- Dollywood offers world-class shows, delicious Southern food, unique shopping, and stunning Smoky Mountain scenery. No thrill rides required!
- Enjoy gospel, bluegrass, and Broadway-style performances, plus seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations.
- Savor famous cinnamon bread, award-winning restaurants, and festival treats.
- Shop for custom souvenirs and handcrafted gifts at the Dollywood Emporium and Craftsman’s Valley.
- Stay just minutes away at Eagles Ridge Resort, your cozy Pigeon Forge cabin retreat.
Did you know Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas lights up the park with over 6 million twinkling lights each winter? Drone and firework shows brighten up the night sky during summer. The park’s cinnamon bread is so legendary that people line up for it all day long. If you thought Dollywood was just for roller coaster fans, think again. There is a whole world of fun waiting for everyone!
Here are 4 fun things to do at Dollywood besides riding roller coasters.
1. Watch the Shows: Dollywood’s Live Entertainment
Dollywood is famous for its award-winning live shows, and you do not need to ride a single coaster to enjoy them. Here is what you can expect:
- Gospel and Bluegrass
Catch the Kingdom Heirs, Dollywood’s legendary Southern gospel group, performing at the Pines Theater. With over 40 years of hits, their harmonies are a Smoky Mountain tradition. - Seasonal Festivals
Do not miss the I Will Always Love You Music Festival in spring. It celebrates Dolly Parton’s songwriting legacy with sing-alongs and the “From The Heart” musical at Celebrity Theater. - The Imagination Playhouse
Perfect for kids, these 20-minute musicals bring Dolly’s Imagination Library books to life, with Dolly herself making special video appearances. - Holiday Magic
During Smoky Mountain Christmas, enjoy Candlelight Carolers, Christmas with The Kingdom Heirs, and festive sing-alongs under a canopy of 6 million lights.
Quick Recap:
Dollywood’s shows offer something for everyone, from toe-tapping bluegrass to Broadway-style productions. Plan your visit around a festival for even more entertainment.
2. Enjoy Some Delicious Food: Dollywood’s Culinary Delights
If you love great food, Dollywood is a dream come true. Here is what you cannot miss:
- The Grist Mill’s Cinnamon Bread
Baked fresh daily in a historic 1982 mill, this gooey treat is a must-try. It is served plain or with icing and apple butter. - Aunt Granny’s Restaurant
Named one of USA Today’s top 10 theme park restaurants, it serves all-you-care-to-eat Southern classics like fried chicken, pot roast, and banana pudding. - Spotlight Bakery
Home of the famous 25-pound apple pie! Each slice weighs an impressive 3 pounds. - Hickory House BBQ
Savor pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, and Memphis-style sauce. - Red’s Drive-In
Step back to the 1950s with burgers, fries, and thick milkshakes. - Front Porch Café
Offers lighter fare and accommodates vegan and gluten-free diets. - Festival Foods
During the Flower and Food Festival, grab a tasting pass to sample sweet and savory creations from across the park.
Quick Recap:
From legendary cinnamon bread to award-winning Southern comfort food, Dollywood’s dining scene is a highlight for every visitor. Be sure to try something new at each festival.
3. Souvenir Shopping: Unique Finds at Dollywood
Bring home a piece of the Smokies with Dollywood’s one-of-a-kind shopping experiences:
- Dollywood Emporium
The flagship store at the main entrance is packed with souvenirs, apparel, home décor, and specialty foods. - Wired Up Names
Located in Craftsman’s Valley, watch artists create custom wire jewelry with your name, made while you wait. - Kaman’s Airbrush Shoppe
Also in Craftsman’s Valley, get personalized airbrushed t-shirts, hats, and license plates. - Artisan Crafts
Explore shops featuring handmade goods, Smoky Mountain décor, and exclusive Dollywood merchandise.
Quick Recap:
Whether you want a personalized gift or a classic Dollywood keepsake, the park’s shops offer something for every taste and budget.
4. Take in the Seasonal Beauty: Dollywood’s Natural Beauty
Dollywood’s 160-acre park sits in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking views and seasonal experiences:
- Flower and Food Festival
Stroll beneath the Umbrella Sky and marvel at over 500,000 blooms and larger-than-life floral sculptures. - Smoky Mountain Christmas
Experience the magic of 6 million twinkling lights, festive décor, and holiday shows. - Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights
See thousands of glowing pumpkins and enjoy nighttime events like Harvey’s Boo Bash during the always popular Harvest Festival. - Run Dollywood Race Weekend
Lace up for a one-of-a-kind race event with 5K, 10K, half marathon, and kids’ run routes winding through the park.
Quick Recap:
Even if you skip the rides, Dollywood’s scenery and seasonal events make every visit memorable. Do not forget your camera.
Q&A: Your Top Dollywood Questions Answered
What shows does Dollywood have besides rides?
Dollywood features a wide variety of live entertainment, including gospel and bluegrass concerts, Broadway-style musicals, the Imagination Playhouse for kids, and seasonal events such as the I Will Always Love You Music Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas.
What food is Dollywood known for?
Dollywood is famous for its freshly baked cinnamon bread from The Grist Mill, all-you-care-to-eat Southern classics at Aunt Granny’s Restaurant, massive apple pie slices at Spotlight Bakery, and festival tasting passes during special events. The park also offers BBQ, burgers, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a foodie’s paradise.
What can you shop for at Dollywood?
You will find everything from classic souvenirs and apparel at the Dollywood Emporium to custom wire jewelry at Wired Up Names and personalized airbrushed gifts at Kaman’s Airbrush Shoppe. Many shops feature handcrafted Smoky Mountain décor and exclusive Dollywood merchandise.
Is Dollywood worth visiting if you do not like roller coasters?
Absolutely! Dollywood offers world-class shows, delicious food, unique shopping, and stunning mountain scenery. With seasonal festivals, holiday lights, and family-friendly entertainment, there is plenty to enjoy for guests of all ages.
Why Stay at Eagles Ridge Resort for Your Dollywood Adventure?
Eagles Ridge Resort is less than 5 miles from Dollywood, so you can spend more time having fun and less time in traffic. Choose from cozy 1 bedroom cabins for couples or spacious 9 bedroom lodges for family reunions that accommodate up to 32 guests.
Enjoy amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms, private balconies, a community outdoor pool, and pet-friendly options, all in a peaceful wooded setting.
Ready to plan your getaway? Explore our Pigeon Forge cabins today to find the perfect place to stay for your visit to Dollywood and all the other great attractions in the area!
