As part of my media visit, the resort covered our room, valet parking, and entry to Soundwaves. As you find yourself planning fall and holiday adventures, let this be your sign to visit Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. Southern hospitality, loads of fun, and a truly magical experience in Music City await.
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