Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

On Thursday, Mike, Retha, Bob, and I drove over to the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center to see this iconic facility. I found it amazing, with 17 restaurants, shopping, recreational activities including golf, 3 pools and a spa, and entertainment under very large glass atriums. It reminded me of the Biosphere outside of Tucson, AZ with its huge domed roof, creating its own world.

We were greeted by several staff members who were unfazed to have outsiders wandering around, and we were made to feel quite welcome.

Inside the atriums we were treated to these sights.

 Here you can see the balconies of the hotel rooms that ring the area and overlook the lush gardens and water features.

L-R: Mike, Retha, me, and Bob. A kind visitor took our photo.

 An actual river runs through the hotel, and you can take a guided boat tour if you like.

There are streets with shops and restaurants, where you can meander.

These musical horses stand outside one of the shops. Who knew horses played the guitar?

Afterwards we went for lunch at a Moe's Southwest Grill and wandered around a Bed Bath & Beyond. We bought a hanging shoe rack with pockets, that I later cut apart and hemmed. 

Bob used screws and washers to attach the sections of pockets to the base of the bed, giving us some extra shoe storage. I've been wanting to do this for a long time, so I'm a "happy camper!"