Thankful for Dollywood!

This month is also one of gratitude and being thankful for ALL things as we celebrate Thanksgiving! I am thankful that life is getting back in session, joy is returning, and human contact with family and friends is back on the daily schedule. One thing that I am super grateful for is DOLLYWOOD. It’s no surprise that I love Dolly Parton, I mean who doesn’t? She’s a national treasure full of love and light and I’ve been a huge fan since I popped out of the womb! My friends and I had been talking about taking a trip to Dollywood for the past five years, and always saying that it’s a “bucket list” moment to head to the Smokey Mountains. Well, you guessed it: I had finally had enough of just talking about it and said, “it’s now or never ladies” and I booked the trip. Now I am here to tell you, if you are looking for the FULL experience, you must book a Dollywood Cabin. We stayed in “Smokey Mountain Memories” (DUH) and had the luxury of sleeping in our own bedrooms with our own bathrooms, because the cabin slept 14 people. When you stay at one of the Dollywood Cabins, early entry into the park and preferred parking is included. They are located less than 5 miles from the park, and there really is, in my opinion, no other place to stay! www.dollywood.com

Dollywood Amusement Park is nothing short of magical! From the roller coasters tucked into the mountains, the overflowing country charm, and the amazing food, it will not disappoint. We spent two whole days at the park and did not repeat anything twice. We were lucky enough to experience some of the decor for the Harvest Festival, and Christmas time at the park is something that is being planned as I write this. My favorite attraction at the park was the “Chasing Rainbows” museum. EVERYTHING Dolly is located there. Every award she has received, every costume from concerts to movies is on display. I almost fainted when I stumbled across the wardrobe of her “9 to 5” album and movie and Miss Mona’s fabulous frocks from the “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas!”

The park is in the busy town of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is pretty much a southern Vegas there. There is so much to do, we could have stayed another week.  Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is a MUST, which is located at “The Island in Pigeon Forge.” www.pauladeensfamilykitchen.com If you want butter, butter, and more butter, in a family style serving, you need to look no further. The Island has multiple bars, restaurants, shops, fun rides, and includes a miniature version of the Bellagio fountains, complete with rocking chairs to watch the show. A “Mount Rushmore” awaits at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum with the faces of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, and Charlie Chaplin! www.ripleys.com Enjoy a country music night to remember at the “Country Tonight Theatre” where you will be dazzled by big belt buckles, 10-gallon hats, and spurs that jingle jangle jingle. www.countrytonightpf.com If you want a waffle or pancake house, honey there are 4,500 to choose from. Enjoy a night at “Dolly’s Stampede” and the “Dueling Lumberjacks”, both with that country experience that you won’t find anywhere else! If it’s a Smokey Mountain Christmas you desire, book a room at the Christmas Inn, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. This jolly inn has decorated trees throughout, including the rooms. Stop by the front desk nightly to get your chocolate chip cookies and milk to leave out for Santa, or just enjoy them yourself. www.innatchristmasplace.com  Looking for the largest selection of Christmas decor, well right across the street you can ride Santa’s sleigh into the doors of “A Christmas Place” and be prepared to be gob smacked!

Now I don’t want to give all the details of my best vacation EVER, but I do want to express my love for the people there. I saw a couple social media posts about my travels that stated, “Why are you visiting the south” and “there’s too many red necks there.” I wanted to address the fact that yes, she’s real gay and so are my friends who traveled with me. There was some trepidation about heading south, but the kindness of everyone we met was the biggest take away from me. Everyone we came in contact radiated pride for where they live, just as I do living in Palm Springs. NOT ONE PERSON gave a look, made us feel unwelcome, and was genuinely kind. There are ignorant people all over the planet who don’t feel everyone is included, and guess what: THAT is all on them. I’m so thrilled that I didn’t let other people’s views stop me from living my best life and experiencing all the beautiful splendor the smokey mountains have to offer. If you have been thinking of taking a trip to Dollywood, JUST DO IT! You will be so happy you did!

Love, Pride, and Gratitude,

XO Ethyl