Dolly Parton’s 2nd resort is officially open
At a recent press conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennesee, Dolly Parton joked that she's not a hotelier. But the irony of that comment was that the press conference was to celebrate the official grand opening of Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the second resort at Dollywood, the singer, actress, philanthropist and business mogul's East Tennesee theme park.
I might be wrong, but having two resorts under your belt certainly qualifies you as something at least akin to a hotelier.
The resort, at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and a short drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a family-oriented, mountain lodge-themed stunner that pays tribute to the natural beauty surrounding the resort. And, to quote one of my favorite songs by one of the world's best songwriters, it's Parton's "Tennessee mountain home" but with an upscale twist.
"Well, I wish our house had looked like this," Parton said during the press conference. "Our little house was in the center of the trees in the woods, and I really love the idea that we have the lodge here. It does make you feel like you're really in the mountains."
Related: Dolly Parton shares her vision for the future of Dollywood, aka her 'Tennessee mountain home'
Introducing Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort
The 302-room lodge sits right near Dollywood and serves as a great home base for travelers looking to experience some Dolly Parton magic at the park, the national park or throughout the rest of the Smoky Mountains area.
Upon entering, guests are greeted with a larger-than-life portrait of Parton, a check-in desk with a screen showing scenes of wildlife and nature throughout the seasons in the Smokies and a seating area with a large fireplace, vaulted ceilings with subtle butterfly motifs (Parton's favorite) and an overwhelming sense of home.
Though the resort is tied to the theme park and was full of families over the weekend, it truly is an upscale resort with something for everyone.
Rooms are available in all shapes and sizes, from standard king-size rooms to ones with pullout couches or Murphy beds. For families, suites with bunk beds in separate rooms are available. Also, for the first time at a Dollywood resort, many rooms have balconies.
The resort has a large seasonal pool called The Cove, where you'll find a fun waterfall to swim under, plus a splash pad for the little ones. An outdoor hot tub is open year-round, as is an indoor pool.
For dining, guests can stop into Ember & Elm: Tastes Rooted in the Smokies for an upscale take on Southern favorites like brick oven pimento cheese dip, rainbow trout from local English Mountain Trout Farm and even an East Tennessee-themed flatbread with ham, peach and burrata. At the accompanying all-day bar, you'd be remiss to skip a pimento grilled cheese and a curated cocktail. Or, for something on the go, Songbird Market has Starbucks coffee, salads, sandwiches and plenty of snacks.
For a really special dining experience, guests can request a meal in the Acoustic Lobby, a chic and moody private dining room surrounded by glass cases filled with Parton memorabilia like her glitzy outfits, instruments and other artifacts belonging to the "Queen of the Smokies."
The new resort also has big plans to host events and conferences, offering 26,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.
Throughout the lodge, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including "Roasties," a fun campfire experience with, you guessed it, s'mores; singalongs; reading experiences featuring books from Imagination Library, Parton's foundation that has given out over 2 million books to kids around the world; and Camp DW, where fun staff help kids and kids-at-heart do arts and crafts. Or, you can simply lounge by one of the many backyard fires and listen to musicians as they roam around playing the banjo or mandolin.
Related: The 10 best rides at Dollywood for the whole family
The resort also offers perks for guests who plan to visit Dollywood, like trolley service to and from the parks, TimeSaver passes, early entry on certain days and the ability to have your park purchases delivered back to the resort.
Changes coming to Parton's 1st resort
Changes are also on the way at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa, the first resort under Parton's belt. Parton and her team announced a refresh of certain parts of the resort next year.
"You know, every few years, I get a little facelift, a little nip and tuck myself," Parton quipped, "so I think it's only right that we should do the same for my favorite hotel."
While we wait for those refreshes at DreamMore, be sure to take a look at one of the latest changes at the resort: the Dolly Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience. Last year, Parton transformed her retired tour bus into an over-the-top suite experience (that comes with a hefty price tag), and TPG was there to experience it for ourselves.
There are a lot more exciting things in the works at Dollywood to share soon, too, but this new resort is just further proof that Parton is a gift to all of us, especially to her home near the Smokies.
"[I'm] proud to be a Tennessee girl, certainly an East Tennessee girl and be a part of the Smoky Mountains," Parton said. "I'm the only person that ever left the Smoky Mountains and took them with her."
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