A Large Botanical Garden...

The cold and snow has closed a lot of things in Nashville.  We hope to tour the state capitol, but it is closed do to the cold and snow.  Nashville had a record breaking 7 inches of snow on Monday.  We have not had any additional snow.  Wednesday morning hit a record breaking -1 degrees and the last time it was that cold in Nashville was in 1996.  Schools have been cancelled for the entire week. 

Fortunately, on Tuesday we were able to walk indoors at the Opryland Convention Center.  This was a great place to walk in the cold weather.  We entered through the Cascade Lobby and walked into the Cascade Atrium, complete with walkways, waterfalls and tropical plants.  We walked each level and each pathway.  Around the outside of the atrium, are the many hotel rooms.  Nested among the greenery are a variety of restaurants, where you can eat outdoors in the indoors.  In fact, there are 9 acres of botanicals and waterfalls in Opryland.  

Next, we walked through the Garden Conservatory, which contained more waterfalls, vegetation, walkways and restaurants.  As you walked the upper level, lighted music notes Christmas bulbs, and guitars hanging from the ceiling remind that you are indeed in Opryland.  Scattered on the lower level, are park benches, bridges and gazebos.  There was a women sitting on a bench by the waterfall reading here book.  

Leaping Fountains in the Cascade Atrium

Holiday decorations in the Garden Atrium

A large hanging guitar in the Garden Conservatory

A Screw Pine from Madagascar (hotel room balconies background)

From there, we headed to the conference rooms where they were cleaning (or setting up) for Thomson Reuters Conference.  We were working on steps and mileage, and the cushy carpeted conference area was great for walking.

From the conference area, we headed into the Delta Island Area.  In this area, there is a riverwalk along a lazy river complete with boat rides.  There are New Orleans styled buildings and plants from the New Orleans area.  There is a dancing fountain, additional waterfalls, and more restaurants and eating areas.   As we entered, the Delta Island Area, we were greeted with a large Christmas tree decorated with loads of lights, large candy piece, and gift packages.

Entering Delta Island

A fountain in the lazy river

A bridge over the lazy river

The Delta Island river, bridge and buildings

Restaurant and eating area by the lazy river

One of the many waterfalls

Dancing fountains

Another view of the Christmas Tree in the Delta Island Atrium

Guitar playing horse

A large waterfall in the Delta Island Atrium

As night falls the lights are even prettier

Lights in the Garden Conservatory

A last view before we leave

Once, we completed our tour of the Opryland, we decided to walk it in reverse.  We wanted to take advantage of indoor walking.  We had planned to have dinner after our walk, but the restaurant with good vegan options was not open.  We decided to head on back after our walk.  It was so worth it to see Opryland and to get the opportunity to walk inside.