My Top 3 Dining Options During Festival of Nations

Dollywood’s Festival of Nations really shines in the food category. Everything smells so delicious, and the variety is global! It’s quite difficult to choose what to order—at least it was for me when I visited. In order to help you on your next trip, I have compiled my top three list of must-try food items when visiting Dollywood during Festival of Nations this spring.

1. Mexican Elote – Perfect for a starter or snack this flame-roasted corn on the cob is sprinkled with your choice of two seasoning mixes and is sure to bring a smile to kids and adults alike. I personally went with the butter and dry cheese herb mix, which was amazing. They’re set up in Market Square between Front Porch Café and TimeSaver Pass Rentals, so they’re out in the open and you can watch the process.

2. Spanish Paella – This flavorful dish is a perfect meal that is pleasing to all the senses. It combines Valencian rice, Piquillo peppers, Spanish chorizo, chicken, peas, onion, saffron, grilled lemon, and herbs. It’s cooked in a gigantic skillet in Market Square, and you can’t help be drawn in by the aroma of this dish. It tastes as good as it smells.

3. Call it a cop out, but I couldn’t land on a singular favorite dessert. So, my #3 is ALL the Festival of Nations sweets at Spotlight Bakery. Choose from baklava, apple strudel, cannoli, and chocolate-dipped biscotti (just to name a few). Everyone in my family selected a different dessert, representing a different country. Our multi-cultural selections made this spot both a one-stop time-saver and a great educational opportunity. Parenting win!

Insider Tip

Although you pass the Spotlight Bakery as you enter Dollywood, I have found that it is best to visit as we are exiting the park for a snack on the way out or a reward for the kids.

We visit Dollywood during Festival of Nations every year, but in my opinion 2018 is better than ever. The food, entertainment, merchandise and atmosphere make it a truly outstanding experience! Don’t be in such a rush to get to the rides that you miss out on all the extras that are included with your admission. Dollywood is all about added value!

By Chris Wade| 2018-04-27T12:59:57+00:00 March 19th, 2018|Dining|0 Comments

About the Author: Chris Wade

Chris Wade (Dollywood Insider 2017-2018) is a lifelong resident of Knoxville, Tennessee. He’s a Christ follower, husband, father, radio personality and school teacher. One of his favorite pastimes is to take his family to Dollywood throughout the year—especially during the summer! Chris and his family are frequent visitors sometimes multiple times a week. As a huge roller coaster fan, he can’t wait to share his favorite tips about Dollywood rides with you, among other things. As a Dad, Chris understands that having a Dollywood Season Pass is about more than a trip to just any theme park. It’s about creating experiences and memories for a lifetime.