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My personal favorite spot for a weekend vacation in Tennessee is Dollywood, near Gatlinburg. Most people have at least heard of Dollywood, even if they've never been there. It's a family friendly theme park that focuses on the southern way of life. They have everything from rides, country attractions and shows, and plenty of souvenirs. It's also famous for its Dixie Stampede and the train that can be ridden throughout the park. There's something for everyone there, and you're guaranteed to have a great time.

Dollywood was founded in 1961 and was then known as "Rebel Railroad". Later the name was changed to "Goldrush Junction", and in 1970 it expanded when it was purchased by the Cleveland Browns football team owner Art Modell. Dolly Parton, the most famous icon now associated with Dollywood, joined the scene in 1986 after buying into the park, then owned by the Herschend brothers, who purchased it from the Cleveland Browns.

Today Dollywood offers plenty of rides and attractions. The rides and shows are the reason why people come to visit Dollywood in the first place. I personally enjoy the rides the best. They ranges from large roller coasters, such as the Tennessee Tornado, to the new wooden coaster Thunderhead, to smaller rides for children like those featured in the old fashioned carnival section of the park. It has the traditional merry-go-round as well as a ferris wheel intended to both scare and delight. Water rides are abundant too. My personal pick for the best water ride is the River Rampage. Up to six people can ride in plastic seats atop of a large inner tube. They are strapped in and sent spinning down a river where they'll encounter everything from a few moments of peaceful floating to the sudden drenching spray of a water fall and sudden drenching plummets around every bend.

Rides are only a fraction of what contributes to Dollywood, however. There are many festivities that are always going on year round, and they are not to be missed. No matter when you go, you can always find some sort of live performance or show. There are glass blowing demonstrations as well as a black smith hard at work, and their wares can be purchased in the stores. There are also special festivals that come at certain times of the year, such as Kidfest where you can run into some of your children's favorite characters from Veggie Tales and many other shows.

What really adds the icing to the cake is the shops themselves. Dollywood has a sort of rustic, country charm to it that lets you relax and remember to enjoy yourself. There are a number of venders set up year round that sell some of the most delicious food and memorable souvenirs. Many rides take your picture, and you can buy a ride-themed T-shirt, or a key chain with your picture to prove that you really did ride it. There is also a large bakery that sells some of the most delicious sweets you will ever have the joy of tasting.

Dollywood is a frequent summer vacation destination for me. It's fairly affordable, it's fun for the whole family, and it makes a great weekend get away. You won't even need fancy hotel accommodations to visit. This trip can be made into a one to two day event. And if you have some free time, there are plenty of other shops and attractions near by such as the Ripley's Aquarium with a 100-foot long shark tunnel, and the Ripley's Haunted House. So don't miss a chance to visit this amazing get away! I can promise you won't be disappointed.

Learn more about this author, Nicki Marks.
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