Don’t get me wrong — I love a good roller coaster. But I also know they’re not for everyone. On a recent visit to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN, I realized there is so much more to this attraction than loop-de-loops and 70-mile-per-hour thrills. From top-tier amusement park food to an inside look at Dolly Parton’s real-life wardrobe and engaging live performances, here are my favorite things to do at Dollywood — and not one involves a thrill ride.
Take a Food Tour
When I think of growing up and going to amusement parks, I think of greasy hot dogs and soggy chicken tenders — not exactly a food lover’s dream. So, imagine my surprise when I realized I would be visiting Dollywood during its annual Flower & Food Festival. (An amusement park hosting a food-centric festival?! I was intrigued.)
The results were admittedly shocking. I visited one of the stalls on my final day in the park, and genuinely think I had one of the best barbecue sandwiches of my life. Served on a brioche bun, the dish included perfectly spiced smoked pork, caramelized onions, roasted garlic aioli, pickles, and honey BBQ sauce.
And of course, there’s the legendary cinnamon bread — available year-round and worth every bit of the hype. I always fear it won’t live up to the memory I’ve built up since my last Dollywood visit … but it absolutely does. And then some.
Catch a Live Show
While this past visit wasn’t my first trip to Dollywood, it was my first time seeing one of the park’s live performances — and I was not disappointed. I opted to see From The Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton, which tells Dolly’s life story, beginning with her humble beginnings and the coat of many colors, and then continuing through the peak of her career with legendary hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5.”
If you’re visiting this season, I highly recommend catching the show while you still can — rumor has it that it won’t be around for much longer. Plus, there’s a super sweet surprise at the end that left the whole audience smiling (and maybe a little teary-eyed).
Visit the Dolly Parton Experience
On my last trip to Dollywood, the Dolly Parton Experience hadn’t opened yet, so it was at the top of my must-visit list this time around. Spanning several buildings, the museum dives into every chapter of Dolly’s life, from her Smoky Mountain childhood and a train ride to Nashville, to her first big break and decades of stardom.
While it’s hard to note a favorite part, I was definitely partial to the Behind The Seams building, which highlights Dolly’s iconic fashion and how her team creates her clothes and wigs. What surprised me most, however, is how a 79-year-old woman still wears heels that high!
Ride the Dollywood Express
An easy (and fun!) way to see the park in its entirety is to take a ride on the famous Dollywood Express. The 20-minute ride takes place on an authentic coal-fired steam train that travels through a scenic loop, complete with sweeping mountain views and historic stories. It’s relaxing and picturesque, and it’s a great way to take a break between meals and roller coaster rides.
BONUS: See the Topiary
If you’re also lucky enough to visit during the annual Flower & Food Festival, don’t miss the chance to wander through the park’s stunning topiary displays. Home to more than 500,000 blooms woven into breathtaking mosaiculture sculptures, the floral artistry is nothing short of jaw-dropping. You’ll spot everything from towering butterflies to larger-than-life black bears and peacocks — each one brought to life with vibrant color and incredible detail. My personal favorite? A gorgeous tribute featuring Dolly Parton’s mother sewing the legendary coat of many colors.
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