Photos courtesy of Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Published: April 30, 2024
By: Carol Muse Evans
It’s great for the family, and it’s great for alone time with your spouse, but do you realize how terrific the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville can be for a girls’ trip?
My cousin and I set out for just that early last summer, and the destination did not disappoint. Other than a quick trip to Opry Mills (outlet next door), we didn’t leave the property and had the time of our lives, enjoying being together and creating great memories.
The Relache Spa is right in the center of the resort, and you can opt for one or two treatments or a whole day of luxury. From soothing massages to body wraps for firming and even manicures, you’ll get world-class pampering and relaxation at Relache. On my visit, I got a facial that included a massage on my neck and my head. Talk about relaxing!
One of the highlights of our trip was SoundWaves, the indoor/outdoor water feature. Since we had no husbands or kids with us, we parked under an umbrella in front of the giant wave pool. We enjoyed the wave pool, the outdoor all-adults pool, and watching all the people and kids on the numerous water slides. But if you were to have less desirable weather on your trip, you can go inside and enjoy slides, the lazy river, and so much more. There’s a restaurant inside, as well as lockers, showers, changing areas, a gift shop, and even a game room right outside. Keep in mind you must purchase your tickets to SoundWaves–it is NOT part of your room fee.
I’ve been many times, but I never tire of the Delta Riverboat Ride in the middle of the resort. The host tells you all about the resort, changes they are making, history, fun activities at the resort, etc., and it’s a great view of all the beautiful structures as well as interesting plants that line the river bank. When you book your tickets on the Riverboat, you will travel down a scenic river winding through a 4.5-acre indoor garden.
The Luminosity Light Show is running now through September 30in the middle of the resort with no tickets needed. “The Show showcases light’s journey from stars to the sun, through fireflies, lightning storms and moonlit gardens, culminating in vibrant beach scenes, dazzling roller coasters, and fireworks. Celebrating the diverse forms and interconnectedness of light, it’s a spectacle not to be missed,” according to the Resort.
If you didn’t know, there is plenty of shopping right inside the resort, from clothing to toys, jewelry, memorabilia and souvenirs of Nashville, as well as several “fast food” eateries, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, and more. You can spend several hours browsing the stores–and we did.
Though we didn’t do it on the last girls’ trip, a great excursion that is close by is the General Jackson Showboat, a paddlewheel riverboat that is one of the largest in the country. It takes you on a trip to downtown Nashville and back. It docks right behind Opry Mills and beside the Gaylord Opryland Resort. They offer midday lunch and evening dinner cruises, along with a world-class live musical show (check generaljackson.com/details), and you’ll get some of the best views of the Nashville skyline. The concierge at the hotel can help you book your visit! And there are tons of things to do outside the resort.
We enjoyed our room at the hotel and being close to everything. Some rooms include a coffee maker and fridge, so if this is necessary or important to you, be sure to ask when making your reservations. Throughout the spring and summer, you will see all sorts of packages and deals on their website. But remember to check what ELSE is going on in Nashville when you decide to book if you are bothered by crowds.
Now, about food–a girl’s gotta eat, right? The Gaylord Opryland Resort does not disappoint when it comes to food, and you don’t have to leave the resort to get a great meal. Some locations may require reservations in busy times, so it is best to call ahead when you can.
The hands-down best place here, in my opinion, is the Old Hickory Steak House. It is right in the middle of all the resort activities, and you can choose to dine on the patio and be in the middle of all the activities with a bird’s eye view or dine indoors. From steaks and seafood to chicken, salads, and that delicious lobster bisque, this restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Get a reservation, and look ahead at the menu. This is a “special” treat night out!
Other restaurants in the resort include Cascades American Cafe on the main floor near the entrance, where you can get an amazing buffet breakfast that will likely last you through lunch. This is always a highlight of a trip there for me. But Cascades also serves lunch and dinner.
I also love Jack Daniels for good barbecue or a steak in a more casual environment. Sometimes they’ll even have live music.
The resort also offers Italian and Mexican fare at Ravello and Solario Cantina respectively, both excellent choices, but you will certainly benefit from a reservation. There are other small eateries scattered throughout the resort, and a final great choice is Findley’s Irish Pub, located in the Magnolia section with Jack Daniels and the sports grill, Fuse.
For more information about reservations and a trip to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, visit marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center.
Carol Muse Evans is the associate editor of Birmingham Parent.