Try Damon's Grill for dinner. Stay away from the appetizers--not because they're not good--but you must save plenty of room for the ribs, which are served with salad and a baked potato ($14.99). Ask for extra napkins; the ribs are worth the mess. And you just might have room for the crème brûlée cheesecake ($3.99) if you don't eat those old salad greens.
If you're not too tired, venture over to Tanger Five Oaks. The outlet mall is open until 9 p.m. on Friday, and its 107 stores will fulfill your shopping needs.
Whew, better get some rest. Tomorrow you go to Dollywood.
Songbird Saturday
|
|
Dollywood's Splash Country promises to cool you off, whether by slide, wave pool, or simply floating serenely along one of its 16 water attractions.
|
Get up early, and have the complimentary Continental breakfast provided by the hotel so that you can get to Dollywood by 9 a.m. to beat the crowds and get a prime parking space. (Check www.dollywood.com for weekday operating hours.) A couple of tips: Have your $6 for parking ready, and write down which tram stop is yours. And don't bring in food or drink.
Adult admission costs $42.40; admission for ages 4-11 is $32.35. Children ages 3 and under are free. If you have three days to devote to this attraction, your best bet is to buy a "Splash and Play" ticket, which covers three days at Dollywood and Dollywood's Splash Country water park for $66.90 adults and $51.30 ages 4-11.
June is a great time to be at Dollywood. The KidsFest is in full swing from June 18 through August 8, with an Extreme Sports Show, Perondi's Extreme Canines Show, and a Smoky Mountain Bear Jam, not to mention all the usual rides and shows.
First you'll want to hit the Tennessee Tornado, which is in the back of the park. It's a great spiral, triple-looping roller coaster that takes you through a 128-foot drop at 70 mph. And, yes, you do have to be 48 inches tall. Next, prepare to get wet on Blazing Fury, an inside roller coaster that sometimes barrels along in the dark.
If you're ready for a snack, head to the Grist Mill (a giant cookie costs $2.29). Or try the Backstage Restaurant right next to the Celebrity Theatre for some mighty fine meat loaf and vegetables for less than $10.
After a ride on the 1943 steam train, it's time to see the craftspeople. Don't miss the blacksmith, who fashions wonderful things with fire and forge (an iron door knocker sells for $50), or the leather shop, where you can pick up a nice purse for $60.
