All this month, we’re taking you on a road trip. Bid your city and your stresses adieu. Grab some friends, jump in the car and take the scenic route with us. Find brilliant little stops, surprises tucked away, and tips to make the road trip experience complete. Do you already have a favorite road trip that you took? Let us know! And where are we headed this time? To the land of crooning cowboys and America’s favorite blonde bombshell, Dolly Parton. A Dolly Parton Road Trip? If She Can Do It, So Can You!
Ready for a road trip? Let’s ditch the city, say goodbye to stress, and hit the scenic route. This fall, we’re trading those steamy summer nights for colorful days and cozy evenings. It’s the perfect time to plan a long weekend exploring a gay-friendly city and its stunning countryside.
The Destination: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
There’s something about the South that makes us swoon, especially when it involves the queen of country herself. We’re heading out of Nashville and into the mountains to visit Pigeon Forge, the home of Dolly’s iconic amusement park, Dollywood.
The Route
From Nashville, take I-40 East for about three hours. Keep an eye out for signs to TN-66 S toward Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. Once you’re on TN-66, you’re close. You’ll know it when Dolly’s face starts appearing on every other billboard. From there, it’s only about 30 minutes until you arrive in the heart of all things Dolly.
The Itinerary: Your Gay Fall Road Trip
Pack your bags and get ready to trade Nashville’s city lights for the vibrant colors of the Tennessee Mountains on a Dolly Parton road trip filled with music, mountains, and plenty of surprises.
First Stop: Knoxville
About two hours into your trip, the college town of Knoxville makes for an ideal pit-stop. Why not grab some incredible barbecue while you check out the charming antebellum mansions? And, of course, the college boys.
Main Event: Pigeon Forge & Dollywood
You’ll know you’ve arrived in Pigeon Forge when you’re seeing more Dolly than you can shake a stick at. With live country music, thrilling rides, and a water park, Dollywood is the perfect reward after a long drive.
For your stay, we recommend the DreamMore Resort. The resort is fabulous and offers guests free transportation to the park. Treat yourself to a massage at their world-class spa—you deserve it. If you’re feeling a bit more rugged, rental cabins are available for an authentic Smoky Mountains experience.
Final Detour: Gatlinburg
Just next door, the quaint mountain village of Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don’t miss the observation tower for breathtaking, uninterrupted panoramas of the surrounding mountains. This time of year, you’ll get to see the leaves changing. Lucky you!
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