DOLLYWOOD

Back in August during our vacation to Gatlinburg TN we stopped our blog on Sunday, promising that Monday would be Dollywood. Somehow it was never written about though so on this rainy April day I can take myself back to that beautiful August day......

For as many years as I can remember I have wanted to go to Dollywood. We got close several times, but the trip always changed up a bit and we missed it. Not this time!! We had spent several great days in Gatlinburg which is next to Pigeon Forge where Dollywood is. Tour guides advised waiting until Monday so the crowds would be easier and we usually take their advice. Monday morning we took Tigger for a nice walk, got him settled and then we walked downtown to Ripleys where the trolleys gather. We hopped on the Pink trolley (of course)which was bound for Dollywood. There was about 20 of us on board and no one else had ever been there either.
After a half hour ride, there it was- DOLLYWOOD and it was almost like the first time you see the Disney Castle in Orlando- kind of like " I cant believe I made it!!"


We were both starving when we got there, having skipped breakfast so we could indulge in the park. Of course the first eatery you come upon is a pastry shop with this huge selection of goodies. Paul is always watching his sugar so we opted for coffee and sat and watched the people coming in. The we started our day, riding every water ride they had- Beaver Creek Boat Float, Blazing Fury, Daredevil Falls, Mountain Slidewinder, Timber Tower, Smoky Mountain River Rampage. We toured Dolly's tour bus. We rode the 5 mile excursion on Dollywood Express an actual coal fired steam locomotive. We battled in River Battle. We rode the carousel! And we ate.
Ham and Beans, funnel cake with strawberries, barbecue, kettle corn, corn dogs, flat bread sandwiches.....I am surprised we didn't burst.





We also explored the little shops- so many hand made crafts made by local artists. Dollywood has brought prosperity to Pigeon Forge and allowed traditional artisans to maintain their lifestyle. We ordered a hand forged name plate sign for our house and had it shipped back to the Poconos. The weather was sunny and very warm but not awfully hot, we really could not have asked for a nicer day to go. Finally it was time to catch a trolley home to Gatlinburg, to walk Tigger along a stream bordered trail at the Smoky Mountain National Forest and finally sit on our deck on our rocking chairs and watch the sun set over the Smokies. It was another of those days where you just feel truly blessed.