Dolly Parton fans looking for a fun fall vacation should consider heading to the queen’s hometown — Sevierville, TN. Not only is fall the best time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains, but the town has lots of ways to remember her legacy. Here’s our guide!
⛺ Stay Somewhere Fun
I usually stay at The Resort at Governor's Crossing because each room has a full kitchen and there are heaps of kid activities, like an onsite daily fall festival and indoor and outdoor waterparks. However, this treehouse resort looks amazing (apparently it’s the world’s first!), and The Ridge has some glamping options.
🦋 Walk in Dolly’s Footsteps
Your first stop should be Dolly’s iconic statue in downtown Sevierville. Plus, this month the town is launching a Dolly-themed free, self-guided walking tour, which includes a stop at the former theater where Dolly played her first paying gig.
🍁 Celebrate the Harvest
The Smoky Mountains is also celebrating its annual Harvest Fest with themed displays at participating businesses, seasonal treats, and a scavenger hunt with prizes. Grab a fall feast at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, take pics of all the cool fall decor, and give Ripley's Old MacDonald's Mini Golf a swing.
🚗 Take a Fall Driving Tour
If this sounds like too much walking, take a scenic fall driving tour to enjoy the Smoky’s fall colors. There are eight driving tour options, and many have opportunities to get out and stretch your legs. On the North of the River Fall tour, you can reserve a spot at the American Eagle Foundation to feed bald eagles. On the English Mountain tour, you can visit the Forbidden Caverns.
🎟️ Attend an Event
Celebrate 50 years of the Apple Barn at its annual Apple Festival on Oct. 9-11. Don’t forget to grab some apple ice cream and fried apple pies! Celebrate Halloween at downtown Sevierville’s History & Haunts festival on Oct. 22. Get your chocolate on at the Chocolate Wine Trail on Oct. 24. Or run in the Color Me Mutt race to earn money for local nonprofits on Oct. 31. Here’s a list of even more events.
