It’s no secret that I feel like I live in the most beautiful part of the country. I’m not sure if everyone feels this way about their hometown, but it’s a common characteristic of us who live in the Southeast. The mountains, the friendly people… it’s just a different way of life and Fall is one of my favorite times of year here in the South! That’s why next week, during Sophia’s Fall Break, we’ll be enjoying a wonderful stay-cation in the heart of the Smoky Mountains!
We’re heading to one of my family’s favorite places… Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. Dollywood holds a special place in my heart as my family has purchased Season Passes since I was a tiny girl myself [actually when it was still Silver Dollar City over 30 years ago]! We live just about 90 minutes from Dollywood, which makes it one of our favorite day trips for the girls too. But next week we’re so excited to be surprising the girls with a Fall stay-cation and spending a couple of nights at the brand new DreamMore Resort at Dollywood during the most beautiful season of the year. If you’ve been wanting to visit, now really is the best time, which is why I’m sharing 5 reasons to visit Dollywood in the Fall!
Leaves
It’s probably pretty obvious, but the leaves and the Smoky Mountains couldn’t be any more gorgeous than they are in the Fall. And one of the greatest places to see the colorful leaves is to stay high up in the mountains in one of the Dollywood cabins OR right at the DreamMore Resort, as it’s surrounded by beautiful views on every side. I can’t wait to show you more of the resort after our visit next week!
When you’re at Dollywood in the Fall, you can’t skip a ride on the Dollywood Express that takes a 2.5 mile loop around the park and up into the mountains surrounding the park.
Cooler Temperatures
Sure Summer at Dollywood is fun, especially with all the great water rides and Dolly’s own water park, Splash Country, but the cooler temperatures make walking around the 150 acre amusement park even more enjoyable.
National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration
Dollywood is becoming known more and more for their amazing thrill rides and roller coasters, like Wild Eagle [America’s first winged coaster] and Lightning Rod coming in 2016, which will be the world’s first launch wooden coaster and the fastest wooden roller coaster, but there’s definitely other angles that sets Dollywood apart from other amusement parks… the shows, the shops, and the entertainment!
Fall is the perfect time to visit, especially in October, because that’s when the Harvest Celebration is in full swing. The Fall Festival features the biggest Southern Gospel event in the Smokies and all the concerts are free, included in your Dollywood admission. A walk around the park will also bring sights of different artisans showing off their crafts and trade and wonderful shops so you can take a little bit of Dollywood home with you.
Fall Decorations
Dollywood is known for their amazing Christmas decorations… boasting over 4 million Christmas lights [yes, you read that right!], but their Fall decorations are not to be passed over! The beautiful shades of orange on display throughout the park make for lovely picture perfect landscapes!
Food
Warm Apple Cider, Cinnamon Loaves, Funnel Cakes topped with fresh fruit… all these are delicious snacks and foods you can enjoy any time at Dollywood, but they are extra special on Fall afternoons! On your trip to Dollywood in the Fall, you’ll definitely find Southern snacks and cooking at it’s best!
Joy Peter says
January 27, 2017 at 10:23 amWoww… Seeing these pictures I too am feeling to visit such an amusing and fun loving place.
Barrie says
October 16, 2015 at 9:24 amIt’s been over 10 years since we went to Dollywood! My favorite part was the shops
Ellen S. says
October 15, 2015 at 2:56 pmNo, I have never been to dollywood before, but would love to go… possibly on the off chance of seeing Dolly, herself
Dawn Monroe says
October 15, 2015 at 11:54 amI’ve never been but would enjoy staying in a cabin and seeing the foliage. The rides would be awesome too.
Shannon says
October 14, 2015 at 9:09 pmAll of the rides look so fun and that is what I would be looking forward to the most. I have never been here before.
Erica says
October 14, 2015 at 4:06 pmI have never been but would love to! I have heard many great things!
Amanda says
October 14, 2015 at 2:50 pmI have never been but it’s on my list of places to go! I’d love to take in the fall scenery, sample the food with my little one and see some shows.
Holly b says
October 12, 2015 at 10:13 pmShared on twitter
Holly b says
October 12, 2015 at 10:11 pmI haven’t been since I was a kid but at the time I loved all the music. I would love to take my kids now.
