Yesterday we headed to Dollywood all so Lola could cross it off of her bucket list. In fact, other than Lola belting out 9 to 5 the ENTIRE drive there, I think we were all dreading a little apprehensive about the whole Dolly experience. I was totally surprised though. It turns out it’s a great wholesome place for people to enjoy some quality time with the family. It had roller coasters and rides for those of us who are not obsessed with all things Dolly and of course, plenty of neon pink Dolly memorabilia for those who are {Lola only}.
This little house is a replica of the Parton homeplace where Dolly’s parents raised her and her 10 brothers and sisters. It basically consisted of a kitchen and a bedroom and was made by her brother Bobby. The cool part about the house was that most of the treasures inside we filled with original family items.
I don’t know how everyone would fit into this tiny little bedroom. What do you think? Ma and Pa in the bed, and little babies piled in and around?
They even had church services, since we were there on a Sunday. When is the last time you went to an amusement park that held church services?
This little school house reminds of Little House on the Prairie, Tennessee-style.
Inside was so simple. I wonder how modern-day kids would fair without computers and i-Pads?
You could buy these buggies for around $5000. How cool would that be to ride around town in a horse drawn buggy? I wonder if the HH would say yes to a horse or two to pull me around?
Overall, I think it was a great experience–and a total surprise. In the words of Lola, “You done good, Dolly. You done good.”
~Mavis
Paige says
I think, generally, the parents and smallest kids slept in the kitchen. My grandmother always referred to the rooms as “front room” and “back room”, and there would be a bed in the “front room” along with the stove and table.
Helen in Meridian says
I heard the kids slept head to foot with 5 in the bed and someone usually peed the bed. Also Dolly has donated over a million books to children. Every child in Tennessee get a free book each year until they are l0 or 12. She really encourages education. Also she provides lots of jobs for people in that area.
Alice says
A little behind the reason she built Dollywood was to provide employment for her family and towns people of PF. She has done much for her home town. Just wanted to share for the blog readers.
Jennifer says
Wow! That looks like so much fun! We might have to try to get there – we take road trips every summer.
Shirley says
This is such a GREAT project. When you do it again (notice I didn’t say if) you might be thinking of donations ($) toward the trip to rent an RV or whatever to help with expenses. Fundraisers do it all the time. I’m volunteering now for a school project that has done that. Every bit helps. Just a thought.
Kaia says
I’m liking that quilt on the bed! Also, how neat that they do church services!