Dollywood amusement park is not only known for it’s exciting rides, first class entertainment and water park but also it’s award winning food. A wonderful place for foodies and families!
Recently I shared our family trip to Dollywood and what an amazing place it is to visit. I was beyond excited to get invited back to learn more about the culinary offerings at Dollywood, Splash Country Water Park and DreamMore Resort and Spa.
Dollywood’s Splash Country Waterpark
We started our tour at Splash Country Waterpark located close to the resort and theme park. One thing I loved about the park is the option to rent one of their “Retreats”. It’s a nice covered area that offers shade, chairs and table, and a space with lounge chairs. The perfect place to relax and eat some of the delicious food from the park.
We were treated to some of the new food offerings this year like Trialhead Tacos, Tot-chos, S’mOreo Gourmet Milkshake and a Beavertail Moonpie Pastry.
The guests requested having a Tex-Mex dining option and Splash Country answered with Trailhead Tacos. Guests can choose the base of either nachos, bowl or tacos and then choose meat and toppings.
Have you ever heard of a BeaverTail pastry? They are made from whole wheat dough and are hand- stretched. They are served hot with a choice of tasty topping. My favorite was the Cinnamon and Sugar and new this year is the MoonPie option.
Dollywood Food
Dollywood has a wonderful variety of food for everyone to enjoy. When we entered the park we made our way to the Spotlight Bakery and Sandwich Shop. We met Chef Gidget Davis who shared her Maple Bacon Cupcakes that were out of this world! Bacon bits are baked into the cupcake and topped with maple frosting and a piece of candied bacon!
The smell of cinnamon rolls from the bakery was also heavenly. Many guests stop by before the park closes to pick up a box of rolls to bring home for the morning. And of course I can’t forget to mention the 25 lb apple pie. Made from scratch and baked in a cast iron skillet.
When I visited Dollywood this time the park was having it’s Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival. Dollywood has several festivals throughout the year and each one offers different themed food.
In Market Square we sampled some festival ribs prepared with dry rub and served with bbq sauce. One of my favorite things from the whole day was the fried chicken funnel cake topped with a mandarin orange sauce. Oh my word the combination of sweet funnel cake and salty fried chicken was ridiculously good.
We also tried a piece of refreshing grilled watermelon topped with balsamic vinegar and crumbled feta cheese. The perfect bite for a hot day.
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Our next stop was at Granny Ogle’s Ham and Beans. This restaurant was named after the grandmother of Judy Ogle, Dolly Parton’s childhood best friend. I loved the BUSH’S Cowboy Beans topped with slow-smoked BBQ pork and a smoked sausage.
We had dinner at the newly renovated Aunt Granny’s Restaurant. It was beautiful inside and of course the meal was a delicious buffet of Southern style food.
The evening ended at the gorgeous DreamMore Resort and Spa. The resort offers many activities for families like bedtime stories and s’mores by the fire pit. There is also a beautiful spa for some post Dollywood relaxation.
The food at the DreamMore was excellent. The passion panna cotta at Song and Hearth in the resort has to be one of the best desserts I have ever tasted. Coconut dacquoise with passion fruit gelee and mango chuntney. Drool worthy!
Song and Hearth also offers buffet breakfast of champions featuring pancakes, waffles, made to order omelets and of course biscuits and gravy.
Tips for dining at Dollywood
- Dollywood offers meal choices for guests with food allergies at the Front Porch Cafe. They have a program called “Start Fresh” to ensure no cross-contamination between food. As a mom with a son that has a nut allergy, I love that they offer this option.
- Look for festival food. Dollywood is always offering new and tasty dishes depending on the time of year.
- There are so many delicious things to eat at Dollywood I was only able to mention a few highlights. I suggest taking a lap around the park to check out the many tasty options available.
- One last tip, don’t leave the park before trying the cinnamon bread at The Grist Mill. Homemade bread with cinnamon, sugar and butter! Be sure to grab a loaf to bring home.
It is easy to taste and see why Dollywood was awarded best theme park food for the fourth time in seven years. You can truly feel the passion and pride that everyone at Dollywood has for the park and the food.
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