Jenny Norris says
October 12, 2015 at 8:26 amI have been going since it was silver dollar city also! I can’t wait for my daughter to finally ride the wild eagle with me:). We are headed out today!!! Shared on Twitter
Lisa Garland says
October 12, 2015 at 7:58 amWe have visited Dollywood quite a few times. My favorite part is the atmosphere, I love all the crafts and how they dress, just the feel of it is awesome!
April p says
October 11, 2015 at 2:40 pmI shared on my pinterest account! my user name is aprilproveaux and it’s on my Travel board
April p says
October 11, 2015 at 2:06 pmI live in Tennessee, but somehow I’ve only been once! I loved the rollercoasters! I would love to go back with my son. I remember them having a fun kiddie area 🙂
DEBORAH W. says
October 10, 2015 at 7:18 pmI shared: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302585668692953150/
Catie says
October 9, 2015 at 11:45 ami WENT TO dOLLYWOOD AS A KID, AND i DON’T REMEMBER IT! i’D LOVE TO RETURN AS AN ADULT TO SEE IF i CAN STIR UP ANY MEMORIES.
Catie says
October 9, 2015 at 11:47 amI have no idea why my comment is all jacked up…
Jonathan S says
October 8, 2015 at 10:25 pmYes, I visit Dollywood at least once a year! My favorite part is the great family atmosphere.
Jessi Craddock says
October 8, 2015 at 4:54 pmI have been to Dollywood, my favorite thing about going there is seeing the pure excitement on my little boy’s face the whole time we are there, oh and the cinnamon bread, can’t forget the cinnamon bread 🙂 I am sharing this on Facebook!
Misty 2998 says
October 8, 2015 at 1:50 pmI shared it on Facebook
Misty Clevinger says
October 8, 2015 at 1:47 pmI have visited Dollywood every year. We love it there. It has something for every age. My favorite thing is the amazing food.
debbie says
October 8, 2015 at 1:40 pmtweeted: https://twitter.com/suburbsanity/status/652176808398426112
debbie says
October 8, 2015 at 1:40 pmI love Dollywood but I haven’t been in years. I would love to go back. I love the water rides and I also love the holiday decorations.
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
October 8, 2015 at 12:37 amI shared the giveaway on pinterest. Here is the link to the share- https://www.pinterest.com/pin/142778250664110682/
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
October 8, 2015 at 12:35 amMy hubby and I have never been to Dollywood, but we’ve been wanting to go for a long time. Our girls are at such a great age to go now! I would love to take them!! My husband loves the mountains and I am so ready for a family vacation! I know we would get so much out of a trip like this!!
LeAnn Harbert says
October 7, 2015 at 7:07 pmI haven’t been before. I want to take my kids, they will enjoy all the rides.
Elizabeth JOHNSON says
October 7, 2015 at 3:08 pmWE LOVE DOLLYWOOD! I think my favorite part is how family-friendly and CLEAN everything is – not just in the park, but around the whole area. In the park specifically… I love the mountain slidewinder ride, the country music show, and the aroma of open-air smoked sausage, peppers, and onions.
jeanette sheets says
October 7, 2015 at 1:22 ammy mother and i have always dreame of going ,but never been able to afford it ,we would love to see the shows and even better get lucky and see dolly ,would love to takemy mother and let her lifetime dream come true .especially now shes getting older and sickly
jeanette sheets says
October 7, 2015 at 1:15 ammy mother and i have always dreame of going ,but never been able to afford it ,we would love to see the shows and even better get lucky and see dolly
Ken Ohl says
October 6, 2015 at 6:28 pmnever have been but have always wanted to go we love dolly parton
Alanna Butterfield says
October 6, 2015 at 3:57 pmMy family has not been to Dollywood yet, but we have driven past it many times on our camping trips in Tennessee. From what I could tell…I am sure that our family would enjoy it!
Alanna Butterfield says
October 6, 2015 at 3:58 pmI would be most interested in the food and music…as would the kids!
crystal gibson says
October 6, 2015 at 1:57 pmI have never been to Dollywood but it has to be so fun and beautiful. My sister and her family go to the smoky mountains every year. I would love to be able to see it in the fall because I love the fall leaves.
