An Inside Look At Dollywood's Flower And Food Festival
It’s been over twenty years since I’ve visited a theme park < RIP Opryland USA> and I’ve forgotten how much fun they can be. It’s a great way to spend a weekend or a holiday as there is something for everyone. Adrenaline junkies can take advantage of the high-speed roller coasters that flip you upside down while those who aren’t as adventurous can take advantage of the iconic snacks and those rides are a little more chill.
When Dollywood DreamMore Resort invited me to attend the Flower and Food Festival, I couldn’t resist. Come on, who says no to Dolly! I spent a few days exploring the property, riding the roller coasters, and enjoying the elevated culinary activations throughout the resort. If you’re a first-time festival-goer or a Dollywood die-hard, I’ve put together a list of my favorite festival bites and tips to ensure you have the best possible time at Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival.
Dollywood 101
Where is Dollywood located?
Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. For my Nashville residents, it’s about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from downtown. If you’re unfamiliar with Pigeon Forge, it’s important to note the city is located in the Eastern Time zone, so plan accordingly!
Can you believe I’ve never visited Dollywood? What are some tips to ensure my first visit is a success?
Arrive Early!
Whether you are staying on property or driving up for the day, it’s important to arrive early so you can maximize your time in the park. Dollywood is open daily from 10:00 am -7:00 pm, and on Saturday, they stay open until 8:00 pm. Trust me, your family will use every bit of that time.
Let’s Talk Transportation.
One of the many perks of the DreamMore Resort is that guests have exclusive access to the resort trolley that travels between Splash Country and Dollywood. Service begins approximately 30 minutes before the resort opens. It’s a relatively short ride, and after a day at the park, your feet will thank you. If you aren’t staying at the resort, Dollywood guests can utilize the Dollywood Trams that run between the parking lot and the entrance.
Skip the long lines and avoid the wait with the Timesaver Pass!
I haven’t met anyone who enjoys waiting in line. Every time I see a line, I cringe a little inside. Dollywood knows how important it is to maximize every moment in the park so they offer a Timesaver Pass. This pass allows park guests expedited entrances eight (8) times throughout the day at your choice of TimeSaver attractions. If you plan on spending the entire day at the park, they also offer Timesaver Unlimited. For more information on which rides are included in the Timesaver Pass, click HERE.
Plan your wardrobe carefully!
Practical attire is the key to happiness while you are wandering throughout Dollywood. It goes without saying, but proper footwear is critical. In one day, I logged over 15,000 steps! Sneakers or any shoes with good support are necessary. Interested in checking out some of the water rides? I’d throw in a pair of sandals and maybe an extra shirt if you don’t want to wander around the park completely wet. Finally, I carried a small backpack with all of my belongings, and it was a perfect choice and allowed me to be handsfree. If you are worried about taking it with you on the various roller coasters, each ride has cubbies where you can store your belongings.
Now that we have covered the basics, make sure you have the following:
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Portable phone charger
Ziploc baggies (when you ride the water rides)
Hand Sanitizer/Wipes
Rain gear
Inside the Flower and Food Festival
We covered Dollywood 101, now let’s just into my favorite subject, food! The Flower and Food Festival runs now through June 7. While Dollywood hosts year-long festivals, this is one that you don’t want to miss. This particular festival features over 500,000 fragrant flowers throughout the park along with elevated culinary activations. After all, what’s better than florals and food?
Wandering around the park, guests will encounter these larger-than-life sculptures created using thousands of plants and flowers. The artists behind these works blend horticultural techniques with sculpture and painting creating these breathtaking installations.
During the Flower and Food Festival, don’t expect your basic theme park concessions. Guests can still order funnel cakes, waffles, and pizza but expect to find additional menu offerings featuring seasonal ingredients, springtime flavors, and perhaps even a floral twist! Below are some of my favorites from the festival.
Looking for a sweet treat? Look no further than Showstreet Ice Cream where they are serving Liege Waffles topped with lemon curd, fresh berries, and edible flowers. I really enjoyed the Strawberry Shortcake Liege Waffle paired with the Strawberry Hibiscus Fresca.
Showstreet Ice Cream | Strawberry Shortcake Liege Waffle | Macerated Strawberries + Blackberries + Acacia Honey + Edible Flowers
If you are looking for something to have on the go, head over to the Sweet Shoppe Candy Kitchen and snag on their famous specialty Caramel Apples. If you time it just right, you can even get a sneak peek of how they are made.
Sweet Shoppe Candy Kitchen | Famous Caramel Apples
The most outstanding bite of the festival is the Flower and Food Festival Flatbread located at Victoria’s Pizza. This flatbread features mascarpone cheese and pesto sauce topped with artichoke hearts, arugula, and prosciutto that has been drizzled with a balsamic dress and topped with vibrant flower petals. Are you drooling yet? It’s evident that the culinary team at Dollywood put a great deal of time and thought into this recipe. The flavors paired perfectly, and without a doubt was my festival favorite.
Victoria’s Pizza | Flower & Food Festival Flatbread Pizza | Mascarpone Cheese + Pesto + Arugula + Artichoke Hearts + Prosciutto + Balsamic Dressing
Guests will find a unique and diverse offering of dishes at the Flower and Food Festival. From Cuban Sandwiches to Mountain Paella, there’s something for everyone. However, I couldn’t come to Dollywood and not try the BBQ Brisket Slider. I’m not going to lie, this brisket is the real deal. Tossed in a citrus chipotle barbecue sauce, this juicy brisket is served on a brioche bun and topped off with citrus slaw. Don’t tell anyone, but it easily rivals some of the best brisket sliders in Nashville.
Miss Lillian’s BBQ Corner | BBQ Brisket Slider
Hungry yet?
My mouth is watering as I write about these delicious bites, and I have just scratched the surface. Dollywood is known for having award-winning theme park food, but it’s obvious that the culinary team has gone above and beyond with the Flower and Food Festival. Not only are there a variety of items available, but these specialty items provide guests with an unparalleled culinary experience.
As I mentioned earlier, this is a highlight reel of the offerings found at the Flower and Food Festival. There are so many more dishes like the Beef Bulgogi Nachos and the Lobster Roll that I wish I could have tried. Like they say, so many dishes, such little time.
Guests can purchase a Flower and Food Festival dining pass, which allows for five (5) food samples for $29.99. This is the only way to experience the festival if you ask me. For a full list of available items, click HERE.
Pack your bags, grab the family, and head to Dollywood! This is one festival you don’t want to miss!
Until Next Time!