After countless Dollywood trips tied to work and obligations, I’m finally going back on my own terms — this time simply to enjoy the magic. ML

I’ve been to Dollywood more times than I can count. Even the PR folks know me by name now! But here’s the thing: I’ve never actually been to Dollywood just for fun.

Every visit so far has been because of a story or a scheduled media event. I’ve walked throughout the entire theme park on busy days, toured new developments before a season kicks off, chatted with Dolly Parton about her dreams for the park and talked to Dollywood President Eugene Naughton about how he makes those dreams a reality.

I’ve also gotten to sample a lot of the food that you can get at Front Porch Café, Celebration Hall and other dining places in the park. The shrimp and grits I had during one work trip were so delicious, I’ve yet to find a version in Knoxville that compares. But the famous cinnamon bread? I’ve only ever had one bite of it after Knox News food reporter Joanna Hayes suggested I get a taste.

Even though these have all been memorable and pinch-me moments, I haven’t yet had the experience of riding a coaster, indulging in my own loaf of fresh cinnamon bread and just taking in Parton’s theme park.The future of Dollywood: What will Dollywood be like in 2050? Dolly Parton has big dreams for Pigeon Forge

Rides, family and cinnamon bread!

“We’ve got to go to Dollywood as a family!” I told my mom in North Carolina over the phone earlier this year after touring the park ahead of its 40th season opening. She, of course, said yes, but she also hates the curvy drive through the Great Smoky Mountains, and my brother rarely finds the time to venture outside of our hometown. Even my aunt – my family’s meticulous planner – hasn’t been able to wrangle up the group for a special visit to Dollywood.

But working on a recent story about what Dollywood could look like by 2050 made it even more clear why I need to get to the park with no tight deadline attached. I got so excited listening to Naughton talk about things still to come, like new resorts, more rides and attractions and maybe even a third park to join Dollywood and the Splash Country water park.

I’ve already put in a word that I want to be among the first to test out NightFlight Expedition when it opens in 2026. Maybe that’ll finally be the excuse I need to visit just for fun – but I already know our editors would want me to wear a head-mounted camera for a point-of-view video!