Cindy A. says
October 5, 2015 at 10:38 amI shared on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/cindy.aiton/posts/989408824435176?pnref=story
Cindy A. says
October 5, 2015 at 10:34 amI love Dollywood! The rides are my favorite, but I also enjoy Carol of the Trees, Festival of Nations, and all the wonderful treats.
Karyn S says
October 3, 2015 at 1:42 pmYes, we have season tickets, as we are about 30 min away. The kids love, and it’s cheaper than an away vacation but get to go almost all year whenever we want! My boys love the coasters & my twins love the new kids areas. Me & hubs enjoy the shops!
DEBORAH W. says
October 2, 2015 at 10:06 pmi shared on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/302585668692849716/
DEBORAH W. says
October 2, 2015 at 10:05 pmI’VE NEVER BEEN TO dOLLYWOOD BUT WOULD LOVE TO GO. I WOULD LOVE TO STAY IN THE BEAUTIFUL HOTEL OVERLOOKING THE sMOKEY MOUNTAINS AND RIDE THE dOLLYWOOD EXPRESS THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE.
Julie Rupert says
October 2, 2015 at 3:57 pmI have visited Dollywood several times. We use to live in East tennessee, but have moved out of the area. I love all of the artisans!!
Kat says
October 2, 2015 at 10:29 amTweeted for an extra entry. Thanks!
https://twitter.com/KouponKat/status/649954243223404544
Kat says
October 2, 2015 at 10:28 amWow! I’ve never been to Dollywood, but it looks like a great place to take the kids in the fall. We’ve been to the Smoky mountains in the summer time but never in the fall. The fall foliage must be brilliant! My kids love everything about fall and I know we could create some special memories at Dollywood.
Gina says
October 2, 2015 at 8:38 amIt’s too funny this is your giveaway because my husband and i were literally thinking of planning a trip to Dollywood! We saw a commercial on the hallmark channel a few months ago that offered a trip, and we were doing research like crazy to try to plan our own trip at some point. i think our favorite part would be the park itself, but also being in a new environment. we love to try new things and this would be such a fun trip to win.
Deb says
October 1, 2015 at 11:10 pmNo, I’ve never been! But i’d love to walk around and take in the fall atmosphere in the mountains!
jessica z says
October 1, 2015 at 8:59 pmI have never been to Dollywood, but my mom says it is a blast! I would love to go and try the Mystery Mine ride, among many other things!
Nancy says
October 1, 2015 at 8:52 pmYes, we have visited dollywood. We loved all the great shows!
carol clark says
October 1, 2015 at 2:12 pmno mam i have not i would like to visit her old house if they show that and some of the rides and the history of her would be so exciteing
Melissa M says
October 1, 2015 at 12:28 pmI never have. However I have visited the Smoky Mountains in October and wow is all I can say! (Why are my letters not capitalizing lol)
Mary Happymommy says
October 1, 2015 at 11:19 amshared–https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=173784669626598&id=100009851985013&pnref=story
Mary Happymommy says
October 1, 2015 at 11:17 amWe stayed in a cabin minutes away from dollywood but it was in january and the park was closed. i’d love to take my kids on the rides.
Tammy Woodall says
October 1, 2015 at 8:39 amShared on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tlawoodall/posts/1053133871375962?pnref=story
Tammy Woodall says
October 1, 2015 at 8:38 amI haven’t been to Dollywood in many years. I’m sure they have added lots of new attractions and shows since that time. When my family went to Dollywood, we enjoyed the Train ride a lot. Also, the shows with Dolly’s family was great.
Angela W says
October 1, 2015 at 8:22 ampINNED! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/104145810110525324/
charlene says
October 1, 2015 at 8:15 amDollywood is not too far from where I grew up , but i have not been since our field trip in 8th grade and that has been more years than I want to think about
Janet W. says
October 1, 2015 at 8:12 amI shared this giveaway post on Google + as Janet Watson
https://plus.google.com/u/0/113759829097565015299/posts/1b3ZuUY4m9j
Janet W. says
October 1, 2015 at 8:12 amI actually haven’t been to Dollywood before, but we live in GA so it isn’t too far away at all! I’d love to take my grandsons and let them experience the fun at Dollywood! I’m looking forward to the delicious foods like the Cinnamon Loaves and also seeing the beautiful fall decorations!!
jessica Campbell says
October 1, 2015 at 12:46 ami love gatlinburg/pigeon forge but have never been in the fall when Dollywood is open and the leaves are changing! i am sure it is beautiful!
