Welcome back Gallivanters!

Summer is just on the horizon, and so are all of the adventures that come with this wonderful season.

We’ve traveled both near and far together in our “Day In..” series, and I’ve loved every minute of it!

Sharing my passion for travel with both seasoned travelers and those in the beginning stages of planning their first trip makes me so happy and has remained exciting each and every time.

Of all the places I’ve gotten to travel, my favorite trips have actually involved theme parks – especially the trips I’ve taken in the summer!

So today, we’re heading to none other than one of my favorite theme parks: Dollywood!

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Spotlight Bakery, Showstreet

2025 marks a momentous occasion, as Dollywood is celebrating their 40th year of adventure and fun in the Smoky Mountains.

Right now, Dollywood is also in the midst of the flower and food festival, so let’s start off our day by stopping into Spotlight Bakery, located at the main entrance of the park, for coffee and some of the special festival food and beverage offerings!

Rollercoasters, Wilderness Pass

Now that we’ve gotten a sugar rush, I think it’s time for some thrill rides.

Remove your hat, sunglasses and other loose articles of clothing, cause you’re about to go hundreds of miles an hour – all while being upside down!

Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado and Wild Eagle are some of my favorite roller coasters in the park, and they generally located in Wilderness Pass.

All of these offer a thrilling ride and have fun themes that celebrate Appalachian culture.

Quick Service Dining, Craftman’s Valley and JukeBox Junction

Now that we’ve rode all the rides, maybe some twice, it’s time to stop for a quick service lunch.

During the flower and food festival, several of the dining locations have snack/meal options exclusive to the festival like the Salted Caramel Milkshake at Red’s Drive-In or the Cilantro Lime Honey Chicken Wings at Hickory House BBQ.

The beauty of quick service in the parks is everything can be a grab and go onto your next activity.

Shows and Events, The Dolly Parton Experience

Part of what makes Dollywood unique to other theme parks is its celebration of Appalachian culture and heritage, and what better way to do so other than through music!

Dollywood offers many live shows, that are more like mini-concerts celebrating country music, the greatest hits, and of course the queen herself Dolly Parton.

They offer park goers a great opportunity to sit down, relax, enjoy the music and get out of the heat.

The Dollywood Express, The Village

The most iconic part of any Day in Dollywood is taking one final trip around the park on the Dollywood Express.

The authentic 110-ton coal-fired steam engine, will take you through the park and into the Great Smokey Mountains, all in about a 20 minutes.

Enjoy the scenery of the Smokies as you prepare to depart from our day in Dollywood.

Grist Mill, Owen’s Farm

Finally, you need to end your day at the park by enjoying Dollywood’s world famous Cinnamon Bread.

Located at the Grist Mill in Owen’s Farm, you can order a loaf Cinnamon Bread, accompanied by your choice of either the classic frosting/icing or delicious apple butter.

Don’t make the mistake of not buying two, one for now and one for tomorrow’s breakfast to remember your wonderful day in Dollywood!

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Well folks, I hope you enjoyed your day in Dollywood.

I don’t know about you, but I’ll be listening to Dolly Parton classics the whole way home.

Til next time!

-Allison