Feature Story
DOLLY OWNS HOW MANY ATTRACTIONS?
Most people associate Dolly Parton with Dollywood. But her influence across Pigeon Forge goes much deeper. From dinner theaters and museums to resorts and restaurants, Dolly and her partners now operate 10 major attractions in the Smokies — and the list continues to grow.
Sponsor Spotlight
PROTECT YOUR NEXT TRIP
Trips don’t always go exactly as planned — especially when weather, travel delays, or unexpected illness pop up. Travelinsurance.com lets you quickly compare policies from top providers so you can find coverage that fits your trip and your budget before you leave home.
Local Insights
EXPLORE THE MAGIC OF DOLLYWOOD
WILL THIS BE THE BEST SEASON EVER?
Dollywood continues to shatter attendance records, raising the question: what exactly is fueling the park’s biggest seasons yet?
UNFORGETTABLE RIDES NOT TO BE MISSED
From record-breaking roller coasters to classic family favorites, these are the Dollywood rides that visitors say are absolutely worth the wait.
ACTIVITIES THAT AREN’T RIDES
Dollywood isn’t just about coasters—between live shows, craft demonstrations, and great food, there’s plenty to enjoy even if you never step on a ride.
A RICH HISTORY WORTH EXPLORING
From a small Smoky Mountain attraction to one of the country’s most beloved theme parks, the story behind Dollywood’s rise is more fascinating than most visitors realize.
Sponsor Spotlight
FUND YOUR NEXT TRIP TO THE SMOKIES
We’re often asked how we manage to travel so frequently and explore all the hidden corners of the US. One of our favorite travel tools is the Capital One Venture Card.
It’s simple: every dollar we spend earns unlimited 2x miles that we can redeem for any travel expense — from cabin rentals in Wears Valley to flights into Knoxville. It’s the card we use daily to turn our regular spending into future travel adventures.
If you’re planning your next trip, consider signing up. You can earn a 75,000-mile bonus (equal to $750 in travel) after meeting the initial spending goal. Plus a one-time $250 travel credit in the first year.
(Heads up: This is our personal referral link. If you sign up, we may receive a bonus, which helps us keep Smoky Mountain Insider running at no extra cost to you. This is a product we personally use and trust!)
Smoky Mountain Lodging
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY
There are great places to stay all around the Smoky Mountains, and where you stay depends on what you’re interested in and how much you’re willing to spend. Simply select the city you’re interested in, and you’ll get a map showing available accommodations.
News & Events
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE SMOKIES
⚠️ Insider Alert: Late-Winter Sweet Spot (Before Spring Break Hits)
If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Smoky Mountains without peak-season crowds, this is one of the best weeks of the year to do it.
Locals call this the “calm before spring break.” Restaurants are easier to get into, traffic along the Parkway is lighter, and you can actually find parking in downtown Gatlinburg.
But it won’t last long.
Next weekend, on March 13th, marks the reopening of Dollywood, which kicks off the park’s I Will Always Love You Music Festival and the start of the busy spring travel season.
😃 SEASONAL FUN IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS
For many Smokies fans, Dollywood's reopening is the unofficial start of spring in the mountains.
Keep an eye out for early spring wildflowers beginning to emerge along hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Popular spots for early blooms include the Gatlinburg Trail and the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail.
Enjoy a peaceful morning coffee on a cabin porch, breathing in the fresh mountain air as the days gradually lengthen. It's the perfect way to start your day before heading out to explore.
🐦🔥 GUARANTEED GOOD TIMES (Rain or Shine)
Even if the weather is a bit unpredictable this time of year, there's always something fun happening indoors in the Smokies!
Catch a dinner show in Pigeon Forge! Options like Dolly Parton's Stampede or Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud offer fantastic entertainment and a hearty meal, perfect for any weather. Check their schedules for this week's showtimes.
Indoor attractions and dining at The Island in Pigeon Forge - especially nice in the early evening when the lights come on.
Hidden Gems
DOLLYWOOD DINING EXPERIENCES
AVOID THESE DINING MISTAKES
Before you spend $100 on park food, learn the common Dollywood dining mistakes that can leave visitors frustrated, hungry, or wasting valuable park time.
CAN’T MISS FOODS YOU MUST TRY
Dollywood has built a reputation for surprisingly great food — but which dishes are actually worth your time and money?
THE FAMOUS CINNAMON BREAD
It’s the most famous snack in the Smokies—but is Dollywood’s cinnamon bread really worth the hype and the long lines?
WHERE TO DINE @ DOLLYWOOD
Planning a full day at the park? Here’s everything you need to know about dining at Dollywood, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
Insider Secrets & Tips + Discounts
THOUGHTS FROM THE SMOKIES
INSIDER SECRETS
🎢 Dollywood Tip: Most Visitors Don’t Know
If you’re planning to visit Dollywood this spring, here’s a tip locals use every year:
Arrive about 30–45 minutes before park opening: Why? Guests are allowed through the front gate early and can line up near their favorite rides before the park officially opens. When the rope drops, you’ll already be in position.
This can save an hour or more of waiting on popular rides like Lightning Rod and Wild Eagle.
Bonus tips: 1) Start in the back of the park first. Most visitors stop at the first rides they see, creating longer lines near the entrance. 2) Pre-purchase everything: Buy tickets and parking online to avoid ticket window lines. 3) Tuesdays and Wednesdays in spring are generally less crowded.
LOCAL TIPS
Save on Dollywood tickets with multi-day tickets - the second day is usually much less. If you’re staying several days, a season pass may actually cost less than two visits.
Beat the chill and enjoy some indoor fun! This week is perfect for exploring the many museums, aquariums, and dinner shows in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. You'll find plenty to do no matter the weather.
DISCOUNTS
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa: Stay near the heart of the action and save on hotels and special packages.
Nantahala Outdoor Center: Pigeon River rafting in the Smokies
SkyLand Ranch: Experience mountain coasters, scenic views & live entertainment
Until next time,
Your Smoky Mountain Adventures Await
