The weekend found us down on Boulder Highway not too far from Sam’s Town. Since we’ve heard how nice their Mystic Falls atrium is, we thought this would be a good time to stop in and check it out.
Just as friends had told us, the atrium is beautiful. The 25,000 square foot area – filled with meandering walkways through flowers, trees and greenery – is flooded with sunlight via the glass ceiling 10 stories up, and the sound of running water, chirping birds and the occasional rat-a-tat of a woodpecker float through the air. The temperature is a balmy 72 degrees. This is great!
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As we stroll through, enjoying the peacefulness, we notice numerous examples of realistic looking wildlife along the stream, including a squirrel, a fawn, an owl and two big horn sheep atop a faux rock outcrop.
Approaching the back we can see the falls. There is something about falling water that mesmerizes.
Across the path in front of the falls is a small bar with a few tables and chairs that offers a place to relax while enjoying the view along with a beverage or snack. This seemed to be the only seating area other than at the front of the atrium near hotel registration.
Although we wanted to enjoy the peacefulness a bit longer, our lunch bell was ringing. As we glanced around we noticed that the back of the buffet room has large open windows along the side of the atrium; the perfect spot to satisfy our hunger and still experience the ambiance of Mystic Falls.
When we finished eating it was nearly time for the first water and light show of the day so we headed back to the falls area where a crowd had gathered. Young children were lined up along the rail in front to get the best view.
The show begins with the howl of a lone wolf that has emerged from his lair high atop the falls. The water stops flowing and fountains burst up from the pool at the base of the mountain syncopated to a symphonic score with a western theme recorded especially for Sam’s Town by the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra.
As the water shoots into the air at least eight stories, we look up and notice other animals. A bear on our right looks around, occasionally rearing up to roar. We also see a mountain lion and bald eagle high up on the left. The animals are all animated and very realistic.
At the end of the approximately 10 minute show, the wolf gives a final howl and returns to his den.
Although it is billed as a water and laser light show, we didn’t see any lights; perhaps because it was too bright in the atrium at two o’clock in the afternoon during the middle of summer. There are three other shows scheduled daily at 4 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. so we may return in the future for a later show time to catch the lasers.
But, with or without lights, it was enjoyable. The children especially had fun. They squealed with delight each time the water shot into the air and those by the rail danced around as they were misted with water droplets.
See you around town.