Thursday, October 1, 2009

Road Trippin'

"Road trippin' with my two favorite allies
Fully loaded we got snacks and supplies
It's time to leave this town
It's time to steal away
Let's go get lost
Anywhere in the U.S.A."

-Red Hot Chili Peppers

By now, many of you have read about the infamous unplanned road trip detour from Sunday.

I thought I'd save the photos and write-up from the Nashville trip for Julia's Hooked On party today because I am so "Hooked On" Road Trips!

Between the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Hotel/Convention Center and the amazing MOPS convention, there's just too much to fit into one post. I thought I'd share some hotel eye candy with you all today.

Once I got over my packing dilemma, I started to get really excited to get out of the house for a few days and have a break from my kids restful trip. After several Starbucks stops and some much needed potty breaks (some things don't change, even if your kids aren't road trippin' with you!), Kelly, E, and I made it to Nashville safe and sound.

MOPS International held its conference in Nashville's Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention center this year. The Gaylord is not to be confused with the famous Opryland Hotel, which is about 13 miles away. While the Gaylord boasts stunning facilities, I still don't think it can hold a candle to the fabulous Opryland Hotel.

But it is lovely, no?

image: gaylordhotels.com


This was our first glimpse as we exited the lobby and found ourselves in the splendor of the atrium.


I had no idea what any of the plant life was called, but these gorgeous purple flowers called my name!

Check out the design of this ceiling!

Almost like a little Southern town in a jungle. The shop and restaurant designs were so well-thought out. Simply lovely.

Kelly, E, and me. E is not vertically challenged (much)...she was scrunching down for the shot and the rest of us followed suite.


Looks like the old plantation home, right?


I would have loved to stay in one of the suites overlooking the atrium! Check out the pattern in the wrought iron.

Brooks, ponds, and waterfalls everywhere we looked.


I got this shot of Kelly in front of those amazing arched windows.





This wreath made me think of all my blogging friends who have been posting their how-to's online.

We stopped our tour long enough for E to remove a fallen tree from the path. Okay, not really.

To quote Rachel Zoe, "I die!" Those purple flowery viney thingies caught my eye.

The sound of water was everywhere!



I had my Scarlett O'Hara moment on the grand staircase. Frankly, my dear...well...never mind.




All lit up at night...I would have loved to order a French Martini, sit under the lights, and watch the little mini-river boat glide by.


Isn't it a lovely glow?

We weren't able to stay at the Gaylord (rooms booked early!), but our own hotel was not too shabby. I'll admit it was kind of nice to have a whole bed all to myself. In his defense, T is not a bed hog...but I like to sleep in the middle.

The perfect surroundings for a wonderful girls' retreat. Tomorrow, I'll share some of what we learned and saw at the conference. Our own first MOPS meeting of the year was this morning, so I'll share some about that too.

{What are you hooked on this week?}

Last, but not least...start looking through your houses!

If you didn't have a chance to stop by the first two times, this is a party for bloggers to link up with any challenges they have in or around their homes (decorating, crafts, organizing, gardening, construction). Your dilemma can be anything from "Help! My son drew on my walls in permanent marker and I don't know how to cover it up" to "What color should I paint my coffee table?" I also love it when people have great solutions to share. This party is all about being real and helping out our bloggy friends. We're going to have a blast. There will be another giveaway!

You can click here and here to see the entries from the last two parties. Hope to see you there!


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14 comments:

  1. Wow. That. Is. GORGEOUS! Holy cow, I'm not sure I've seen anything like it before...can't wait to hear more about your trip!

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  2. Hmmm...This is truly one of my favorite places on earth! I lived in Nashville for a very short year, and we'd go just to walk through the plants with a cup of coffee sometimes! And at Christmas! AMAZING!

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  3. Looks like a fun trip! I will have to check out your new blog party too.

    xo,
    cristin

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  4. You need to go on a road trip there for Christmas. You think it's beautiful now? You won't believe it at Christmas. Snow! Everywhere!
    It is a lovely place year round though. When we were stationed at Ft. Campbell we went to a couple of MI balls there. I have a photo of me (somewhere) in my ball gown coming down those steps. Very Scarlett O'Hara. ;)

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  5. Ooooh!!! I stayed at the Gaylord Palms hotel in Orlando almost two years ago & it was spectacular! I'd highly recommend it. If you get a chance look it up, we had a room w/ a balcony looking into the atrium & ate at the restaurants almost everyday!

    I'm too excited about the decorating dilemmas party! I'm definately participating this time & already know what to post! Glad you had so much fun on your trip. :-)

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  6. I don't think most folks know how great Nashville it.

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  7. I've been in that hotel. Really fun! Love Nashville:)

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  8. Wow, what an incredible hotel! I've never been to Nashville, seems like fun :)

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  9. What a beautiful hotel! It sounds like you had a great trip!

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  10. Oh my heavens, that hotel is incredible!!! I've never seen anything like that before!

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  11. Amanda! How fun this trip must be. It is great you are taking so many pictures to remember your fun by. I love it. I would be hooked on the Hotel too! It is amazing.
    Blessings,
    Debbie

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  12. I've never been there, but sounds like a great place to go! Glad you enjoyed your trip. Have a good weekend...
    pk @ room remix

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  13. Nothing like a road trip with good friends. They are the best moments. Popped over from Julia's. Have a great weekend. Julie

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