Classic Americana: Celebrating 25 Years of Dollywood

At first it’s a mystery why the mid-sized Tennessee city of Knoxville would rank so high on the “top travel search terms” list. But once you hear the magic word, it becomes obvious: DOLLYWOOD.

California has Disney, Florida has… Disney, Vegas has the Strip, and Tennessee has the world’s one-and-only Dolly Parton theme park. Dolly doesn’t just lend her name to this place, either. Many of the attractions and entertainment offerings were conceived or inspired by her. Still growing as of its 25th birthday in 2010, this wildly popular family park continually proves that Dolly Parton is much more than just a pretty voice—she’s an American icon.

Knoxville Weekend Escape: Get Outdoors in Big South Fork, Tennessee

Big South Fork's 123,000 acres of natural arches and bridges, waterfalls and swimming holes, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails qualify this park as a must-see spot. And then there's the roaring Big South Fork itself, with more than 80 paddle-friendly miles a breathtaking gorge. In March, you might catch the last glimpses of snow or cascades of frozen waterfalls—and avoid the winter hunters and summer insects.Big South Fork's 123,000 acres of natural arches and bridges, waterfalls and swimming holes, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails qualify this park as a must-see spot. And then there's the roaring Big South Fork itself, with more than 80 paddle-friendly miles a breathtaking gorge. In March, you might catch the last glimpses of snow or cascades of frozen waterfalls—and avoid the winter hunters and summer insects.

Photo credit: Double Falls Rapids, Big South Fork, Tennessee (courtesy, National Park Service)