I have a confession. I actually like the Opryland Hotel. That's a strange confession coming from a jaded former New Yorker. However, when I visited, I expected the area to be filled with tacky souvenir shops. I was wrong. The Opryland Hotel is surrounded by acres of bucolic countryside.

In October, the Grand Old Opry will be celebrating its 83rd birthday. As such, they are offering the following deals:

In celebration of its 83rd Birthday, the Opry will welcome stars including country legend Kenny Rogers ("The Gambler," "Lady"), Lorrie Morgan ("Something In Red," "Watch Me"), and Grammy-winners Riders In The Sky to the Opry House.

Festivities during the Opry's Birthday Bash include:
Friday, Oct. 10
7 - 9 p.m.
First Opry Show *
9:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Second Opry Show *

Saturday, Oct. 11
8:30 - 11 a.m.
Opry House Backstage Tours *
Take a self-guided behind-the-scenes tour of country music's most famous show

Opry Plaza Birthday Party presented by Martha White
Strolling musicians, children's activities, an Opry member pumpkin patch, and more throughout the day in and around the Opry Plaza

11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Picnic in the Opry Plaza *

11:30 a.m.
Opry Pie Auction presented by Martha White **
Bid on memorabilia provided by the biggest stars in country music as well as desserts made from Opry member recipes

1 - 2:30 p.m.
Lorrie Morgan in Concert (Opry House) *
Old favorites and new selections from a second-generation Opry star

4 - 5 p.m.
Opry Member Q & A Session in the Acuff Theatre*

5 - 9:30 p.m.
Music under the Opry House Portico

6 - 9 p.m.
First Opry Show *

9:30 - 11:30 p.m.
Second Opry Show *

*Admission Charged
**Proceeds benefit the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund, assisting members of the country music community in need.

For visitors joining in the Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash Oct. 10 - 11, the following special travel packages are available:

The Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash Two-Night Package (with accommodations) includes:
• Two-night room accommodations at the incredible Gaylord Opryland Resort or Radisson Hotel at Opryland
• Preferred seat ticket to Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash on Friday or Saturday
• Ticket to the Birthday Concert on Saturday afternoon
• Opry Star Q&A Session on Saturday
• Commemorative Hatch Show Print Poster
• Opry House Backstage Tour
• Picnic Lunch in the Opry Plaza on Saturday
• Gaylord Opryland VIP Coupon Book

Package prices start at only $198

The Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash Attractions-Only Package includes:
• Ticket to the world-famous Grand Ole Opry
• Ticket to the Birthday Concert on Saturday afternoon
• Opry Star Q&A Session on Saturday
• Opry House Tour (Saturday from 8:30 - 11 a.m.)
• Exclusive Hatch Show Print Poster
• Picnic Lunch in the Opry Plaza area

Package prices start at only $96.70

For information, visit the Grand Old Opry Website