Two trips in one! Our weekend visit to the Great Smoky Mountains took us to two states, one expansive mountain range, and an amusement park jaunt to honor the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton.
Our first stop was Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, about a four-hour drive from the Charlotte area. The ride was a pretty smooth one, with beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The mountain range sits on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, and it was given the name “smoky” by the Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee word Shaconage means “place of the blue smoke,” a haze that often envelops the top of the mountain range. (Thanks to my daughter, who learned this in fourth grade!)
We stayed at the RiverStone Resort and Spa in Pigeon Forge, which I highly recommend. The service was excellent, and the resort was clean and spacious. We considered staying at one of the two lodging options at Dollywood, but it was hard to beat the price and amenities at RiverStone. The resort had a spa, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and our family’s favorite: a lazy river! We spent both evenings floating around the lazy river (complete with waterfall) and enjoying the sunset over the mountains. Because RiverStone condos and cabins have kitchens (and in our condo’s case, a full dining area!), it’s the perfect place for a family, or for a group who wants to cook some/all of their own meals.
On day 2 of our trip, after a few huge morning thunderstorms, we headed over to Dollywood Theme Park. Despite the weather delaying our visit to the park a bit, it actually resulted in a less crowded, quieter park experience. We took the parking lot trams over to the park and headed to the Dolly Parton Experience, where we learned about Dolly’s life, sat in a replica of the desk in Dolly’s movie, 9 to 5, listened to Dolly’s music, and got up close and personal with many of Dolly’s iconic outfits and accessories in the Behind the Seams exhibit. My kids particularly enjoyed dancing around a beautiful room towards the end of the experience. This exhibit was empty of furniture or props, but full of life as scenes from Dolly’s world and the Tennessee area were projected onto the screen as Dolly’s music played in the background.
The park is quite large, with lots of options for rides and entertainment. There’s an entire section devoted to roller coasters of all kinds, and live shows play throughout the day, from country music to the Gazillion Bubbles Show to Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience.
We loved taking pictures in front of the Dollywood sign and riding on the Dollywood Express Train, which gave visitors a great tour of the park and the surrounding mountains. We also had fun on the Smoky Mountain River Rampage, where EVERYONE on the ride got wet (I never believe the signs at the front of raft rides in amusement parks, but this one was completely true!). Even if you’re not a ride aficionado, there’s lots to do, see, and eat throughout the park, including replicas of important places in Dolly’s life (such as the Robert F. Thomas Chapel, named in honor of the doctor who brought Dolly into this world!). The Grist Mill in Craftsman’s Valley produces the famous cinnamon bread, which was absolutely delicious. (Tip: if the line at the Grist Mill is too long for you, head over to the Spotlight Bakery, which sells it warm and fresh as well!)
On our final day of the trip, we drove from Pigeon Forge, TN, to Bryson City, NC, to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot. The hour-and-a-half drive took us straight up and over the mountain range. The roads were curvy, but well-paved and not scary to drive on…most of the road was anywhere from 20-40 MPH, which also gave you the opportunity to enjoy the view as you were driving. There were lots of groups on the remote route that were hiking, fishing, and camping in the area. We happened to run into a family of 7 elk as we neared Bryson City, which was amazing to see.
Upon arriving at the depot, we climbed about the train for the 4.5 hour Nantahala Gorge Excursion. The tour took us alongside the Nantahala River and Fontana Lake, with a one-hour layover at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, where we were able to pick up snacks or lunch and enjoy the river (which remains at a chilly 40-45 degrees year-round!). There was another package option called Raft n Ride, where you could get off the train at the turn-around point of the route, and whitewater raft or kayak down the Nantahala River.
Each train car had their own guide, who was well-versed in the history of the area. (Who knew that the manmade Fontana Lake is green in part because it was built on a coal mine, or that there are 400+ houseboats on the lake?) Coolers were not allowed on the train, but there were many a la carte options available for purchase, as well as the option to pre-order boxed lunches (which were quite good!). It was easy to keep busy on the train, simply by enjoying the view, bringing on books or games, and spending quality time with loved ones. Even the youngest travelers had a blast!
Whether you’re in the NC/TN area or looking to visit someplace new that’s appealing to all ages, don’t sleep on the Great Smoky Mountains…10/10!
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