Eric's Dollywood Thread!

[ernierocker]

How about a bit of a "random" update? I find that no matter how many times you visit the park, you always find things you haven't noticed or overlooked. So, here is a look at some of the things that makes Dollywood, well Dollywood.

 

We begin this update with the obligatory cinnamon bread photo. I may or may not post this photo in every update. We will take a vote.

Did you know Dollywood has its own mail service? Evidently, the mail was not running today.

Also, did you know that you can buy furniture at Dollywood?

Here's proof. You can order your bed to go with the cinnamon bread.

It's the suicide machine from Futurama!!!

Even the coin dispensers to spray people on the river rapids ride is themed at Dollywood!

Do you know where this is in the park? If you guess correctly you could win your very own Bag-of-Pride-In-Yourself-That-You-Knew-The-Answer. I do not ship those internationally sorry.

Noted!

If you go on the New Hotness Trip next year, you will very likely eat here for lunch! You will not be disappointed!

The Chicken Lady rules! This is a fact.

Here is proof.

During the Barbeque and Bluegrass festival in late August, Dollywood has this amazing salsa booth!

I am really curious what the "...and More" is!

The official salsa of Dave Thomas...

The official salsa of Robb Alvey...

The official sauce of Sissy Spacek...

Because Candace LOVES this photo of her so much, I told her I would post it in every update. So here it is, again.

Do you know where this is in the park? Another Bag-Of-Pride-In-Yourself-That-You-Knew-The-Answer is up for grabs!

 

#Lookinthereflectioninthewindowitisntthathard

Here are some fun facts about Dollywood:

 

Fun Fact #1: Dollywood's parking lot is very long!

Fun Fact #2: You can learn stuff at Dollywood.

Fun Fact #3: The workers at Dollywood have their own union.

Fun Fact #4: This place holds one of the Seven Wonders of the World...in my mind.

Here's a clue to what that is.

Fun Fact #5: Get the giant chicken wings here. Or the Barbecue. Or whatever is on the menu.

Fun Fact #6: Dollywood has its own school.

If you can read all of these rules, you are automatically passed ahead to the 11th grade! (AKA front, right corner of the schoolhouse.

Fun Fact #7: You can make your own stuffed bears at Dollywood.

The Smurfs have officially invaded Dollywood. This is not a fun fact!

Any clue where this is in the park? You could win your very own BOPIYTYKTA if you do!!!

Here's a clue to its location!

 

#ineedadivorcelawyer

The next three photos are entitled:

 

"Only in East Tennessee..."

I know quite a few guys at work that if I gave this to them as a present they would honestly be touched.

I get it because it is like being a drunk.

And as random as this update was, it is now over. Hope you enjoyed!

Edited November 30, 2011 by ernierocker

[SuperShawn]

What's the deal with the chicken lady? She looks pretty darn amazing and like someone who has to be met!

[Jew]

Word of advice: whenever a sauce says "caution, extremely hot" be sure to read all the information on the bottle/website. You might miss the fine print that says "use as additive only." And heed the warning.

[robbalvey]

Dude! This is the sauce that nearly killed Reed at Lime last week! It was amazing stuff! For me, not for him!

[disneyfan1313]

^ That was horrible. It made my tongue numb and my throat and chest burn. NOT COOL..

 

Awesomely random update. I really do have to make it to Dollywood at some point in my life.

[rollin_n_coastin]

Ah, the super hot sauce. So, my buddy went to use the facilities after trying a Louisiana version and didn't' wash all if it off of his hands. Guys, wash your hands thoroughly before....

 

The chicken lady is still there! What a friendly lady. Although, she doesn't have as many chickens with her. Awesome pics Eric!

[cfc]

Why do I suddenly crave cinnamon bread? It's as though I'd just seen about 100 pictures of it . . . most strange . . .

[chadster]

I highly recommend the beens and greens, quite tasty. One word of advice however, if you are on the new hotness trip don't sit in the back of the bus

[BeemerBoy]

http://divorcelawyersknoxville.net/

[ernierocker]

What's the deal with the chicken lady? She looks pretty darn amazing and like someone who has to be met!

 

Next time you are the the park, do yourself a favor and go to Miss Lillian's Chicken House. It is directly across from the Grist Mill and adjacent to the Valley Theater. (open-aired theater in Craftsman Valley) It is actually a buffet-style restaurant but you can sit in the dining area without getting food. Miss Lillian comes out every ten minutes or so and entertains you with amazing chicken songs and if you are lucky, she will pick you to do a chicken dance with her. She is one of the many highlights of the park!

 

Dude! This is the sauce that nearly killed Reed at Lime last week! It was amazing stuff! For me, not for him!

