One place that many visitors who come to Nashville Tennessee go is what is known as the Opryland area by locals. I grew up only a few minutes away from what was in the beginning Opryland Theme Park. It was your typical theme park with rides and shows with of course a country music twist. It was quite the tourist boon for Nashville. And that is one reason why it dismayed many Nashvillians when they decided to tear it down and build something different.
However, the site has grown and now offers more than one attraction to visitors to the city, and you don't have to get on a roller coaster.
For one, if you like to eat, shop, eat and go to the movies, there is the Opry Mills Mall. While I have not been to the Mall of America near the Twin Cities, it does have similarities to that mall. It is not just for shopping but is an entertainment center. Even the restaurants, like the Aquarium have a bent toward entertaining. In addition to specialized restaurants like this, there is a large food court so that you have a choice of most any kind of food.
There is a multi-plex movie theater inside the mall as well as an IMAX theater. You will find a specially lit bowling alley in the Dave and Busters store across from the theaters that also has good as well as every kind of video game.
The Apple Barn will draw you in as you walk by and see in the window workers making their famous apple turnovers. You will find many more goodies inside and I don't you will be able to exit without buying something.
If you have a sportsman along on the trip, you will want to visit the Bass Pro Shop. It is easy to get lost in this store because it is so large. And the kids (and maybe you) will enjoy stopping by the large fish tank and watching the fish swim back and forth.
There is another store where you can watch craftsman make banjos. Walk inside to find all kinds of stringed instruments and accessories. Maybe you'll pick up a guitar and be on your way to country music stardom!
There is a center court where there are frequent performances and contests taking place. During the football season this is where they film the Jeff Fisher Show. Fisher is the coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Another kid spot is the sting ray tank. There is an entry fee but you can get up close.
There are many more stores for the shoppers and things to do at Opry Mills Mall. You could easily make a day of your excursion to the mall.
