The Great Outdoors Indoors in This Incredible Lodge + More

Where can you go to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors without being outdoors? Why, there's only one place and it happens to be the world's largest Bass Pro Shops and Big Cypress Lodge at the Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee.

Just a few years ago I had the opportunity  to visit the adult version of Disneyland for game sport fanactics, from the moment you enter the huge lobby your mind will be blown with startling images of deer, and other wildlife that will make it seem as though you are more on a hunting expedition than visiting an indoor venue. There is so much to take in from the tall realistic cypress trees towering skyward toward the Big Cypress Lodge three floors up. That's right, you get the feeling you are staying the night in the great outdoors. This lodge offers 103 rooms and suites with balconies including the tree house suites that overlook the shops below. Each room is made to look like a vintage waterfowl hunting cabin with Ducks Unlimited artwork that feature rustic settings with virtual fireplaces, handcrafted furniture and bathrooms with jetted tubs. There is one word to describe this one-of-kind place "Incredible."

The one thing that stuck out in mind was "The Lookout at The Pyramid" where you can take a ride in the nation's tallest free-standing glass elevator and experience what's it's like to get a bird's-eye view of Memphis from 300 feet up in the air. You can also enjoy exquisite fine dining in the restaurant with spectacular views of the city while you sip on a cool drink and gaze at the aquarium bar. You can also walk out on the 32-story high observation deck to get a personal view of the Mississippi river and the surrounding area below.

Three floors down from the lodge visitors can go on a shopping spree at Bass Pro Shops walking over footbridges, ponds, streams, and waterfalls. You will be totally immersed in natural wildlife scenery and surrounded by live ducks, catfish, sturgeons and yes, even alligators, fenced in of course. Bass Pro Shops has brought the adventurer the feel of the Delta region of Arkansas and Tennessee with the Cypress Swamp Waterfowl Habitat.

In addition, you'll enjoy having fun in an undersea themed full-sized bowling alley in the main restaurant that features bowling balls that resemble fish eyes, and decor hanging from the ceiling which includes sharks, hammerheads and other undersea creatures. Make sure you visit the huge aquarium on the ground floor and the various wildlife exhibits that you see at every turn.

It's hard to believe that the sixth largest Pyramid in the world was once home to the NBA Memphis Grizzlies until 2004 and then sat empty for years before becoming the new home to the world's largest Bass Pro Shops and Lodge.

If there ever was a place to put on on your bucket list, this has to make your list.

For more information or to book your stay, please visit their website.