As you take your first steps into Dollywood, hang a right and follow the smell of candy and sugar until you see the Sweet Shoppe Candy Kitchen on your left. You won’t regret popping in to take a peek around at all of the goodies, and maybe pick up a few to take with [...]

There are so many great souvenirs at Dollywood to suit all sorts of tastes. In one of the oldest stretches of the park there are rustic facades housing authentic Appalachian craftsmen blowing glass, carving wood, dipping candles, cutting leather and hammering away at the blacksmith shop—all creating handmade souvenirs for your purchase. There is [...]

From a young age, I loved to go shopping. It would entertain me for hours to just wander through shops to see the unique and wonderful things in the stores. So, when I go to Dollywood, I always make time to peek into some of my favorite shops. Some of the ones I love [...]

Have you ever walked by Valley Forge Blacksmith in Craftsman's Valley and wondered what "sandcasting" is? It’s one of the services Dollywood craftsmen offer. Well, if you haven't seen it in action, you'll want to the next time you visit the park. There’s no mass-production operation here. It’s all hand-crafted art. Check out this [...]

Now this is cool. My nephew recently turned 16, and I heard that the Dollywood Blacksmith & Foundry in Craftsman’s Valley taught the skill of knife-making! I knew he would jump at the chance to make his own knife, but I had no idea what a fun experience this would be for both of [...]

I would guess that when you think of Dollywood, music, festivals, rides and yummy foods come to your mind. I’m here to tell you that in addition to all of these wonderful things, you also can find the best handmade gifts—gifts that no one would ever guess were purchased at Dollywood! Craftsman’s Valley is [...]

Dollywood has so much to offer: rides, shows, scenery, great food and more. It’s easy to overlook the high-quality merchandise. In particular, I’m a fan of all the delicious jams, jellies and preserves. Check out the edible fare for a tasty souvenir to take home. Watch this video as I take you around the park [...]

Have you ever wondered what’s inside Dolly’s Closet? (Not the one at Dolly’s house. The store at Dollywood!) You may imagine lots of boots and bling! Allow me to give you a closer look through the aisles of Dolly’s Closet. It’s a store originally fashioned by Dolly’s personal costume designer, located just across from [...]

A trip to Dollywood isn’t complete without bringing home a souvenir to remember your memory-making day. And Dollywood has the best assortment of keepsakes to meet every taste and budget. Here are my favorite spots to visit and grab a few goodies to help you remember your fun filled day! Traditional For those who [...]

Craftsman's Valley is my favorite spot in all of Dollywood because of its historic charm. Updates in this area focus on present needs (like more elbow room and updated equipment/shops) while keeping the past in mind. Check out this video as I show you what's new in 2021!