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Photo Courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort

Your Next-Door Adventure Awaits at Gaylord Opryland Resort

A place where you can experience everything, everywhere, all at once.

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Nashville, Tennessee, best known as Music City, is a place where you can explore a diverse scene of history, arts and culture, cuisine, shopping, museums, and most notably, music. Let’s not forget the legendary mix of sounds from musicians and artists - country, rock, R&B, and even jazz - born out of the Tennessee capitol, hence its nickname. 

Another major statement of Nashville is its attractive list of places to stay while visiting, whether you’re venturing on a couple’s getaway, family vacation, or girls’ trip. Nashville literally offers places to go and things to do for every occasion based on the memories you desire to create. If you’re looking to voyage to a place where you can park your car and check your bags, never having to leave your temporary living quarters, then Nashville has just the spot for your next vacay - Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Situated in the heart of Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center offers a stunning resort where you can capture unforgettable moments, affording you the opportunity to find all things in one place. Waterslides, river rides, spa retreats, good eats, boutiques, and all the amenities you can think of under one roof makes for a great place where the whole family can enjoy making memories together. 

I was recently able to visit the all-inclusive resort with my family for a summer experience, which was only a neighboring 3-hour drive from my hometown of Memphis. 

Gaylord Opryland offers an enchanting nine acres of airy indoor garden atriums, award-winning restaurants and bars, the world-class European-inspired Relâche Spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. SoundWaves, the resort’s upscale indoor and outdoor aquatic attraction, offers four acres of year-round indoor and seasonal outdoor play structures, including 11 waterslides, double FlowRider, relaxing lazy river, serene cabanas, music, and on-site dining options. 

Gaylord Opryland is second-to-none when it comes to exquisite architecture and landscaping. Starting with the atriums, from glass ceilings, to breathtaking waterfalls, bridges, and the entire gardens that light up during your nightly stroll, it is sure to present a pleasant vibe whether seeing your child’s face light up or taking in a romantic moment with your spouse. The resort also produces light and fountain shows, a Horticultural Trek, a variety of selfie spots, Animal Encounters—an educational opportunity where guests can have close-up encounters with incredible creatures, and Wildlife Rescue—an augmented reality experience to virtually search the resort for endangered animals. The atriums are also home to thousands of plants, flowers, and a flowing river.

With 2,888 rooms - 171 suites and five themed presidential suites - you can choose to walk directly through french-styled doors to your furniture-designed patio overlooking all of the charm, or if you’d rather whisk your curtains open to a bay window instead, the lush rooms are sure to remind you that relaxation is definitely on the agenda.  

Throughout the resort, infinite dining options await, including authentic Italian cuisine at Ravello, gourmet steaks and an award-winning wine list at Old Hickory Steakhouse, Mexican fare and signature margaritas at Solario Cantina, along with classic dishes, gourmet breakfast buffet, and fresh sushi at Cascades American Cafe.

For a quick lesson on the history of Gaylord Opryland, hop aboard the Delta Riverboat, the resort’s famous boat ride that travels down a winding scenic river inside of a 4.5-acre indoor garden. You can learn about the resort’s exotic plants, fish, and more, during the adventure. Or, head on over to the pool party for music, games, and fun in the sun at the Cascades outdoor resort pool.

If that isn’t enough, Gaylord Opryland promises you even more thrills during their Summer of More festivities - now through September 4 - where you can discover more of what you love: more adventure, more fun, more time together, more memories. So much so, they’ve created an App to help you navigate your one-stop-shop experience on the resort. Summer of More includes a brand-new variety of seasonal activities, such as fantasy-filled Pirates & Princesses themed experiences. 

Gaylord Opryland is a resort where families come back year after year during any season to make memories,” says Stefanie Ball, public relations manager at Gaylord Opryland. “Our Summer of More programming offers something the entire family will enjoy from kid-friendly activities, to relaxing spa treatments.”

Here are some of the new experiences families can look forward to during Summer of More: 

More for the Kiddos

  • Adventure Kids’ Clubhouse - Kids can let their inner artist come to life while creating delightful, seasonally inspired crafts. 
  • Adventure Kids: Join The Club! - Young guests are invited to join Bella the Blue Tick Hound, Brody the Black Bear, and everyone's favorite Adventure Kid, Sophie, in this new, live interactive show where they will learn, imagine, explore, and discover the wonders of summer.   

More for the Whole Family

  • Pirate Treasure Hide and Sea-k Scavenger Hunt - Families can set off on a swashbuckling scavenger hunt throughout the resort to search for clues to uncover hidden gems in this interactive treasure quest.  
  • Adventure Kids Rise & Shine - Families can start their morning off right by using their in-room television to do yoga with Sophie from the Adventure Kids in the comfort of their own room. 
  • Lost Treasure Flatboat Voyage - Everyone can climb aboard the fanciful flatboat voyage and look for clues to find rare and priceless gems. As you sail along, you can listen to tales about the rare and priceless gems that were lost in the waters of the Cumberland River, never to be seen again.     

More Relaxation 

  • Soothing Summer Spa Relaxation - Step inside Relâche Spa for the ultimate summer relaxation experience. The upscale spa is offering a variety of seasonal specials throughout Summer of More. If you missed Mother’s Month in May or the Father’s Rejuvenate and Recover package in June, no need to worry, because there’s more. From July 1 through August 31, you can enjoy the Summer of Spa Love package, which incorporates luxurious mojito treatments designed to soothe the mind, body, and soul.     

Because there is so much to offer, we think it’s important to offer different ways to enjoy the experiences,” says Ball. “Through our Summer of More package or our Summer of More and SoundWaves package, families can enjoy a variety of experiences.”

Some of Nashville's finest shopping experiences at distinctive boutiques, fashion stores, and retail shops are all available at Gaylord Opryland - Opry-inspired Western wear, souvenirs, jewelry, basic novelties, and even swimwear necessities.

If interested in checking out other staple Nashville adventures, you can board the General Jackson Showboat for a midday or evening cruise with first-class live entertainment on deck, a delectable Southern meal prepared by Gaylord Opryland Resort’s award-winning chefs, and stunning views of Nashville. Other attractions include an 18-hole Gaylord Spring Golf Links, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Wildhorse Saloon. Gaylord Opryland even provides shuttle service to a variety of destinations (be sure to check with your concierge). 

Gaylord Opryland believes in the importance of supporting family-time together. “Gaylord Opryland is known for hosting seasonal family-friendly events,” says Ball. “No matter the season, we create an environment where families can enjoy their time together while creating lasting memories.”

And, that is exactly what my very own family intended and succeeded!

So, if you’re looking to experience everything, everywhere, all at once for the whole family, Gaylord Opryland is a great place to begin or continue making unforgettable memories.

For more information about Gaylord Opryland and Summer of More, visit GaylordOpryland.com.