5 Things To Do in the Smokies if You Love Dolly Parton
The Smokies aren’t only home to gorgeous mountains, rivers, and valleys, but they’re also home to country music superstar, Dolly Parton! The queen of Appalachia herself grew up in a tiny, 1-bedroom log cabin in Sevierville with her parents and 12 siblings. After leaving her mark on Sevierville forever, Dolly lovers from all over visit the Smokies every year to enjoy some of Dolly’s most popular attractions. Here are 5 things to do in the Smokies if you love Dolly Parton:
1. Visit Dollywood
If you are a Dolly fan, you can’t pass up a trip to Dollywood when you come to the Smokies! Filled with one-of-a-kind roller coasters, delicious food, and award-winning shows, Dollywood has something for everyone! Get your adrenaline fix on The Wild Eagle or sit back and relax to the sounds of the Smoky Mountain String Band. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see Dolly on one of her frequent visits to the park! Make sure you stop in to see the replica of her childhood home. See how Dolly lived before she was singing on the biggest stages in the world! Also swing by the Chasing Rainbows Museum to see tons of Dolly memorabilia, such as her costumes and awards.
2. Pose with Her Statue
If you’ve ever wanted to get your picture made with Dolly Parton, now’s your chance! Located in downtown Sevierville, the Dolly Parton Statue was sculpted by Jim Gray in 1987 and depicts Parton as a young woman, resting on a rock while strumming her guitar. This bronze beauty serves as a landmark for the singer’s hometown and pays homage to the woman who has impacted the Smokies since she was a child.
3. See a Show at Pirates Voyage
One of Dolly’s attractions in the Smokies is Pirates Voyage! This dinner show takes visitors along as famous pirate, Blackbeard, and his quartermaster, Calico Jack, lead the Crimson and Sapphire crews into battle! Chow down on your four-course feast while you watch the pirates face off on the deck of full-sized pirate ships and a hideaway lagoon. Your kids will be amazed by the lovely mermaids and featured tropical birds!
4. Cool Off at Splash Country
Beat the summer heat when you visit Dollywood’s Splash Country! This waterpark has everything from water coasters to wave pools! Enjoy a perfect summer day racing down Fire Tower Falls or grab a tube and drift down the Downbound Float Trip. Located right beside Dollywood, you can jump next door after a day of roller coaster riding and soak in the sun while decompressing by the wave pool.
5. Check Out the Mural of Young Dolly at Old Red’s Cafe
If you’re driving down Bruce Street, make sure you’re on the lookout for one of Sevierville’s newest murals. This portrait of young Dolly at Old Red’s Cafe is a beautiful picture of two Sevierville legends. Old Red’s was iconic in Sevierville, originally located on Bruce Street but was relocated to Court Ave after several decades in operation. The mural stands near the original Old Red’s and features a waiter serving Dolly a cheeseburger.
Dolly Parton fans old and new all love coming to the Smokies to see where the singer was born and raised! After you visit all of Dolly’s attractions, check out other things to do in the Smoky Mountains and plan your next vacation today!
