There’s no sweeter feeling than the first sign of spring after a long, cold winter.
With warmer weather comes a desire to get out and experience all the fun that comes with the season of new beginnings, and Gaylord Opryland Resort has just the fix to curb your adventure craving. With its annual Once Upon A Spring programming featuring an array of activities and events, there is plenty of festive fun for the whole family to spring into.
Running weekends through May 8, the resort transforms into a spring oasis complete with colorful flowers and a full itinerary of seasonal events such as spring-themed boat rides, cookie decorating, an Easter Bunny meet-and-greet, and much more. Watch as Mother Goose herself brings storybook favorites to life at the interactive painting and storytelling adventure, Paint Me a Fairytale, sure to enthrall children of all ages. And keep the fun going with the Spring-A-Long scavenger hunt where kids and adults alike can partake in a real-life adventure, navigating throughout the resort for clues to earn a special prize.
Tap into your creative side at the Family Fun Zone, with an assortment of crafty projects and games. If you’re craving a sweet treat, you won’t want to miss the Sunshine and Sprinkles Cookie Decorating activity in which the whole family can indulge. And be sure to hop on by the Easter Bunny himself, who has taken up residence at Gaylord Opryland Resort, for a delightful meet- and-greet along with a photo op to capture the memories made. Along with the Easter Bunny, there are many other furry friends to meet at the resort’s Animal Encounters exhibit, where guests can enjoy up-close encounters at this educational opportunity to interact with and learn about a variety of incredible creatures and their unique personalities.
Bring the fun to the water and stretch your sea legs with a variety of boat rides. For a spring-inspired daytime activity, climb aboard the Spring Riverboat Ride which takes guests down the resort’s winding Delta Atrium river surrounded by tropical plants and imaginative scenery. The fun continues into the evening with the Bloomin’ Boat Ride, where guests can learn about the resort’s impressive tropical plants and fish while cruising down the beautiful 4.5-acre Delta Atrium, along with the Delta Boat Egg-stra Fun Cruise, which offers a unique twist on a traditional Easter egg hunt. Or, hop on the infamous 300-foot paddlewheel General Jackson Showboat (available for both daytime and evening cruises) for a scenic ride down the Cumberland River, complete with a delicious Southern meal and live musical performances.
Spring Carriage Rides are also available for a private horse-drawn ride throughout the resort’s spacious outdoor grounds. And for those with a green thumb, the Spring Horticultural Trek is a must. In this self-guided tour, guests can learn all about the extraordinary flora and tropical plants throughout the resort’s three atriums. Round out your stay marveling at magnificent fountain shows held in the Delta Atrium, where water, music, and lights come together for an unforgettable display.
Among a plethora of family-friendly activities and adventures to discover, there are also plenty of opportunities to unwind and reset at Gaylord Opryland Resort this spring. Indulge in relaxing seasonal treatments at Relâche Spa for optimal rejuvenation. And in the spirit of indulgence, feast on an array of top-notch dining options including gourmet steaks and an award-winning wine list at Old Hickory Steakhouse, authentic Italian cuisine at Ravello, a wide selection of classic dishes at Cascades American Cafe, and fresh sushi at Wasabi’s. Whether you’re looking for a revitalizing staycation or a lively date night out, the resort offers a multitude of experiences to accommodate every interest.
Along with the special events featured in the resort’s lineup of seasonal programming, a trip to the upscale indoor water attraction, SoundWaves, is the perfect addition to any Gaylord Opryland Resort visit. The 84-degree oasis encompasses 111,000 square feet, along with 106,000 square feet of outdoor water attractions and is open year-round to provide aquatic entertainment from thrill rides to lazy river relaxation that the whole family can enjoy.
Whether you’re in search of a family-friendly adventure or a relaxing retreat, Gaylord Opryland Resort’s Once Upon a Spring events and activities provide countless ways to celebrate the season, all under one remarkable roof. (2800 Opryland Dr., 615-889-1000; gaylordopryland.com)