Visiting Nashville

The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center

The Society for Professional Journalism (SPJ) just had a convention in Nashville, Tennessee which my brother attended.  It was his first time back since 1961, when he was a tiny babe in arms.  That was the year we moved from Murfreesboro, Tennessee to Phoenix, Arizona.

Nashville has changed a bit since then!

The convention was held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.  This is a HUGE hotel and convention complex that frankly defies all description!

This map shows the various hotels and amenities that are available in the complex

Jay mentioned that there were 17 different conventions going on simultaneously at the complex.  It was so big many of the older attendees, writers and journalists all, complained about all the walking. Now, my brother is an avid runner and biker, so I doubt if he complained too much - but not all writers and journalists fall into that category.

I, for example, would  have needed a motorized chair to navigate it... and maybe some oxygen, who knows?

Waterfalls cascade into the waterways at the Gaylord

From the pictures he took, however, one can see the unparalleled beauty of the place.  It is spectacular!

Southern Charm and Hospitality reign here

According to Wikipedia, the Gaylord Opryland ranks 29th in the list of largest hotels in the world.

Only 29th?

Boating through the complex

Nashville is situated on the Cumberland River in north central Tennessee.  The resort has made use of its proximity to the water to channel lots of water-themed recreation into the overall resort picture. 

The result is fantastic.

The reception area of one of the many hotels on the property

One evening, the SPJ convention-goers took over the Wildhorse Saloon.  It was a fun evening with tons of food (they had fried pickles!), a live band and even line dancing instructions.

Line dancing is fun.

The Wildhorse Saloon

The excursion was also an opportunity for the convention-goers to actually see some of Nashville.

Partying inside the Wildhorse

Upon reflection, I realize I've never had fried pickles.

Hmmm.... they don't sound very appetizing.

Downtown Nashville, and the Wildhorse

This convention sounded like fun.  I, too, haven't been to Nashville since 1961.  Maybe it's time I visited again.