December19
I’m still not feeling 100% but I’m feeling some better and I’m sick of sitting on the couch. We had a Christmas filled day. We ran a few Christmas errands and then went to the Opryland Hotel to check out the decorations. I’ve never been to the hotel and have been wanting to check it out since we moved to Nashville.
After fighting traffic in 2 separate parts of the city, we made our way to Opry Mills. We parked at the mall and walked to the hotel to avoid the $20 valet fee. Yes, we chose the coldest day of the year to be frugal (although we don’t have the foot or 2 of snow that many of you do…just rain, wind and 40 degrees). The walk was cold but the hotel was rather balmy. We admired the lights, decorations, and sheer size of the hotel and garden conservatory then enjoyed a yummy lunch (seriously – mango pineapple vinaigrette – YUM).
The Christmas tree was ginormous! (There are 2 people standing by the banister on the right – that is how huge the tree is.)
![p1010609 p1010609](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010609.jpg)
Isn’t this a lovely angle? Perhaps Steve was hoping to check out how my sinus infection is doing?
![p1010615 p1010615](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010615.jpg)
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The hotel minus decoration is cool.
The ceiling in the lobby.
![p1010701 p1010701](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010701.jpg)
Several waterfalls inside the hotel.
![p1010684 p1010684](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010684.jpg)
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Easy to forget how cold it is outside with all of the tropical flowers.
![p1010680 p1010680](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010680.jpg)
Lots of Christmas flowers too.
![p1010683 p1010683](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010683.jpg)
All of the Christmas decorations were fun to see. Put us in the spirit.
![p1010702 p1010702](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010702.jpg)
We are in Tennessee – what is Christmas without a little Jack Daniels?
![p1010677 p1010677](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010677.jpg)
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![p1010661 p1010661](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010661.jpg)
I suspect many of the decorations will serve double duty and stay up for Mardi Gras since the colors are right.
![p1010647 p1010647](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010647.jpg)
![p1010601 p1010601](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010601.jpg)
Sabrina’s favorite part? The build your own cupcake bar at lunch. Red velvet cupcake, chocolate frosting, and M&Ms.
![p1010648 p1010648](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010648.jpg)
And wouldn’t this be the most gorgeous venue for a wedding? We missed the wedding but the wedding party was taking photos in the gardens while we walked around. The bride was in gorgeous red (!) dress and looked to be 17 (hopefully she was older). I couldn’t get over what a special place this would be for a wedding.
![p1010675 p1010675](http://www.michellesmiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/p1010675.jpg)
Hope you enjoyed touring the Opryland Hotel with us today!