Palatial Resort with Indoor Gardens, Waterfalls, and Shopping

An indoor river snakes through one of three enormous glass atriums at Gaylord Opryland Resort. The dense foliage surrounding the water and the flatboats skimming its surface call to mind the Mississippi delta, sans the sweltering heat and dauntless mosquitoes. In all, the three atriums encompass 9 acres of botanical gardens, several indoor waterfalls, and shopping, presenting a wide range of family-friendly entertainment along the Cumberland River just minutes from Nashville's most popular attractions.

The resort's white columns and red brick façade suggest an antebellum mansion. In the main lobby, an elegant grand staircase leads to spacious, stylish suites decorated in warm golden hues and art-deco accents. Downstairs, the resort's Relâche Spa affords head-to-toe relaxation with organic oxygen facials and Shellac pedicures.

The three atriums each have their own distinct dining options, ranging from custom-built burgers at Stax to pan-seared diver scallops at Old Hickory Steakhouse. There's also an abundance of indoor nature. Waterfalls tumble over boulders in the verdant Garden Conservatory, and koi fish dart through ponds as mallards play games of Marco Polo in the Cascade Atrium. At night, the Delta Atrium's fountain erupts in a show of colorful lights and spouting water set to music.

Nashville: Legendary Country-Music Venues and Family-Friendly Entertainment

Situated along the Cumberland River in northern Tennessee, Nashville is the undisputed world headquarters of country music, a distinction reflected in its nickname, Music City. Many of the landmarks that helped Nashville to earn that sobriquet can be found in Music Valley, home to honky-tonks, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the legendary Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry, both where country-music greats past and present have performed.

Along with the bustling entertainment district, Nashville draws visitors to its tranquil lakes and verdant foothills. The city's outskirts preserve a natural quietude and spotlight its rich history with museums and antebellum mansions. President Andrew Jackson's former home, known as The Hermitage, features original artwork, personal artifacts, and a rec room wallpapered with $20 bills.