Here’s the thing about Country Living readers: They’re the best. I’ve always found the people who gravitate toward this brand tend to be kindred spirits—fun-loving, lighthearted, and born with a serious soft spot for an antiques mall. I was recently reminded of these qualities—and that broader sense of community—when Country Living hosted a Weekend at Dollywood for Country Living All Access members. From the moment we all met up at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort (the property is so nice, by the way), it was as clear as a clear blue morning that we were in for a good time.
Day One: A Warm Dolly Welcome
Our attendees came from all over—Washington, California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Oklahoma, New York, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee—and for various reasons. Two couples were celebrating anniversaries, a recent graduate gifted the experience to herself for finishing school at Virginia Tech, and there were plenty of other friend groups, mother-daughter duos, and solo travelers who soon felt anything but.
After being greeted with “Islands in the Stream” cocktails and Dolly-themed swag bags, we soon boarded a bus headed to Sevierville, Tennessee, which superfans probably already know is Dolly’s birthplace. Even though I’m a Tennessee native and grew to love Dolly at a very young age, I had never made this journey.
But first: Antiques!
Of course we made our friendly bus driver, Larry, make a detour to the Green Olde Deal Antique Mall, which boasts more than 50,000 square feet of vintage finds. (Executive Editor Jen Kopf had already scouted out the location and assured us it was the real deal, and she was right!) I’ll admit I went a tad overboard—there was so much good stuff—and others did too. Antiquing also proved to be a fun way to get to know each other. Nothing brings so-called strangers together like sharing quirky finds and weird vintage obsessions. I don’t think I’ll ever make another trip to East Tennessee without stopping at this treasure trove.
Next up: Downtown Sevierville
I was so happy to have an excuse to visit the iconic bronze Dolly statue on the town square, which is anchored by the 1896 Sevier County Courthouse. After getting our photos—multiple angles, please—we all had a chance to explore, which included checking out the town’s old-timey painted murals and browsing Dolly-themed boutiques (yes, I bought that pillow, and I regret not buying the Aqua Net-inspired water bottle). We all met back up at Reds Soda Fountain, which pays homage to Red’s Café, the historic diner that young Dolly frequented as a child. The jukeboxes, counter seating, and tall-glass malted milkshakes served up a triple scoop of nostalgia.
Soon, it was time to take part in some kitschy East Tennessee dinner theater (when in Rome…) before heading back to the resort, which—despite the over-the-topness of nearby Pigeon Forge—is peacefully nestled in a more scenic setting. Some opted to hit the hay—we had an early Saturday call time for the theme park—while others (including myself) enjoyed a nightcap at High Note, the bar on the property. I loved hearing how readers were first introduced to Country Living, and our editors were happy to answer all the questions they had about the ins and outs of the magazine.
Saturday: Parkin’ 9 to 5 (or even longer if so inclined!)
After enjoying breakfast at the resort, it was time to board a shuttle to Dollywood. I’ve been to the property, which is consistently crowned America’s top amusement park, many, many times, but I had never experienced it quite like this. Thanks to our very accommodating friends at Dollywood HQ, we had exclusive early access to the park, which made it fun to roam around and take in the seasonal décor—much of it tied to The Flower & Food Festival—without the summer crowds.
We also had free rein of the exhibits at The Dolly Parton Experience. My favorite was Songteller, where you can take in so much Backwoods Barbie lore. (Of course we had to pose behind the 9 to 5 desk.) Over at Behind the Seams, we had a chance to learn more about Dolly’s signature style. As she has famously said, “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap.” My favorite part had to be the wigs!
We then headed to a recreation of Dolly’s childhood log cabin (but not before having a few friendly security guards pose with our most recent cover). It’s always moving to be reminded of her very humble beginnings—the two-room structure housed her parents and 12 children without running water or electricity. (Dolly’s brother Bobby built the replica, and her mother Avie Lee helped decorate it.)
Shortly after, we hopped aboard the Dollywood Express to take a five-mile journey through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains before reconvening our large group for a catered lunch at Celebration Hall. Our Staff Photographer Becky Luigart-Stayner and Executive Editor Jen Kopf both shared behind-the-scenes insights into how Country Living comes together, and Jen also shared the story of how her own family farmhouse found its way to our pages. (You may have seen it in our February-March issue.) Other attendees shared photos of their own historic farmhouses and magazine-inspired DIY projects.
Other highlights of the day included sampling the Grist Mill’s famous cinnamon bread (Associate Editor Beth Branch has even developed her own version!), enjoying a performance by Dolly’s delight of a niece, Heidi Parton (followed by a fun meet-and-greet), and watching From the Heart: The Life & Music of Dolly Parton, a Broadway-style show that takes you through Dolly’s musical journey. (Did you know she has written more than 3,000 songs?) I was happy to hear a few of my favorites, including “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Wildflowers,” and “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”
Of course we rode a few rides while we were there too, culminating with the Smoky Mountain River Rampage in which I assured Becky we wouldn’t
get soaked. Update: We got soaked!
Then it was back to the resort to change out of our extremely wet clothes (!) and enjoy a laid-back, deluge-free evening around the fire pit, where we ate s’mores and recapped adventures of the day. I signed copies of The Y’allmanac while asking everyone where they wanted Country Living to go next. Round Top, Texas? California’s Wine Country? The Cotswolds? (Curious to hear your thoughts; email me at rachel@countryliving.com!)
Sunday: Parton Ways
How did Sunday arrive so quickly? After another Southern-style resort breakfast, Katie Bowlby, Country Living’s Digital Director and resident cross-stitcher, led a workshop where everyone could try their hand at a Dolly-inspired butterfly pattern.
Afterward, we headed over to HeartSong’s sister property, DreamMore Resort, to tour Dolly’s longtime, highly customized motorcoach. Now retired and available to book for overnight stays, it’s where she spent more than 15 years writing songs and traveling the country. This was a real treat because stepping inside the vehicle will usually cost you $10,000. (Profits from every stay go to The Dollywood Foundation because we all know that woman is a saint.) Special thanks to our lovely tour guide Lauren (how great are her earrings, by the way?)
Soon it was time to say farewell, with everyone making plans to meet back up at The Country Living Fair this fall in Rhinebeck, New York. (You have your tickets, right?) It was truly so energizing to spend a weekend with Country Living readers, and I can’t wait to do it again. Hope you can join us!
Rachel
(Psst: Special thanks to all our friends at Dollywood for helping make this trip so memorable.)
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.
