[Disclaimer: Finding Mandee is reader-supported, if you purchase through links on my site I may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.]
Over the summer, we took a family vacation in the Smoky Mountains. It wasn’t our first visit to Tennessee or even to Pigeon Forge (you can see what we did on other jam-packed weekends in Pigeon Forge here), but it was our first time taking the kids to Dollywood.
Normally, I am the trip planner. I do the research, purchase the tickets, make the reservations, etc. But for the first time, I didn’t do any of that. My sweet mama did it all on this trip.
And it was SO NICE not to have to do all of those things, I wish I would have at least done my usual ‘research’. That way I would have known all of the must-see and must-do things there.
Here are 3 things that we didn’t see or do at Dollywood, that I hope we get to make a second trip back for!
The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook: From Frannie’s Famous Fried Chicken Sandwiches to Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, 100 Delicious Dollywood-Inspired Recipes! (Unofficial Cookbook Gift Series)Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones
The Chasing Rainbows Museum
On my senior trip, we spent a day at Dollywood and I remember looking at some of Dolly’s dresses and wigs. I couldn’t wait for Lainey to see those things since she is a HUGE fan.
Unfortunately, the Chasing Rainbows Museum was closed for renovations during our visit, so we weren’t able to see those things. I would love to take her back one day to see them.
Eat Some Cinnamon Bread
We visited Dollywood in the summer when it was unbearably hot. And since the kids were super excited, we spent most of our time rushing around from ride to ride.
So, we didn’t take the time to try much of the food.
Apparently, we missed out on the famous cinnamon bread. It is one of the things that the park is known for. Though I’m not sure it would have even been good to us, as we were hot and sweaty the whole time.
I would love to go back around Christmastime and try some of it!
Visit the Craftsman Shops
We were so busy rushing from ride to ride that we didn’t take the time to do much else that Dollywood has to offer. However, I would love to go back and visit some of the craftsman shops around the park.
There are shops where you can make your own candles. You can also watch craftsmen forge items in the blacksmith shop, blow beautiful glass pieces, create custom leather apparel, and make intricate wood carvings.
Our visit to Dollywood was such a fun escape. We were in the midst of a hard deployment. So, this trip and time with family were just what we needed.
However, I look forward to visiting Dollywood again in the future and making sure that I don’t miss these 3 things when I’m there!