 

I noticed that photo of the bottle you posted on Facebook and recognized it immediately!

 

Ah, the super hot sauce. So, my buddy went to use the facilities after trying a Louisiana version and didn't' wash all if it off of his hands. Guys, wash your hands thoroughly before....

 

This very thing happened to me with Buffalo Wild Wings' Blazin' Sauce. Not fun!!!

 

http://divorcelawyersknoxville.net/

 

Thanks. I prefer one of the classy lawyer that advertises on local TV here. I think a better option is to not tell her I updated the thread.

 

Thanks for the comments everyone! I plan on going to the park at least one more time for the Christmas season, so keep an eye out for updates soon!

[Guy T. Koepp]

I can't wait! We're hoping to get back at least 2 more times this year before they close for the season. Mmmmmmmmmmm! Cinnebread! That and the peppermint hot chocolate. So delicious!

[ernierocker]

^Let me know when. I might be able to meet up if the day is right.

[Guy T. Koepp]

^Let me know when. I might be able to meet up if the day is right.

 

I know we will be there on the 17th. Then after that it will more than likely be the 29th or 30th. It would be great to meet up.

[fdelhomez]

What about the "and more" part of the sauce? How does this thing taste?

[Yellow Jacket]

Ah, the super hot sauce. So, my buddy went to use the facilities after trying a Louisiana version and didn't' wash all if it off of his hands. Guys, wash your hands thoroughly before....

 

 

Take it from someone who grows his own peppers and makes his own sauce, this is something that alcohol based hand sanitizers do well. When you are too lazy to use the latex gloves and yours eyes start to itch while you are chopping habaneros, you better wash up really well before scratching.

[ernierocker]

^Let me know when. I might be able to meet up if the day is right.

 

I know we will be there on the 17th. Then after that it will more than likely be the 29th or 30th. It would be great to meet up.

 

Send me a message closer to the end of December as I think I can easily get down there either the 29th or the 30th!

 

What about the "and more" part of the sauce? How does this thing taste?

 

I didn't try any salsa that day sorry. We completely forgot that they had the salsa stand that day and had just eaten a bunch of food (including cinnamon bread of course). Something to look forward to next year I guess!

[gisco]

Darn you Eric! It is an hour before lunch and I'm starving and what is the first thing I see when I opened this thread? Cinnamon Bread!

[ernierocker]

It's time for another update!

 

For this update let's take a look at one of my favorite sections of Dollywood... Craftsman's Valley!

 

Craftsman's Valley dates back to 1976 when the Herschend Brothers bought the former Goldrush Junction and renamed the park Silver Dollar City. This section of the park was purposed to serve as a showcase for the Smoky Mountain craftsmanship and culture. Since the park has become Dollywood and transformed into the amazing park it is today, it has never lost this connection to its true roots, and a lot of the same shops and demonstrations still exist today. So, when you visit Craftsman's Valley you really get a taste of what Silver Dollar City Tennessee was all about.

 

Without going into more of a history lesson, let's take a tour of Craftsman's Valley!

 

Here you can see the location of Craftsman's Valley on the park map. The section goes from the railroad bridge at the bottom all the way up to Tennessee Tornado.

 

So, let's take a tour of Craftsman's Valley starting with some of the shops it has to offer.

 

And let's start with one of the many hidden gems to be found at Dollywood!

 

That's right! You and your kids can dip your own candles!

 

And what is this candle-dipping business all about you say? Well, for only .99 you can find out! (or you can just scroll down to the next photos)

 

First you pick a candle.

 

And then you dip it here!

 

Who here would choose purple???

 

Or how about pink??

 

One thing to note about the Candle Store is that it has moved up closer to Blazing Fury from its previous location. If you know where Touch of Ireland used to be, the Candle Store has switched places with it. The new location is much larger which is great since the old location could get extremely crowded.

 

Now, let's move on to one of the original establishments of Silver Dollar City.

 

Which is of course Valley Forge & Foundry!

 

Where you can watch a live Blacksmith forge stuff!

 

And then you can buy it!

 

Eagle anyone???

 

Once you buy your eagle, you can try out your luck at mining for gemstones!

 

And don't worry if you can't find any, you can just buy it!

 

Just don't take anything from this guy!

 

The next logical step is to get some dental work done.

 

No Appalachian town was without a general store so of course Craftsman's Valley has one!

 

And no Appalachian general store was without a rooster for you to buy. (You should treat yourself after saving so much money on that dental work!)

 

Or how about some soap!

 

And at that price you can buy the whole lot!

 

And don't forget to read up on how you can use all that soap you just bought!

 

If you are at Dollywood and you happen to be Irish, this is the point that you rejoice!

 

And if you also happen to be a Viking and enjoy coloring, I mean come on!

