Photo TR: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, and the Smokies

[BigDipper 80]

A short preface: I intended to have a bunch more photos at Dollywood, but unfortunately my main lens conked out on me, and I was forced to use a single 50mm prime lens! Well, the best lens is the one you have with me, and it forced me to be a bit more creative with my shots. Anyway, onto some photos of such a great park!

I met this southern belle right near the park entrance. The street characters were all very engaging!

Everyone looked like they were having fun on the raft ride, what with it being near 90 degrees all day long.

Jumping over to the Dollywood Express, where the conductors didn't fail to impress. Everyone says it, but you can't believe how friendly everyone is at Dollywood until you visit.

Wild Eagle... Through the trees!

I love carousels, though I wish Dollywood's had a band organ.

I love old steam locomotives. It's not often you see a full-scale train at a park!

One of Dollywood's eagles.

The bird show was really good! All of the shows were actually quite well-produced, with enthusiastic casts.

I might love living in the city, but I really like bluegrass. This band was great!

We didn't spend much time in the 1950's area. The day went by way too fast! There's a lot to soak up at Dollywood.

Just thought this sample container was really pretty.

Everyone knows what goes on inside this magical factory... I probably don't need to reiterate how mind-alteringly delicious the cinnamon bread is.

Clever idea for a sign.

Sploosh!

More coasters through the trees.... Tennessee Tornado is definitely the best Arrow looper.

I was really impressed with FireChaser Express. Great family thrill ride.

Mystery Mine was awesome. My first Eurofighter, and they did a bang-up job with theming it.

Thunderhead was my first GCII coaster, and I loved every second of it. I wish I had taken more photos of it, but due to my lens situation and the fact that I was pressed for time, I only got a couple of decent shots.

I liked Wild Eagle better than Gatekeeper too. It wasn't necessarily more forceful, but it was an overall more enjoyable ride.

 

I think that's a good chunk of photos for now, I'll probably add a couple more from the park and Pigeon Forge and the Smokies later on!

[DaMarkSta]

I also agree that Wild Eagle is so much better than Gatekeeper. To me it's the best winged coaster but I haven't been on Thunderbird yet. great photos.

[jimmiemac02]

That's sad you had to rush through Dollywood. Taking your time is really the best way to experience the park.

[jynx242]

Thanks for posting your beautiful pictures! I absolutely LOVE Dollywood - planning a trip in July hopefully

 

David

[Philrad71]

GREAT photos...thanks for sharing!

[BigDipper 80]

Thanks for the kind words! I've got a few more photos to wrap up this set:

Going down!

More Tennessee Tornado... Through the trees.

The real reason we were in TN was to visit the Smokies... absolutely gorgeous. Cincinnati has some lovely topography, but it's hard to compete with the Appalachians.

The hike up to Grotto Falls is well worth it.

Driving back through Gatlinburg... AKA Pigeon Forge's slightly better-dressed cousin.

Let me tell you, taking 13 little baby shots of moonshine is a lot harder than you could expect...

Gatlinburg weirdness.

Definitely some interesting geography here. I like how everything was stacked on top of everything else and crammed into every open space.

Some kitschy architecture in Pigeon Forge.

Ah, the LEGENDARY Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride. I wasn't about to spend actual American dollars on this one.

The new area around the ferris wheel is pretty nice. Note yet another moonshine distillery.

I'll wrap this up with a gorgeous Smoky Mountain sunset. Hope you enjoyed the photos!

[Intimidator305]

Great photos of the park and surrounding area. For some reason, as commercial and touristy it is, absolutely love Gatlnburg and the vibe it provides. Pigeon Forge is a different story, but has some good food that's for sure.

 

Anyways, can't wait to visit the park and Shot Rod again next season. Thanks for sharing!

[TBpony414]

I've never been to TN but need to get there after seeing all the TRs from TPR members who love it! The sunset picture at the end is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

[Philrad71]

I liked Gatlinburg too...and yes, those free moonshine shots can sneak up on you quick!

 

I still have half a jar of the moonshine cherries in my garage fridge that I save for guests that want to try them.

[BigDipper 80]

^Seeing as bourbon is my usual spirit of choice, I (quite wrongly) assumed that I'd be able to handle some baby shots of moonshine, and boy was I wrong. Starting out with the pure 100-proof moonshine sure didn't help, even though it did have a nice clean taste before the burning set in .