Dollywood or Bust

Located in the heart of Tennessee, Pigeon Forge to be exact, just a hop, skip and a jump from Nashville, lies a theme park with one bigger than life theme. Dollywood opened in 1986 while I was still in high school in a suburb of Nashville. I tell you what, I would have been intimidated with my interview of Dolly Parton last year had I visited the park first. It was a mix of my first job at Opryland and my recent visit to Six Flags Great America.

The roots of the place trace back to the Rebel Railroad, the location that the park is built on top of. The Smoky Mountains surround Dollywood with Gatlinburg's its neighbor and tons of shopping and attractions to keep any tourist busy. There are campgrounds and Dolly has her own cabins on the property to pop a squat in.

Dollywood brings in about two million visitors annually. I kept thinking, "Where is Cher World or Madonna's Monastery?" No one has had a successful park about themselves. Why didn't Michael Jackson opens his to the general public. You would think Ms. Parton has the biggest ego in the world but after meeting her I don't think so. She has managed to stay down home and friendly. So was the service here at every turn. Country is not even the word for the staff here. Everyone drops what they are doing to answer a question.

Upon arrival I headed to the tour bus to take a gander of how Dolly lived on the road for so many years. There was even an early wig to gawk at and surprisingly very small compared to nowadays. Dolly's Closet is right across the street from it with but nothing scandalous was inside like I hoped for.

After a quick bite at the diner it was time to ride some roller coasters. New this year is the Wild Eagle. It is a double wing coaster much like X-Flight at Great American but it has it's own unique style and the most thrilling ride at the park. Unfortunately the Mystery Mine was closed for the day but the Tennessee Tornado was a hoot and very fast. Thunderhead really shook me up but lasted a good long time.

There are lots of water rides such as the Mountain Sidewinder where I thought we might flip upside down since it is basically a mat on a water slide. The Smoky Mountain Rive Rampage guaranteed people to get wet on a hot day.
There were shows throughout the day with even members of Dolly's family singing and performing. Her museum was really spectacular tons of pictures with celebrities (see I'm not the only one that likes a picture with Carol Burnett) and an attic full of relics and memorabilia to check out.
It was easy to spend a day strolling around and that is not even hitting her Splash Country water park next door. Book your trip at www.dollywood.com. Now when are we having a gay day there? Bring your own wig!
Don't miss Out in the Park at Six Flags on September 8 to benefit TPAN. Tickets are $35 with details at www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com.