5 Reasons to Visit Dollywood in the Fall

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!