Think of “green lodging” and you probably think of a hut in the middle of the rainforest using rainwater for your shower. Oh, how times have changed!
The state of Florida has a Florida Green Lodging Program, and the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee is just one of the properties in the program that has committed to protecting and preserving our precious natural resources.
I visited the Gaylord Palms to take a peek at their “Eco-Logical Initiatives,” as they like to call them. From the moment I walked through the front door of the lobby, I could definitely tell that this was a resort like no other – a resort that celebrates the natural world and encourages guests to revel in the tranquility of nature.
To say that the Gaylord Palms’ inner atrium is “green” would be a serious understatement. Walking into the hub of this resort is quite like walking into a rainforest. Vegetation and flowers are everywhere, and the silence is broken with the cacophony of rushing waterfalls scattered throughout. The atrium is divided into distinct “regions” to celebrate the unique eco-systems of Florida, such as the Everglades, Key West and St. Augustine. You could get lost, wandering the pathways lined with flowers and trees and tropical greenery. There seems to be a hidden pond or waterfall around every bend. And the massive windows opening up to the sky bathe the atrium with plenty of natural sunlight. It’s so calming and tranquil walking through the resort. It’s like experiencing the best of a sub-tropical paradise, without the heat, humidity or mosquitoes!
Throughout the atrium, you can find some pretty cool animal encounters, too, that help you appreciate the natural world. Ponds are stocked with fish. There’s a turtle hatchery where you can find baby turtles trying to crawl up the glass. There’s even some space for snakes and alligator hatchlings. And if you stick around in the evenings, you can watch the alligators (which are tended by another Kissimmee attraction, Gatorland) being fed in the main lobby. Now, really, how cool is that!
And while you might notice the “green” in the atrium, chances are you’ll never be aware of other ways the Gaylord Palms is going green throughout the resort. Simple initiatives like HEPA air filters in guest rooms and public spaces for healthier indoor air, cooling areas only where people are found, recycling products and supplies on the administration side of things and water conservation initiatives take less of a toll on the environment. I honestly never even noticed these eco-friendly practices while I was at the Gaylord Palms, which is nice, because they seamlessly blend into the background without too much fuss or interuption in guest service.
What I really liked, though, was the Gaylord Palms’ committment to going green with their food service. The resort is trying to support local and organic farms, sustainable fishing practices and is a member of the Slow Food Organization. Reading the menu for The Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant, I was fascinated to read the story behind the restaurant’s artisanal cheeses which come from small dairy farms using traditional, and often organic, practices to hand craft small batches of distinct cheeses. It’s this type of practice that I truly appreciate – supporting small farms who care enough to continue crafting quality foods in the best way possible for a distinctly unique culinary experience.
The Gaylord Palms just about has it all – close to the action, plenty of things to do and luxurious lodging for all travelers. But what I especially appreciate is that they’re trying to be more eco-friendly while also catering to their guests.
