Dollywood

No Trip to Tennessee is complete without at least a day stop at Dollywood. In my opinion this is the perfect park for so many reasons.

For starters those who do not want to drive, you can park your car at Patriot Park and there is a trolley that takes you right up to the door. And it just keeps getting better from there.

I have been to Dollywood several times, and to many of the special events they have. The Flower and Food Festival, The Harvest Festival and of course my favorite Smokey Mountain Christmas. What sets this park aside from any other theme park? Nestled in the Smokey Mountain, which in itself is one of the most beautiful places in the United States, this park has so much to offer even if you are not a big roller coaster rider.

Your tickets can be purchased on line or through a kiosk and I must say they have this place so organized and run to perfection. Be sure to download the app before you go as you can see where everything is in real time and actually gives you great walking directions. But all through the park are also information booths with people giving directions.

The minute you walk into the park you are transformed into a magical world. Depending on the time of year there are spectacular light festivals and themed decorations throughout the park. And in the summer months admission includes splash country, the water park. You must take a ride on the steam engine train (yes a real one) that goes through the park with songs playing and giving you facts about the park.

The food is incredible and if you do go during one of their festivals they have a tasting menu that is well worth the price. You get five items and they are the full portions. But for those who chose to eat elsewhere there are plenty of restaurants. From Aunt Granny’s Family style dining to Reds Drive in, a 1950’s nostalgic burger joint and everything in between there is something for everyone. Be sure to stop at the Front Porch Café for a delicious order of Fried Green Tomatoes. And one of the not to be missed places is the Grist Mill, a place where centuries ago the giant water wheel would grind the corn and wheat. This is home to the best cinnamon bread, made fresh daily with a side of apple butter or buttercream icing. This could be one of the places that you may have to wait a bit in line but trust me you will not be disappointed. Try and eat it hot when you get it but i can be taken home and reheated.

The shows are one of the standouts of Dollywood. There are indoor venues as well as outdoor shows going on around the park at various times. These shows are every bit as good as any Broadway production I have seen. The pageantry, the voices are so entertaining and I have to admit the Smokey Mountain Christmas show brought me to tears. Be sure to mark off what you want to see on the app as there is so much going on that you will not want to miss. The majority of these theatres are so large and accommodate so many people that you never have to worry about not getting in to see something.

Be sure to also head over to the  Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, where you can see  beautiful regal non-releasable bald eagles, a 30,000 sq.ft. aviary in a mountain setting. These impressive birds of prey are under the care of the American Eagle Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.

For lovers of roller coasters you can ride your way through the mountains, a whole different way to experience a theme park. Aside from the roller coasters there are plenty of rides and arcades for the younger ones. My boyfriend and I love the two water rides, the river rampage and daredevil falls. Be prepared to get wet while having a great time. I think last time we were there we did daredevil falls about 5 times.

If you don’t think you can cover the park in one day or want to come back the ticket prices are so reasonable and for a small amount you can add extra days.

The staff at the park is courteous and friendly, and the park is kept so clean.  Everything at Dollywood  is so homey and thought out, you cant help but feel the love of Dolly herself. Young and old alike will have a day filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

My first time at the park was during Christmas. After spending time there I don’t know why it wasn’t  on my bucket list. So for anyone who does not have it one theirs do yourself a favor and add it. And while you are in the state of Tennessee be sure to stop and see one of our most beautiful National Parks, the Smokey Mountains. It will be one of the greatest experiences unlike anything you have seen. Dollywood, Tennessee and the mountains the perfect combination. The motto of Dollywood is “Love Every Moment.”  This definetly delivers and isn’t that what life is about.

For more information visit www.dollywood.com.

Reviewed by Gayle Kirshenbaum and Terry Giardina