Joanne Brooks says
September 30, 2015 at 9:58 pmBeen to Dollywood several times. I love going with my family and my grandson loves the rides and the train.
smita says
September 30, 2015 at 9:39 pmHave never been to dollywood. But would like to go there for the fall or Christmas decorations & food.
stacey shepherd says
September 30, 2015 at 9:24 pmI love Dollywood!!!! I loved going as a child and now get to enjoy seeing my children enjoy this wonderful park. picking my favorite part is way too hard. i guess it would have to be the chapel, especially at Christmas.
Amy says
September 30, 2015 at 8:49 pmshared on fb
Amy says
September 30, 2015 at 8:44 pmBeen to Dollywood countless number of times with friends (ahem…?). Now loving going with our kids in tow & seeing that joy spread on their faces, too.
Jennifer Shaws says
September 30, 2015 at 8:36 pmI have been probably more than 50 times in my life, but haven’t been in years! I love everything there, but decorations are my favorite!
Brooke Kampman says
September 30, 2015 at 8:00 pmMany great childhood memories were made at Dollywood and now it’s great going back and making more with my daughter and my husband, who wasn’t lucky enough to grow up in east tennessee. My favorite things about Dollywood are the food (particularly the grilled cheese steaks with peppers and onions and the funnel cakes!) and the Blazin Fury ride! Unfortunately we didn’t get to go this summer so thank you for the opportunity to win tickets!
Also shared on Facebook 🙂
Ellen S. says
September 30, 2015 at 7:53 pmNo, I’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Dollywood, but would love to. What I am most excited about seeing there are the beautiful Fall colors in the mountains around Dollywood.
Lindsey G. says
October 16, 2015 at 9:45 amCongratulations Ellen! You are my lucky winner! I’ll be contacting you via email to claim your Dollywood tickets!
brooke kampman says
September 30, 2015 at 7:52 pmDollywood is a place where I made many a great childhood memories. it’s fun to make more with my daughter and my husband, who wasn’t lucky enough to grow up in east tennessee. My favorite part of Dollywood are the food (particularly the grilled steaks with peppers and onions and the funnel cakes!) And The blazing fury. I don’t know why but that’s always been my favorite ride 🙂 we unfortunately didn’t get a chance to go this year so thank you for the opportunity to win these tickets!!
Shared on Facebook
Debra G says
September 30, 2015 at 7:29 pmI loved the food!!!!!
Emily Hand says
September 30, 2015 at 7:24 pmI have never been to Dollywood but would love to go. I heard the shows and everything else there is outstanding. Hopefully I can have to chance to win this so I can take in all the beautiful things dollywood has to offer. Thanks for the chance. 🙂 Maybe my dream will come true and I will get to go to dollywood soon. Thanks again. 🙂
Ashley miller says
September 30, 2015 at 7:06 pmLIKE you, I have been visiting dollywood since I was a child. It’s funny how we take something as fantastic as Dollywood for granted when it is in our own back yard. It took me until I was older to recognize that Dollywood is a true theme park. From the bluegrass amd gospel music to the roller coasters and southern cuisine, dollywood is a good time for families of all ages!
Jessica Wright says
September 30, 2015 at 7:00 pmWe visited when I was about 10 years old and I loved it! I remember having some amazing Taffy there!
Christina holliday says
September 30, 2015 at 6:59 pmI also shared on Twitter @tinaholliday
Christina holliday says
September 30, 2015 at 6:57 pmWe have never been to Dollywood although we live in Georgia, so it’s pretty close! I look forward to taking my 3 kids there, riding rides, and experiencing the fall foliage! And of course, the food!
Angela W says
September 30, 2015 at 6:48 pmYes, we have visited dollywood around 5 or 6 times the last 10 years and we love going together as a family! I love the friendly people and beautiful leaves and mountains in the Fall!