The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is a must-see for anyone living or visiting Nashville. Within the resort’s atrium, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent waterfalls, pathways, and greenery. You’ll feel like you are on a tropical vacation. It is unlike anything I have ever seen, which is why I highly recommend that you and your family explore this one-of-a-kind resort.
Do You Need to Stay at the Hotel to Visit the Grounds?
What I love about the resort is that you don’t have to stay at the hotel in order to walk their beautiful grounds. You can park in their free one-hour check-in parking, or if you plan on visiting longer, pay around $40, including tax, for parking.
The first time I went with my wife, I thought one hour would be plenty of time to check out the resort, but I was wrong. The parking fee was well worth it, and I didn’t want to leave! We felt as if we were on some tropical vacation away from life’s stressors.
If you plan on staying at the resort, it has more than 2,888 rooms, making the list of the top 30 largest hotels in the world.
What Makes the Gaylord Opryland Resort So Special?
From the moment you walk into the resort, you feel as though you’ve traveled to some tropical jungle with fountains, impressive waterfalls, pathways through lush greenery, and a giant river running through the cliffs and trees. It is spectacular.
The rooms overlook the various areas of these beautiful sceneries. Whether you want to sit on your balcony to drink your coffee, read a good book, or just enjoy the view, this resort allows you to feel relaxed and in awe.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is not just any ordinary hotel. It’s a vacation all in one place. It has so much to offer, from relaxation and dining to shopping and entertainment.
Can you Eat at the Gaylord Opryland Resort?
The resort has created an environment where everything you need for a great vacation is right at your fingertips, including places to dine.
There’s a multitude of restaurants to choose from little cafes, coffee houses, pizzerias, and ice-cream shops to fancy steak restaurants.
My wife and I have eaten at a handful of the places, and they did not disappoint. Their highly recommended Old Hickory Steakhouse is a must, especially for those romantic date nights. With its antebellum-style architecture, this signature restaurant offers a wide selection of steaks and premium wines. We do recommend calling to make reservations beforehand. Here’s the link to their website to view their full menu.
Another one of our favorite places to eat at the resort is the Cascades American Cafe. This gorgeous restaurant is surrounded by greenery and fountains and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Click here for their menu.
If you’re looking for a sports bar, look no further than Opryland’s Fuse Sports Bar. With over a hundred high-def televisions, this bar serves all your favorite tailgate-inspired foods including, chili cheese fries, burgers, wings, and steak. For their full menu click here.
Craving some good ole southern food? Look no further than Jack Daniel’s. I highly recommend their brisket, whether you order their brisket quesadilla, sloppy jack, or just some good ole sliced brisket. You won’t be disappointed. For their full menu, click here.
Some other restaurants I have not tried YET, are Wasabi’s Sushi, Ravello (Italian), and Solario Cantina (Mexican). There are also some other smaller bars and lounges, ice cream shops, a pizzeria, and a coffee shop.
Depending on what you are in the mood for, you can see that the Gaylord Opryland Resort has you covered! So whether you are staying at the hotel for a few days or just enjoying the night out, their selection of premium restaurants will not disappoint.
Gaylord Opryland’s Indoor/Outdoor Waterpark, SoundWaves
The resort offers its very own indoor and outdoor waterpark called SoundWaves. This upscale waterpark has fun for the whole family, whether you enjoy floating around a lazy river or the thrill of some exciting waterslides.
Unlike the rest of the amenities discussed previously, this attraction is only available to guests of the resort.
While anyone staying at the hotel can purchase entrance to the waterpark, guaranteed entry is only available when purchasing the exclusive SoundWaves Water Experience overnight package. You may purchase tickets after the fact, but if the waterpark is at capacity, unfortunately, you’re going to be out of luck.
Take a Ride on the Delta Riverboat
Available for all visitors is the Delta Riverboat. Cruise around the resort’s quarter-mile river. On your cruise, you’ll get to see Koi, Carp, and Catfish swimming along with you.
Not only that, but while you learn some fun facts about the origin of the resort, the riverboat will take you past some beautiful waterfalls and lush gardens.
Complimentary Shuttle to the Grand Ole Opry
Although the Grand Ole Opry isn’t inside the resort, it’s only a short shuttle away. This iconic venue is where country music was made famous. I highly recommend attending one of their shows during your visit.
Every show showcases a handful of artists, including your all-time favorites, today’s favorites, and new and upcoming artists. Enjoy an evening out with friends and family at the Grand Ole Opry.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to visit the Gaylord Opryhouse for the day or planning to stay at the resort, you will not be disappointed. It truly is a vacation all in one with amazing gardens and waterfalls, plenty of restaurants to choose from, and entertainment for the whole family.
Plus, you are close to so much more entertainment in the music city of Nashville.