Dollywood

I can't believe I've lived in East TN for 40 years and never spent much time at Dollywood!  Yes, we took the kids to ride the rides when they were little (maybe once) and they went back on school trips and with friends, but we never did. Going to the mountain gives us the opportunity to get away from work and responsibilities and have our little "mini vacations", so at Christmas time we decided to check  out Dollywood. It was truly amazing. I've never seen so many lights so intricately strung!  And the shows, which were Christ based (thank you very much) were inspiring. I loved the music and the ice skating and the decorations and the 25 pound apple pie!  Yes, the bakery sells a 25 pound apple pie. We didn't buy it, but I took a picture of it.

Before we left we upgraded our tickets to 2014 Season Passes.  The thing I like about Dollywood is it's ever-changing shows and events. In March we went to The Festival of Nations. I really enjoyed the costumes, music and especially the Glass Duo.  Amazing!  (Check them out on YouTube!) I was mesmerized-Keith fell asleep. I appreciated the fact that the performers were allowed to sell crafts from their homelands with the proceeds being sent to their charities. My purchase helped send an African orphan to school. (WTG Dolly!) We also bought Cinnamon Bread at the Mill since the smell was irresistible and the trolley driver who transported us from Parking Lot C (for Cinnamon Bread) said we should. 

We went with the kids a few weeks ago and they rode roller coasters and we ate funnel cake. Not just any funnel cake - Oreo Funnel Cake!  You know my famous saying- "If it ain't chocolate, it ain't dessert!" It was heavenly!

We are going back soon for Bluegrass and Barbecue. I don't care that much about Bluegrass, but I do like me some barbecue!  And Ricky Skaggs is gonna be there so maybe I'll say hello since we used to be neighbors about 50 years ago. 

I'm also looking forward to the Fall Craft Festival and another Christmas there. And I hear that their homemade corn dogs are to die for! Great fun ahead!