Sevier County is the beloved home of Dolly Parton, and her impact on the area’s success is seen with some of the entertainment options in this bustling tourist center. We can’t blame you if you’re not just a fan of her music. She has been a role model for many, and her love for the Smoky Mountains and its people make her a figure that’s impossible not to like. Here are 3 things to do in Pigeon Forge if you love Dolly Parton!
1. Dollywood
Dollywood should be first on your list of things to do in Pigeon Forge if you love Dolly Parton. Sure, there are thrill rides, crafts, and plenty of great Southern-style food to enjoy, but you can get up close and personal with some memorable items from her long and storied career too. This is where the excitement builds as you visit these places.
You have to visit the Dolly Parton Experience, which tells Dolly's story like never before. It includes exhibits that span her career, the importance of her family, her signature style, and more. There's also a boutique that is filled with all things Dolly, making it the perfect place for a souvenir. We also recommend exploring Dolly's Tennessee Mountain Home. It's a two-room replica of her Locust Ridge childhood home, and you'll be able to get a true feeling of her upbringing and how abundant love was as she grew up. You'll find Dolly's influence all over this popular theme park.
2. Downtown Sevierville
Dolly Parton grew up in Sevierville, so exploring downtown is a fun activity for her fans. One thing you have to see is the bronze Dolly Parton statue on the Sevier County Courthouse lawn. It was unveiled in 1987 and depicts a youthful Dolly strumming a guitar, with a smile on her face, as she sits on a rock. Visitors flock to the statue to get a picture with the statue. There's also a butterfly mural inspired by Dolly that's great for pictures, and a mural of Red's Café on Bruce Street that features a young blonde child enjoying a burger at the counter. Red's Café was a favorite of young Dolly Parton! Speaking of Red's Café, downtown Sevierville is also home to Red's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream, which is a nod to the original restaurant. Visitors can sit at the counter and order special ice cream treats in traditional glass dishes. You'll find nods to Dolly Parton all throughout downtown Sevierville!
3. The Pines
Dolly Parton's first paying gig was at The Pines Theater in downtown Sevierville when she was about 10 years old. Although the original theater closed in 1957, the building has now been reimagined as The Pines Downtown. Dolly Parton fans love visiting the renovated space. As a tribute to the original place, there's a Pines marquee out front, and a mural on the side of the building that depicts some of the country singers who once performed there, including a young Dolly. Now, when you visit, you can enjoy family-friendly games like duckpin bowling, giant Jenga, signature cocktails, and so much more. We recommend sipping on the 9 to 5 while you socialize and play games!
You can easily enjoy all the things to do in Pigeon Forge and one of these Dolly Parton staples when you stay with us in our comfortable cabins. Be on the lookout for more attractions from her in the future, and be sure to book your cabin to experience a legend’s past and present work!
