This weekend you could be dealing with the mess in your garage or basement Marie Kondo style or you can head out of town for the weekend and touch an iceberg, hang out penguins and relax playing checkers with the family by a cozy fireplace. I don’t know about you but the latter sounds much better to me and it’s all possible with a Dollywood getaway.
In true Dolly-style, Dollywood offers unexpected surprises and delights around every corner when you stay at the DreamMore Resort & Spa (because you must stay here) and explore Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN (because you must get out and explore.)
Unexpected Family-Friendly Touches at the DreamMore Resort
The DreamMore is about the most family-friendly hotel I’ve ever come across. And when you travel with kids, which we all like to do, there are little touches that take your stay from a 7 to a 10 and the DreamMore has it nailed.
As soon as you walk into your room you immediately feel right at home and there is a strong likelihood your kids will be climbing on the bunk beds before you can even turn on the light switch. That’s right. I said bunk beds.
Every time we stay in a hotel as a family my husband and I each take a kid to share the bed with us. Because our kids fight and don’t want to sleep in bed together. And, well, you know how this story goes. Bunk beds in a hotel room are pure genius and take away all the fighting.
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The DreamMore also sprinkles cozy places to sit and relax all over the resort. My favorite? Sipping hot apple cider and playing checkers on the large wood table overlooking the outdoor pool with the fireplace in the background. You can’t not have family-fun at a place like this!
While the DreamMore has so much to offer (check out the indoor/outdoor pools and game room here) and you could totally spend all of your time at the hotel you really do want to get out and explore because there are more unexpected surprises a short drive from the resort.
[Insider tip: Treat yourself to the Spa which features my all-time favorite with Farmhouse Fresh products. You deserve a little pampering!]
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Unexpected Enchantment at the Titanic Museum
Here’s the thing. You don’t have to be a Titaniac (Titanic + Maniac = Titaniac) to enjoy the Titanic Museum but there is a good chance you’ll leave as one.
All of the artifacts in this museum tell the stories of the real people onboard the Titanic. It’s hard not to imagine yourself onboard and wonder what you would do to help protect your loved ones and get them to safety.
A mom of two small children, a boy and girl, didn’t realize her young son had already left the sinking ship with their maid. When she was told to board a lifeboat with her daughter she refused. She couldn’t leave one of her children behind so she took her daughter and went back down below to find him. Sadly she and her daughter did not survive and she may never have known that her son did.
[Insider tip: You may need tissues because some of these stories are heartbreaking.]
As you walk through the museum you really get a sense of what it was like to be on board the actual Titanic as they have recreated many aspects of it, including the grand staircase which is an exact replica from the original Titanic blueprints. It is such a treat to be able to walk up those steps. They offer audio tours for adults and a special audio tour just for kids (geared at ages 12 and younger) and with many interactive areas (like touching an actual iceberg and feeling just how cold 28-degree water really is) there’s a good chance you will leave a Titaniac and feel the need to watch the movie over and over again.
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Unexpected Underwater Fun at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
I don’t know about you but when I think of the Great Smoky Mountains I don’t think of sharks and penguins and jellyfish. But there, nestled into the mountain town of Gatlinburg, TN those sharks, penguins and jellyfish reside at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Watch and see for yourself.
Unexpected Hijinks and Laughs at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
After a day exploring you are probably going to work up an appetite and, right next to the Titanic Museum is the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and the perfect way to end a day in Pigeon Forge.
I have to start by mentioning the food because this is the epitome of southern cuisine. Fried chicken. Coleslaw. Corn on the cob. Pork barbecue. Mashed potatoes. And drinks served in mason jars. So good and all served family-style for added fun. And after your belly is full it’s time for the laughs as the Hatfield & McCoy feud begins. The show is fast moving without a dull moment which is great for kids who tend to get a bit squirmy sitting in their seats. And there are plenty of laughs and fun to make this perfect for all ages.
[Insider tip: If you get floor seats you may get a little wet but it’s totally worth it to be that up close to the action.]
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There is so much more to Dollywood than Dollywood. And during the off-season (meaning Dollywood and Splash Country aren’t open) there are still tons of things to do and explore that you might otherwise miss if you are heading to the theme park. I think a winter weekend away at Dollywood is a much better way to spend a weekend than organizing the garage. The garage can wait. Memories with your kids? Those shouldn't wait for anything.
[Insider tip: Dollywood’s expansion and new area Wildwood Grove with new rides and attractions is set to open later this spring which gives you the perfect excuse to bring the family back again soon.]
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I was hosted as a guest of Dollywood for the weekend and was treated to accommodations, meals and activities. All opinions are my own.
