I‘m still decompressing from the whirlwind Blissdom conference, so instead of getting into all of that yet, I’m going to share pics of the Gaylord Opryland hotel in Nashville. I’m sure many of you have visited here before, but in case you haven’t, it’s quite the astonishing place. I first visited the Opryland Hotel back in 2007 when I was in Nashville for a Deeper Still conference, so if you’d like to see even more pics, click on that link.
You almost have to see it to believe it, but hopefully you can get an idea of the magnitude from these pics. They really do treat their customers so well and we felt pampered and pleased at the time we spent there.
It’s all indoors, but the amount of greenery and plant material inside is just amazing. I’m sure they must have a host of gardeners taking care of all of this and everything is SO lush and verdant. 
So, just enjoy the tour….
Ponds and fountains are abundant.
And the flowers are so colorful and pretty, you almost think it’s Spring in there. 
And you almost forget that you’re inside a microcosm since it feels like your outside, only….you’re NOT. We were shocked when we stepped outside to leave at the end of the conference to discover it really was 32 degrees outside. 
They even have waterfalls. 
And a beautiful gazebo. 
One of our lunches one day was at Ristorante Volare and it was like being in an outdoor cafe in the Mediterranean. Simply heavenly! 
These beautiful floral arrangements were on our tables. 
And my lunch partners were Sandy, Tracy, Layla, and Melissa. Love these girls! This was my first time meeting Tracy from Beneath My Heart and she is just precious, such a sweet lady. It’s always great to see my sweet friend, Layla again and Melissa and I met up last year at the Eddie Ross shopping trip and again at Blissdom ‘09, so we connected again. 
Another new real life friend is Kate, from Centsational Girl, a bubbly little thing. So glad she came all the way from California and joined us. We all had a blast together and again, I’ve said this before, but when you meet up with fellow bloggers, it’s like you have known each other FOREVAHHH. Truly! 
Me and Sandy, Reluctant Entertainer are good friends since meeting last year at Blissdom and it’s always great to spend some time with her. That’s the Nester over Sandy’s right shoulder. Sandy is a sweetheart. If you haven’t visited all these blogs, hop on over and say hello to them. They are all super! 
Lunch was just delish, a wonderful pasta dish.
And dessert was amazingly yummy too. They fed us well at the Opryland. 
Me and my 2 roomies had a double room (I got a bed to myself). 
And the 3 of us had a blast too. 
The view from our room wasn’t bad either, a pretty courtyard and small pond.
I’ll tell you more about the conference later when I have a chance to think about it all. Just have to sit down and ponder on what all we heard and learned and I’ll try to pass some of it on, just in case you might wonder what all goes on at one of these blogging conferences. Actually, the best part is the connections with new and old friends and getting to meet in real life. Absolutely, the best part.
There’s always a lot of information to digest!
The winner of the beautiful monogrammed spa robe from Miss Lucy’s Monograms is Cheri from Geer Gather. Congrats, Cheri, you will love this robe! Thanks to all of you for signing up for it.
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Lovely pictures of the Opryland Hotel. Although as pretty as they are, they don’t do it justice. My favorite time at OH is at Christmas, with all the vignettes and the poinsettia tree and poinsettias that line the massive staircase.
I grew up about a hour from there and so every time I see it, I am still in awe.
Can’t wait to read more about your trip and what all you learned.
Thanks for sharing for those of us that couldn’t go.
Hugs,
Cindy
The Opryland Hotel is one of our favorite places to visit when we are ain Nashville. It is stunning to say the least! It looks as if you had a fabulous time. How great to meet up with everyone in person! So glad you had a wonderful trip. Looking forward to hearing more about it.
Jennifer
You got some great photos of the hotel! I was wishing I took more. Lots of my photos turned out blurry because my camera was on the wrong setting. I’m so bummed.
Hey, I was at that lunch with you guys, too, and sat right next to you! Why am I not in any of those photos? Were you ashamed of me, Rhoda?
It was so fun hanging out with you again this year. I’m exhausted today, though–might take me awhile to recover!
Super Good Pictures! It’s as though I was there also! Have never been to Nashville….but, will put it on my list to visit soon!
I really enjoy your blog and meeting others that you introduce along with their blog sites! Looking forward to reading more of your trip!
Thanks again for posting such a wonderful blog site!
Great photos Rhoda!
It was so great hanging out with you again!
Layla
So glad you had a great time! I LOVE Opryland Hotel and have been many times. LOVE it at Christmas!