 

Before you leave, don't forget to buy a hand. (Jewelry sold separately)

 

Now, let's say you are thinking about becoming Amish and needing a wagon to take home, then this is the place you should shop next!

 

Just look at this fine looking wagon!

 

And it can be yours for this fabulous price!

 

Whenever I need wagon wheels, I always shop here.

 

Dollywood even offers advice on how to choose the right horse to go with your wagon!

 

Just next door to the Valley Carriage Works, you can find Uncle Bill's!

 

And Uncle Bill has that banjo for you!

 

Or maybe you are in the market for a new guitar!

 

This one time at band camp...

 

Of course, Craftsman's Valley has much more than shops. It also has some amazing rides like Blazing Fury.

 

Where you can still find signs of the park's Silver Dollar City days.

 

Blazing Fury is an amazing dark ride that just also happens to be a coaster!

 

Want to know more about this awesome ride? Check out the video!!

 

 

Ready for a couple more shops?

 

Dollywood also has a live Woodcarver on site.

 

And this is where he would be if he were here.

 

Anybody need a carousel horse?

 

Or HOW about an Indian?

 

For when a wristwatch just isn't enough.

 

There is also the Custom Glass Works store which I don't go into because I break stuff.

 

Now, this wouldn't be a Dollywood Update without food, and Craftsman's Valley has got you covered in that department.

 

Here are some of the counter service options that can be had.

 

There are also a couple of sit-down restaurants including Ham N' Beans.

 

And Miss Lillian's Chicken House.

 

If you only have time for a quick meal, than this is a great option!

 

And you can usually find some good specials here!

 

And yes, there is one more thing in Craftsman's Valley that I have yet to mention.

 

Cinnamon Bread!!!

 

Somebody previously mentioned the giant cookies, so let's show some love to these because they are delicious as well.

 

But honestly, all you need is on this shelf!!

 

And how good is the cinnamon bread at Dollywood you say? So good, it makes you take insane photos like this:

 

 

And since she hasn't divorced me yet, let's push our luck and post this photo one more time!

 

There are also a couple other rides in Craftsman's Valley that certainly need to be mentioned to make this update complete.

 

With Daredevil Falls being closes in the fall, I didn't manage to get any photos so that will just have to be on the agenda for this upcoming season. But I certainly have photos of the other ride in this section of the park:

 

A certain Arrow custom looper that doesn't suck!

 

Would of loved to have seen Arrow get a couple more cracks at making more rides like Tennessee Tornado!

 

Tennessee Tornado defines the term, "Short, But Sweet"!

 

There is also a little surprise at the top of this lift that I will not spoil for those that haven't ridden yet.

 

And with that, this update comes to an end. I'll have plenty more to come once the 2012 season begins but until then, keep an eye on the Dollywood Discussion Thread for Wild Eagle updates as I will post those in that thread.

 

As always, thanks for reading!

[QueerRudie]

Awesome photo TR Eric.

 

For me Craftsman's Valley is where people looked like something out of the living dead... chewing, chewing and more chewing. Everybody was eating! And with good reason too- the smell of the CInnamon bread filled the air. However, one should not overdose on that magnificent product before heading into the line for Tennessee Tornado!

[Intimidator305]

This trip report just backs up my theory that no matter how many times you've been to Dollywood, you'll always find something you've never seen before. I've been to the park a ton and I saw some things in this trip report that I haven't seen before.

 

I can't wait for 2012 at Dollywood! Thanks for sharing!

[thrillerman1]

Shoot I've been going to the park since it was GRJ, and this thread shows me tons of stuff I've never seen before. Awesome, update!!!

[ernierocker]

This trip report just backs up my theory that no matter how many times you've been to Dollywood, you'll always find something you've never seen before. I've been to the park a ton and I saw some things in this trip report that I haven't seen before.

 

 

Shoot I've been going to the park since it was GRJ, and this thread shows me tons of stuff I've never seen before.

 

This was one of my goals for starting this thread, so glad to hear it!

[Intimidator305]

I really appreciate all these little updates. Although I'm a passholder to Dollywood, I don't get down there nearly as much as I wish I could since it's about 4 1/2 hours away so I usually go to KD (3 hours away) much more. Wild Eagle should be a great addition and I'll be down there at Easter to check it out since I unfortunately can't make it to opening weekend...

[Jew]

Great update! Love that section of the park...reminded me so much of how KBF used to be.

[Guy T. Koepp]

I love Craftmans Alley. Dependig on how we feel, sometimes the fam just spends the day walking up and down this area checking out the artisans. Seriously, when the wagon makers are pressing wheels, I could watch them all day. Alana & I want to own one of these one day. They are absolutely beautiful.