If it weren’t for Dolly Parton, Pigeon Forge would probably be known its outlet malls and local amusement parks. But because of Dolly Parton, who grew up in nearby Sevierville, Pigeon Forge is primarily known as the home of Dollywood.
Dollywood is the latest version of an amusement park that had operated on the site in various forms since 1961. Dolly put her name on it in 1986, and it has since grown to be the largest employer in the area. As the park has expanded, it has taken on more of Dolly’s personality, with attractions that reflect the places she grew up (e.g., a replica of her family home; the diner where she had her first hamburger, and the theater where she first performed).
We were there during the last week of the park’s operation, right before it was going to close for the winter. Abby had the sense to ask a staffer whether it was better to buy tickets at the window or from a self-service kiosk, and the staffer told her that “the owner” was in the park that day and had told the staff to hand out a supply of “Friends and Family” passes that were going to expire that weekend. As a result, although we never saw her, we were Dolly Parton’s guests. (For all we know, though, the staffer could have been referring to someone from Herschend Family Entertainment, which co-owns the property, but we’d rather think that Dolly’s hand was in it.)
It was still Christmas at Dollywood, but it also was bitterly cold, and the park was nearly empty.
Even as the park began to fill, we still waited no more than 10 minutes to get on any of the rides. Dollywood has some impressive roller coasters.
Next: Asheville, NC.