It was wonderful to walk through the studio where "Hee Haw" was filmed for about 13 years, and to walk on the stage where performers have trod since 1974 when the venue opened. Prior to being held here, the Opry performed in downtown Nashville, at the Ryman Auditorium, a fascinating place in it's own right, but with only half the seating capacity. We were there in the 1990's, but now that we have a connection to the Music City area, I suspect we'll be visiting again.
In the above picture you can see the circle of light wood inserted into the stage at the new venue. This is where the performers stand. It was cut from the floor at the Ryman, and moved here to let "the circle remain unbroken." And we were able to stand there - it really did send chills down my spine! (Now, if I could only sing...) Did you know that the performing members of the Opry have mailboxes there, where fan mail can be sent? Some of the dressing rooms are fabulous...but another lesser-known fact: only 2 have restrooms!
A photographer was set up at the circle, and she took our picture, addressing us as "ladies." While my wife went to the gift shop, I dealt with the decision to buy (or not) the picture. It actually was decent, so I opted to buy. Despite my less-than-totally-feminine outfit (jean leggings, clogs and a women's polo shirt) and having to present my driver's license to authenticate my credit card, I was addressed as Ma'am. A very pleasant surprise!
From the Opry, we walked across the IMMENSE parking lot, to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Conference Center. (They have a parking lot close to the hotel, but who wants to pay $21 to park close?) Here is a picture from the Cascades lobby.
We visited this venue's "younger sibling" near Washington DC a couple of holiday seasons ago, and while very nice, it doesn't really measure up to this place. This is a HUGE domed complex, visible from a couple of miles away, with a tropical rain forest and small village with lots of shops in the center of the dome. We ate lunch at an interior sports bar with $16 hamburgers...and here, the male server identified me as a guy. Oh, well...it happens!
There is even a boat ride available under the dome (at extra cost, of course.) We were able to catch a glimpse of it from the elevated walkway.
On the way back to our son's place, we drove past what looked from the highway like a foot bridge over the Cumberland River a couple road miles from the Opryland complex.. So, we navigated our way in, and soon wore ourselves out walking on the Greenway. Very nice trail...unfortunately it was about 79 degrees, and the bugs had finally realized spring is here...while we had no insect repellent. Ugh...
And following is a long telephoto view of the Opryland complex from the footbridge. It really is huge!
More later...when I have time to write...
Mandy
It has been several decades since I was in Nashiville and I never made it to the Opryland complex. I was only in town shortly for business but I do remember some bumper stickers that said "Honk if you're Elvis".
ReplyDeleteWe've been here several times since our son moved south in 2007 - generally at Thanksgiving. But only went downtown twice. As for Opryland, we were there once, "before the 2010 flood." It looks even nicer now than it did then...
DeleteLets hope they beefed up the flood walls!