Dollywood: A Smoky Mountain Adventure in Tennessee

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see ya lay-ter]
• YesYessir
  [yes-sir]
• NoNaw
  [naw]
• Please/You're welcomePlease and thank ya kindly
  [pleez and thank ya kine-lee]
• Thank youMuch obliged
  [muhch uh-blahy-jed]
• Excuse me/SorryBeg yer pardon
  [beg yer par-dun]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [how y'all doin']
• Fine. And you?Fine as frog hair. How 'bout you?
  [fine as frog hair. how 'bout you?]
• Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [y'all speak English?]
• I don't understandI reckon I don't catch your drift
  [I reckon I don't catch yer drift]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI reckon I'd like to take a gander at the menu, if ya don't mind
  [I reckon I'd like to take a gander at the menu, if ya don't mind]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [I don't eat no meat]
• Cheers!Here's to ya!
  [here's to ya!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'd like to settle up, if ya don't mind
  [I reckon I'd like to settle up, if ya don't mind]

• Help!I need some help!
  [I need some help!]
• Go away!Git!
  [git!]
• Call the Police!Get the sheriff!
  [get the sheriff!]
• Call a doctor!Fetch a doc!
  [fetch a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm plum turned around
  [I'm plum turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feelin' poorly]

• I'd like to buy...I reckon I'd like to purchase...
  [I reckon I'd like to purchase...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just browsin']
• How much is it?How much fer that?
  [how much fer that?]
• That's too expensiveThat's highfalutin
  [that's high-falutin]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do any better?
  [can ya do any better?]

• What time is it?What's the time o' day?
  [what's the time o' day?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one of the clock
  [It's one of the clock]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [evenin']
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yest'day]
• TodayToday
  [today]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [tomorrer]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [eight]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [where's the...]
• What's the address?What's the holler?
  [what's the holler?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kin ya point me in the right direction?
  [kin ya point me in the right direction?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next stage?
  [when's the next stage?]
• A ticket (to ....)A pass (to ....)
  [A pass (to ....)]

Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, began its life as a modest tourist attraction known as Rebel Railroad in 1961. The park featured a coal-fired steam train, a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a saloon. It was a family-owned business aimed at capitalizing on the growing tourist traffic in the Great Smoky Mountains area.

In 1970, Rebel Railroad was sold to Art Modell and was rebranded as Goldrush Junction. Four years later, the park was purchased by the Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, who renamed it Silver Dollar City Tennessee. The Herschends introduced a variety of new attractions and rides, transforming it into a more robust theme park experience.

In 1986, country music icon Dolly Parton entered into a partnership with the Herschend family to create Dollywood. Parton's involvement brought significant investment, allowing for the expansion of the park's attractions, live entertainment, and dining options. Her personal connection to the area and her celebrity status helped elevate Dollywood into a major tourist destination.

Since its transformation into Dollywood, the park has continually expanded and added new attractions. Notable additions include the Dollywood Express steam train, the Tennessee Tornado roller coaster, and the Wild Eagle, America's first wing coaster. The park also introduced Dollywood's Splash Country, a waterpark that opened in 2001, further enhancing its appeal.

Dollywood is not just a theme park; it is a celebration of Appalachian culture and music. The park hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Festival of Nations, the Harvest Festival, and Smoky Mountain Christmas. These events showcase regional arts, crafts, and music, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of East Tennessee.

Over the years, Dollywood has received numerous awards and accolades. It has been named one of the world's best theme parks by Amusement Today and has won Golden Ticket Awards for its shows, food, and overall park experience. Dolly Parton's commitment to excellence and community involvement has made Dollywood a beloved institution.

Dollywood continues to evolve and grow, with plans for further expansions and new attractions. The park's commitment to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Smoky Mountains area remains at the forefront of its mission, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and appreciate this unique destination.

Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The nearest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, approximately 40 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Pigeon Forge. If driving, Dollywood is accessible via Interstate 40 and US-441. For those coming from further afield, Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains serve nearby cities, with additional transport needed to reach Pigeon Forge.

Once in Pigeon Forge, transportation options include car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and the Pigeon Forge Trolley system. The trolley is an affordable and convenient way to get around, with routes covering major attractions, including Dollywood. Parking is available at Dollywood, but it can fill up quickly during peak times.

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted at Dollywood and in Pigeon Forge. There are ATMs available inside the park for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors who may not accept cards.

Dollywood and Pigeon Forge are generally safe for tourists. However, as in any tourist area, be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded places. Avoid isolated areas at night. While there are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and use common sense.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Dollywood has first aid stations and trained medical staff on-site. For non-urgent medical needs, there are clinics and a hospital in Pigeon Forge. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Be familiar with the park's emergency procedures and designated meeting points.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing. Don't wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect the local culture and traditions, although Dollywood is not a religious site. Public Transport: Do use the Pigeon Forge Trolley for an economical and convenient way to travel. Don't forget to have exact change for fare. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. A smile goes a long way in Southern hospitality. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local Southern cuisine available in and around Dollywood. Don't bring outside food and drinks into the park, as it is not permitted.

To experience Dollywood like a local, consider visiting during the off-peak season to avoid crowds. Take advantage of the TimeSaver Pass to skip long lines. Enjoy the park's live shows, which feature local talent and Southern culture. Don't miss the Dollywood Express, a classic steam train ride offering scenic views. Explore nearby attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a complete regional experience.