We’ve always enjoyed visiting the Nashville area, and on this trip we managed to grab a great spot at 7 Points Corps of Engineers Campground, just outside of town on J. Percy Priest Lake. You can see our review here. The weather was insufferably hot – mid 90s and humid, and we decided to pass on a visit downtown with the crowds, heat, and very expensive parking. Instead, we decided to revisit one of our favorite places, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. We had attended a conference here back in my working days, and were amazed then, as we were again, at this huge, beautiful facility. With 2800 rooms and over 600,000 square feet of meeting space, 15 restaurants and 3600 employees, it’s a city in itself – and all that space doesn’t include the four magnificent “atriums” that cover nine air-conditioned acres. The largest atrium, “Delta” is so large that it has a 1/4 mile river that meanders through the gardens. Each Atrium has a separate theme, but all four are filled with trees, flowers, fountains, and waterfalls. It’s hard to believe that you’re indoors – I can’t imagine the energy cost to keep the entire 9 acres at a comfortable 72 degrees! Some views of the atriums:
The sound of rushing water from the many fountains and waterfalls is everywhere:
Ah, and the flowers; everywhere flowers….
As we were walking around, we were shocked to find a group of Vulcans having lunch. Turns out there was a Star Trek convention going on while we were there, and many of the attendees came in full costume:
Nashville was great, but it was time to move on, so we’ll get back to you with more tales of our travels!