Can’t wait to hear all about the weekend!
Lou Cinda
Thanks Rhoda for sharing all about the conference. Some day I’ll get there!
That hotel is one beautiful place for sure! The kind of place you never want to leave.
It must be awesome to meet fellow bloggers I R L !
Rhoda,
What a beautiful hotel indeed! Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy you had the opportunity to attend, especially because I know you will pass on all you learned. I look forward to meeting you and so many other wonderful women when I attend.
Deborah
Looks like fun Rhoda! I enjoyed all the photos.
We’re planning a road trip to TN, to take the Natchez Trace, south of Nashville, a little way, after seeing Janie’s (Southern Lady) post about their recent trip to Nashville via the Trace. I was on the Trace many many years ago and always wanted to take that road again.
Anyhow, we were just talking about staying at the Gaylord Opryland, on the way to the Trace. We’ve had brunch there when we’ve passed through Nashville, but never stayed. Was at the Gaylord property during the early 70’s, when the girls were little….it was actually Opryland at that time.
Rhoda,
What absolutely gorgeous pictures, and fun time!!
thanks for sharing
blessings
barbara jean
Omg! That is the most beautiful hotel! I really wanted to be there this year but it didn’t happen. Looks like you had a fabulous time! I saw the video of you ladies with Layla, and it was just too funny! Glad I found your blog! If you get a chance, run over to my blog and check out the week long giveaway I’m having. http://www.PatinaSoul.blogspot.com
Ok, now I’m going to sit back with my coffee and read the REST of your blog!!
I love walking through the gardens at night…stunning!!!
Wow Rhoda! That looks like a LOT of fun! Thanks for sharing those sweet memories…
What neat place. I love the water features and all the lush flowers, etc.
Rhoda….you do an awesome job with the picture taking…. I have fond memories of being at that great hotel and enjoying the beautiful surroundings…So glad you and all the wonderful bloggers I am meeting thru you, had a wonderful time! Now enjoy getting back home and reflecting on all you did…. look forward to more wonderful blogs this week!
Looks like you had a great time. Its a fantastic place for a photo op, I grab my camera and go through there a couple times a yr. Great place to walk through and click away!
Even though I have a daughter in Nashville, and we have visited the Opry, I’ve never been inside the Opryland Hotel. I know it’s very nice. It must have been a busy place this past weekend with the Blissdom conference and the Tea Party convention! Glad you had fun!
My favorite photo is the one of you and Sandy, with Nester sitting on Sandy’s shoulder like a little guardian angel. LOL.
It was so fun, wasn’t it? I wish we could go again just to hang out!
The hotel is definitely something to see.
I do not think I have ever seen pics of the hotel…it’s gorgeous. If I ever get my New Yorker self that far south, it’s certainly a place i want to go! Thanks for sharing a great trip!
Wow! What great fun! I have never been to the Opryland Hotel , it looks so lovely! Maybe one day I will. Your photo’s were wonderful to see!
Take care and enjoy your day,
Elizabeth
Rhoda- I just have to say that I couldn’t have enjoyed meeting you any more! You are such a wonderful person, and I’m so thankful that we were able to connect in real life.
Thanks so much for sharing all the great pictures. I missed a trip there two summers ago because I broke my arm and could NOT travel as the pain was so intense. Your pictures allowed me to “visit” ‘tho I didn’t get to attend the Reading Conference. Perhaps my daughter and I can visit someday!
Great photos of the hotel: I agree with the OP about how amazing this place is at Christmas time – it’s truly a wonderland!! I love to visit Nashville – we normally stay in Brentwood (LOVE LOVE LOVE The Puffy Muffin!!!) & spend time in Franklin at the antique shops.
Thanks for sharing with those of us that couldn’t go; maybe next time…
Looks like a wonderful time you had!
sandy toe
I loved meeting you! You were so sweet and kind to a newbie like me! So glad I finally got a chance to hear that southern accent of yours in person! It is exactly how I imagined!
Great recap and photos of the grounds, Rhoda. It was it’s own little city, for sure! I loved our time of hanging out, wish we could have had more! What a great bunch of incredible ladies, uh?
Love you!
Loved the recap and I have always loved this hotel….one of my favorites….
It was so good to see you again! What a beautiful post you’ve written.
What a treat!
: )
Julie M.
Oh wow!!! We’ve GOT to go up there sometime! I’ve never been, but it’s always looked SO amazing. There’s nothing I love better than a huge and luxurious hotel. MUST GO!