Mark and I wouldn’t really consider ourselves theme park people. While we enjoy thrill rides and roller coasters, we’re not fans of big crowds, long lines, sweltering heat, or spending a fortune just to get through the gate.
That said, during our recent trip to Tennessee, we spent a day at Dollywood and had an awesome time. It was our second visit to the Smoky Mountains with our friends Neil, Sara, and their son, Connor. At just five years old, Connor is already a bit of a theme park enthusiast, so a trip to the Smokies wouldn’t have been complete without a stop at Dolly’s park. The highlight? Dolly Parton herself was there! By pure luck, we visited on the 40th anniversary of the park’s opening, and Dolly celebrated with a parade through the park.
Dollywood is one of our favorite theme parks because it offers a more enjoyable and affordable experience compared to many larger parks. It’s less expensive, making it easier to enjoy a full day without overspending. The park tends to be less crowded than a lot of other parks (Disney, no thanks) which means shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Another big draw is the food. At most theme parks I’ve been to, the options are usually the same bland, overpriced staples—burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and nachos. But Dollywood breaks that mold. The park serves up authentic, delicious Southern cooking that goes far beyond standard theme park fare and really adds to the overall experience.
Here’s what we ate at Dollywood.
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Dollywood serves up a surprisingly good pulled pork sandwich that definitely exceeded our expectations for theme park food. Is it the best pulled pork we’ve ever had? No—but for a theme park, it’s definitely a standout. The meat is tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of smoky sweetness, and it’s served on a soft bun that holds up well. The sandwich comes with a side of crispy, well-seasoned fries that are genuinely delicious and not just an afterthought. You can find this satisfying meal at the Hickory House BBQ restaurant, tucked away in the Craftsman’s Valley area of the park. It’s a great spot to grab a hearty, satisfying bite without feeling like you’re settling for typical theme park fare.
Chopped Brisket Bowl
We visited Dollywood during their Food & Flower Festival, which brought a variety of special seasonal dishes to the menu. One of the featured items we tried was a chopped beef brisket bowl, served with creamed corn, queso fresco, lime, cilantro, and jalapeño. While the flavors were great—the brisket was tender, and the toppings added a nice kick—the portion size left a lot to be desired. At $15, it felt more like a side dish than a full meal. It was tasty, but not worth the price tag, and it’s not something we’d order again.
Chicken and Corn on the Cobb
Connor definitely made the best lunch choice at Dollywood with his chicken and corn on the cob plate. He got a hickory-smoked 1/4 chicken that was juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor, paired with a perfectly chargrilled ear of corn. The aroma had all of us second guessing our own orders. Connor clearly enjoyed every bite, and honestly, we were a little jealous. Next time, we might just take a cue from the five-year-old and follow his lead!
Cinnamon Bread
We saved the best for last—Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread! If you’ve heard anything about the park, chances are this sweet treat was mentioned, and for good reason. It absolutely lives up to the hype. Baked fresh daily at the Grist Mill, the bread is warm, soft, and perfectly pull-apart, coated in a generous layer of cinnamon sugar that caramelizes just enough on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy and rich. It’s served with your choice of icing or apple butter for dipping (we got both!).
It’s the kind of treat that makes you want to go back for seconds… or thirds. Truly a must-try and the perfect way to end a day at the park.
