As Chattanooga faded in the rear window we looked forward to wending our way along roads. Listening to our randomly curated country song playlist blaring away as the van covered more miles. Smokey Mountains here we come & all aboard for Pigeon Forge.
Night was closing in by the time we arrived but there was just enough time to dye my hair neon orange. This was achieved sitting by the side of the van before the sun finally set.
Next day we caught the shuttle from the RV park to Dollywood for a day out. Our mission to try & figure out if Dolly really does. I know who Dolly is or at least I thought I did.
However I couldn’t help but be moved by the grim tale of her early years. Or be impressed by someone who had built such an impressive empire yet still gives generously to those who don’t have.
Communing our Inner Dolly
Whether you do or don’t like her or her music. I feel that it’s quite something to be able to connect with your roots & give books to kids who would otherwise go without. Maybe we could all be a little inclined to do a bit more of ‘what Dolly would do’.
Dollywood for the uninformed is a giant theme park. With rides & activities that you would normally expect to find along with some you might not.
Use the link below to view a brief glimpse of one of the more tame rides in Dollywood.
It was interesting to learn about the childhood of Dolly Parton & look around one of her former tour buses.
Scary Pumpkins & Royalty
The site was in full Halloween mode so having neon orange hair didn’t look out of place. In fact many probably thought I had dyed it for that reason.
It wasn’t long after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. On discovering our English origins we were showered with deepest condolences. This I found uniquely strange.
While it’s true I had actually attended a royal garden part at Buckingham Palace many years ago. I was certainly not on close terms with the family.
So whilst one might feel sad at the death of a person. I cant honestly say I felt any degree of personal grief as I did not know her.
It actually started to get awkward as the day went on. Many grilling us on other aspects of the lives of the current royal family of which I know nothing about.
Being British
Bit of a disconnect really. As many of the American folk we encountered seemed to think we would have some sort of insider knowledge. Not sure why they assumed this & seemed shocked that we weren’t that bothered.
We walked our socks off around the park, rode the steam train & ate nice food. I did indulge in a pink cord jacket in the Dolly Shop & its proved a useful wardrobe addition.
Follow the link to discover more about Dollywood