Dollywood: One Of the Greatest Parks in the South

Dollywood, a 150-acre amusement park in the Smoky Mountains, is located in Pigeon Forge, TN. It is named after country legend Dolly Parton who grew up in Sevierville, TN. There are over 40 shops to browse while inside Dollywood. Dollywood is chock-full of dining locations from full-service dining to fast food locations. The beautiful Smoky Mountain setting provides excellent surroundings to enjoy a variety of amusement park rides from water rides, carnival rides, to thrilling roller coasters. One day prices range from $45.80 for children; $57.00 for adults; $53.65 for senior citizens. The best value is to arrive after 3:00 p.m. and the next day is free.

Dollywood offers everything from handmade crafts to apparel and home furnishings. At the Dollywood Emporium you will find many of the treats offered by other vendors throughout the park. Make sure to go by the Bat Cart to get your personalized engraved wooden bat. And for those that love that Dolly style, go to Dolly's Closet to purchase items in your size!

Dollywood boasts southern cooking which is an art from all by itself. At Aunt Granny's All-You-Care-To-Eat Buffet you can sample all the southern breakfast you care to eat until 10:45 a.m. Other restaurants serve smothered skillet potatoes, grilled pork chops, cheeseburgers, soup and sandwiches. For a quick snack there is kettle corn which is a sweet and salty version of popcorn; deep-fried pork rinds, delicious homemade ice cream, and fantastic funnel cakes.

Dollywood features master craftsmen and artisans that demonstrate the centuries-old traditions of blacksmithing, wagon making, candle dipping, and more. At the Blacksmith & Foundry you will see a demonstration of a local iron-smith using skills from hundreds of years ago. Dollywood's Grist Mill is a fully operating grist mill where you can purchase stone-ground meal prepared on the spot.

Dollywood delivers the best in live entertainment with country, bluegrass, Southern gospel, and classic rock shows throughout the day. At Dolly's Family Reunion, Dolly's relatives star in this tribute to Dolly Parton. James Rogers performs old favorites in his one-man show. Smoky Mountain String Band is a trio that performs authentic mountain music. The award-winning Kingdom Heirs perform daily showcasing southern gospel music.

Dollywood has five festivals between March and December. At the Festival of Nations you will witness people from nations all over the world showcasing their talents. During KidsFest, the South's largest kid inspired festival; you will see some of your favorite characters while visiting Dollywood. In late summer, Ricky Skaggs opens up the Barbeque and Bluegrass festival. During the four week festival, Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration, you will see free daily concerts. Smoky Mountain Christmas is an awe-inspiring wonder featuring over 4-million lights, sensational shows, and of course Santa Claus.

At Dollywood you will find rides for all ages. At the Country Fair you will find all of your favorite carnival type rides including the Scrambler, the Lemon Twist, swings, bumper cars, and a huge Farris wheel. If you enjoy roller coaster, there are several available including: the Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, the Blazing Fury, and Thunderhead. Water rides abound with Daredevil Falls, Slidewinder, River Battle, and the River Rampage. Make sure you ride the Dollywood Express while you are visiting; it is a 110-ton coal-fired steam engine that takes you on a five-mile journey around Dollywood.

www.dollywood.com/