As I have said before, I don’t know when it started, but when I was in middle school, Dolly Parton purchased a theme park in Tennessee. I think my brain though it was amazing that a singular person could own a theme park (and of course my adult brain now knows she purchased an interest in the park and does not own it outright…but still!). And so Dollywood became much like my beloved Hollywood sign, something I just wanted to see! Do I think it’s the greatest amusement park ever? Not even close, but it has character and love throughout. A replica of her childhood home sits on the property along with a school house and church. Craftsmen produce their wares for both purchase and education. Homemade cinnamon bread (leave the diet at home), porch rocking chairs, fiddle players pepper the park. Old kitschy rides meet new fantastic roller coasters. And Dolly’s mama’s fried green tomato are not to be missed.
On My Way
Pigeon Forge
