A Country Christmas at Opryland Hotel

This afternoon Gene and I took our annual stroll through Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel and Convention Center. Each year at the holiday season, the hotel is decorated to the nines and they call it “A Country Christmas”.  Thousands of visitors lose themselves in the spirit of the season as they gaze at the magnificent displays in literally every nook of this massive hotel.  The Delta area, as well as the Conservatory, have glass roofs, so you would get the best effect of the lighting after dark.  However, I didn’t think I would be able to get very good photos with only my little camera flash in such a massive area, so we went this afternoon to take advantage of the brilliant sunshine flowing through the roof.

One of the big draws to Opryland is their outdoor lighting display.  I went over this morning to get shots of the nativity scene, but it might actually be better to try that after dark.

We have to drive by the hotel to go almost anywhere and during those drive bys I have been trying to determine the best vantage point for a good shot of the lights.  It seems that I would have to stand on the off ramp to McGavock Pike on the westbound side of Briley Parkway.  That’s a heavy traffic area, especially with folks coming to the hotel to see the lights.  The road builders must have realized this was the best place to make a picture because there is a sidewalk along a portion of that ramp.  I think I will give it a try, but not today.  It is suppose to be 20 degrees tonight.  I ain’t going out in that kind of cold just to get a picture.  But this is Nashville, and, like they say, if you don’t like the weather today, just wait a couple days and it will change.  When it does, I’ll be out there risking life and limb to bring you the outdoor light display at Opryland Hotel.

Until then, enjoy these shots from inside the hotel and the nativity scene.  For photos taken both inside and out during spring, see the April 18th entry.

A roaring fire in the Magnolia lobby.

Opryland Hotel

The official name now is Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Now this is a nice hotel with almost 3,000 rooms. I would venture to guess that most Nashvillians have been to Opryland Hotel at some point in time. We don’t go to stay there overnight (though I’m sure some have to celebrate a special occasion); we go there just to look around. One of the most popular times to go is during December when the hotel and grounds are elaborately decorated for the holiday season. I’ve been going there during the holidays almost from the time the first tree was lit.

The Delta at Opryland Hotel

Things have changed over the years, of course, like everything else changes. Now they charge to park, and it is a hefty price, too. If you don’t mind a little walk, you can park at Opry Mills (where the Opryland Theme Park used to be) and walk across the parking lot, down a short walkway and in the Delta River entrance. Easy. That is what I did yesterday, along with several dozen others. Several new additions have been made to a hotel that was massive to start with. The newest Delta area offers visitors rides on small flat boats up the river, and shops along a short “street” like one you might find in New Orleans. Spanish moss even hangs from the trees.

Shops in the Delta Area

Walkway to the rooms

The hotel has created a special place in the 9 acres of well manicured grounds outside and “greenhouse” inside. Many people, including myself, like to stroll along the walkways lined with trees, shrubs, and flowers. And water is everywhere—fountains, waterfalls, small pools and the “river” in the Delta River area.

Most upscale hotels will have a restaurant and gift shop. At Opryland there are many, many eating establishments—everything from a small kiosk offering soft drinks and snacks, to restaurants great for a light lunch, to formal dinner seating at water’s edge. An abundance of shopping can be done, as well. Handbags, children’s clothing, leather goods, kitchen gadgets, you name it and it can be yours for a price.

I don’t think I could recommend staying there overnight. The rates are somewhere in the $200. range. I heard someone say once that “you should never pay very much for a motel room. Once you turn out the lights and close you eyes, all rooms look the same.” However, it is free to go in the hotel (park at Opry Mills) and it is definitely worth a visit.