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Brenda Valentine NWTF Spokeswoman |
Reflections
If you are even casually thumbing through this issue of Turkey Country you have to be aware of the upcoming national convention in February at the famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tenn. Of course this is old news to many of our members who make it an annual priority.
However, I wonder how many folks are out there, particularly women, who think it’s just another bunch of good ol’ boys getting together to swap hunting tales. Granted, there is some of that going on, but allow me to share a few little secrets about the NWTF Convention that might entice you to come to Music City and join the party.
If you scrutinize the convention schedule you will soon figure out there is no way to partake of everything. Much like dining at a smorgasbord, a person has to focus on the items they personally find most appealing. For some, it’s the high-stakes calling competitions; others can’t get enough shopping and hanging out with hunting personalities. Almost everyone looks forward to the top-rated entertainment, and many are there to talk to outfitters, book a special hunt or grab an auction bargain.
Certainly, this is one convention where no one is left out. There are seminars, vendors, displays and activities geared for women and children.
Nashville isn’t far enough south to be called a tropical paradise, but the Gaylord Opryland Hotel offers a rejuvenating mid-winter break from snow, bone-chilling rain or ripping winds. It’s an outdoors oasis …indoors.
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Brenda Valentine and Michael Waddell will once again host the convention’s on-stage festivities. FYI > More than 43,000 people visited 545 exhibit booths, seminars and other events at the 2009 NWTF convention in Nashville.
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There are more than seven acres of rivers, plants and trees inside a glass atrium, where the temperature and humidity is matched with that of Hawaii and kept at a pleasant 72 degrees year-round.
Everyone should take a lazy boat ride down the river Delta and relish in the fact they are floating on water from the Amazon, Nile, Mississippi, and every other major river in the world. Yes, Jack Daniels (another Tennessee product) brings bottles filled with river water from around the world and adds them to this indoor river. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, such as ducks and turtles, that call the river home, including a shy 80-pound one-eyed catfish.
Opryland is the largest hotel in the United States outside of Las Vegas. There are 2,881 rooms with more than a dozen eateries ranging from quick snacks to five-star dining. It offers every amenity imaginable, including a world-class spa and salon.
It’s hard to think of ever wanting to leave the convention or the hotel, but I suggest planning an extra day to take in a few Nashville landmarks. The Opryland staff arranges tours to attractions such as the Grand Ol’ Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, LP Field (home of the Tennessee Titans), various recording legends’ homes and historic sites such as the Parthenon and the Hermitage.
Nashville may be the “Home of Country Music” but come February it’ll be home of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and we’ll all be roosting at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. I’ll see you there. — Brenda Valentine
Keep up with Brenda and her adventures at www.brendavalentine.com