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by Andrew Scott
Although I didn't stay at the Gaylord Opryland during my visit to Nashville, I did have the chance to visit the sprawling complex and came away with the distinct impression that it is a must visit part of any Nashville vacation. Four biosphere-like atriums offer a wondrous collection of sights that include elegant dining options, waterfalls, a wealth of live vegetation, street performers, a river and much more. Simply put, Gaylord Opryland must be seen to be truly understood.
Throughout touring the Gaylord Opryland I became most familiar with the wide array of restaurants and lounges that are scattered within the complex. Throughout my few visits to the Gaylord Opryland I personally visited Ristorante Volare, Findley's Irish Pub, Rusty's Sports Bar & Grill, Cascades Restaurant and Jack Daniel's Saloon, leaving four restaurants and a wealth of eateries left to explore. As for the restaurants I was able to experience, Ristorante Volare was definitely the best. Seated in the open air of the Garden Conservatory atrium, just against the old, brick wall of the actual hotel, with lights strewn above, the Ristorante Volare definitely painted a surreal dining atmosphere. As for the food, it only lived up to the surroundings. The price is a little expensive, but you get what you pay for. Of course, none of this is to downplay the other establishments visited. Jack Daniel's Saloon most impressed me with its extremely friendly and attentive staff (Carolyn in particular), and energetic live music. At Cascades Restaurant I honestly ate the best turkey sandwich in my entire life, and although I didn't partake, Wasabi's Sushi Bar is located right next to the Cascades Restaurant, making it a breeze for sushi fans to eat what they will while others can still enjoy a hearty meal courtesy of the Cascades Restaurant. As for Findley's Irish Pub, they did have a lot of traditional Irish drink offerings, but the atmosphere was a little somber and food selection very specific. It seemed that if you are a fan of Irish dining or extremely dark beers, then it would be a great place for you though. At Rusty's you'll find your standard sports bar. It is worth noting though, the televisions had on a variety of sports channels and the cheese fries offered a great snack.
Along with my massive dining splurge, I also had a little time to check out some of the attractions of the Gaylord Opryland. Two, in particular, were the Delta Boat Ride and arcade. At first I was a little skeptical about the boat ride. I mean, I'd already walked around the river a couple times throughout my exploration, and just didn't see how a twenty minute narrated boat ride would enhance my experience. But as it turns out, it did. Floating along the river offered a relaxing change of pace from the hours of walking I'd grown accustomed to, and the guide had a variety of interesting facts about the sights and river itself to add to the experience. As for the arcade, it's certainly a great place for the children (and young at heart) to find entertainment. And with it being a somewhat open atmosphere, and since it is actually located within the hotel, it seems to be a fairly safe area for older children to spend time at on their own.
Again, I didn't stay even one night at the Gaylord Opryland, but certainly found it to be an integral part of my Nashville experience. With the almost endless collection of sights, dining and activities, I would highly recommend visiting this mammoth resort (the largest non-gaming resort in the nation), and if you've already been to the Gaylord Opryland, then you certainly know that it warrants another visit during your next stop in Nashville, TN.