A Honky Tonk Holiday

We were looking for a holiday getaway that wasn't too far, and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of activities that came out of Nashville, Tennessee. Between ice slides, gift shopping, an aquarium and more... this travel destination is for way more than just bachelorette parties and walks up and down Broadway. Save a horse, ride a snowman.

To start, we planned our trip in November so that there wouldn't be a massive crowd. After a seven-hour drive from Illinois, we stayed (and have decided to always stay) at the Fairfield Marriot. We can't recommend the one by the airport enough. It has a pool, large hot tub, and free breakfast every morning. Then, the real fun began!

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Every year, The Gaylord Opryland Resort next to the Grand Ole Opry and Opryland mall has their ICE! exhibit. There's a handful of these across the country, and the theme rotates. 2024 was Frosty The Snowman. There's a variety of activities that you have to choose from: ice slides, the ice exhibit, ice bumper cars, throwing snowballs, etc. You can customize your experience with tickets online. We splurged and did a little of everything.

Parking is free at the mall, and you can walk over. Security told us it's basically the same distance, and it's free! When you walk into the outdoor portion of ICE! at Opryland, you'll see stands with beverage options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot chocolate, mulled cider, and more. Then take an unlimited number of rides on a tube down the ice slide. Close-by, are the other outdoor activities previously mentioned; as well as ice skating and live music.

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Venturing to the indoor section, there's a ton of shopping to do from ornaments, to gifts, and more! We also found a build-a-bear inside which was great to pass the time until it was our slot to go inside the ICE! Frosty exhibit.

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The ICE! exhibit is the main attraction. Every single sculpture inside is hand-carved by artists to depict the story; along with a real ice slide (two ice slides... crazy, right?). When you walk inside, you will be directed to a station to grab a complimentary parka, which is absolutely necessary, and then take a group picture that you can choose to buy or not. Once you enter the doors, it is FREEZING, so dress as warm as you can even under the parka. Think not stylish winter for this one, cozy winter. Winding through the sculptures takes about 20-30 minutes, ending with a beautiful nativity scene.

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After the ICE! exhibit, you can also head inside Opryland resort to the atrium. The atrium is free for all visitors to wander with shops, restaurants, and beautiful scenery. You don't have to be a guest at the hotel to visit. Take a ride on the Delta riverboat, cruising by all of the beautiful holiday décor and lights.

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One of the largest paper lantern festivals in the world is in Nashville, at the Grassmere Zoo! Get there early because the traffic is nuts, and don't pay for parking online like we did because it's free anyway. You'll be able to walk through a ton of different holiday light paper lantern displays from animals, to Santa, etc. There's also drink and snack stands throughout... but get your cocoa quick before it sells out.

Built in 1810, this historical building at the Zoo was the home of the original owners that provided the land to create Nashville Grassmere Zoo, and is featured on the national registry of historic homes. Obviously, the animals weren't out for the lantern festival but it did say there were tours of the home during daytime operating hours.

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Daytime holiday shopping can be done at the Opry Mills mall, featuring hundreds of stores; including big brand name outlets. There's also a Dave & Busters, movie theatre, Rainforest Café, and more to keep the kids entertained... like this merry go round in the food court.

We dined at the Aquarium restaurant, inside the mall. This is great for patrons of all ages, but you will likely need a reservation. After you order your food, you're welcome to walk around and check out all of the fish swimming... even sting rays and sharks!

Moral of the story: Nashville is a great option for a quick weekend holiday getaway with the family. Even if you want to sight-see on Broadway or other well-known sections, there are kid-friendly sections that you can go to. I know we'll be back again!