Wildwood Grove-4 Reasons to Visit

The Smoky Mountains has a new fun experience! Wildwood Grove at Dollywood is officially open! I couldn’t be more excited about it! I’ve had the opportunity to follow it from announcement, through construction, and now to opening, and the final product is simply breath taking! Here is what Dolly Parton herself had to say about this new addition:

“When I was a little girl growing up in the hills of the Smoky Mountains, I’d often let my imagination just run away—something I still do now—dreaming these big dreams about what it’d be like to venture off with a family of bears in to the woods or how fun it would be to hitch a ride with the butterflies and dragonflies,” Parton said. “All us kids would splash and play in the creeks and ponds around home and have these daydreams about the world around us, and that’s what’s so special about Wildwood Grove. We’ve been able to create a new area to allow families to experience some of those exact dreams we all had when we were little.”

“Wildwood Grove is so special to me because so many of the same daydreams and imaginations from my childhood have now found a perfect place at my Dollywood. I hope families will enjoy laughing, playing and exploring together in this great new place that truly does feel like home for me.”

Wildwood Grove at Dollywood was specifically designed with families of all ages in mind! Here are 4 reasons to visit Wildwood Grove:

1. Sit Back, Relax and Enjoy the View

First of all, Wildwood Grove is BEAUTIFUL! Dollywood spent one million dollars on landscaping alone. Everything you see in the landscaping can be found growing in the Smoky Mountains. At the heart of Wildwood Grove is The Wildwood Tree. This focal point is a beacon for all, drawing families to watch the butterflies play in its leafy canopy, while encouraging others to splash and play in the winding creek that flows at its base. As the daylight fades, families can bask in a colorful kaleidoscope of summer fun as the area glows to life. Then there is seating everywhere! Most of the retaining walls around Wildwood Grove offer seating and a lot of it is in the shade! This makes it easy for families to stay and play together in Wildwood Grove!

2. Rides to Satisfy All Ages

Wildwood Grove offers 6 new rides from friendly bears and frogs to a darting and daring ride on the Dragonflier roller coaster. The height requirements for this area of the park top out at 39″ for the Dragonflier, making it easy for the entire family to play and ride together!

3. Hidden Hollow and Outdoor Play Areas

These areas are going to be where we spend most of our time! Hidden Hollow is a 4,000 square foot indoor, climate controlled, play area. It had the coolest play equipment we had ever seen! It provides tons of seating for parents and grandparents. Wildwood Creek features pop jets, splashing pools and more wet play activities, while the dry play area at Wildwood Creek features “musical instruments” for guests to enjoy. I did spot a family sized dryer close by which is good, because your children will get wet!!

4. Till and Harvest

Till and Harvest is a new twist on regional specialties with it’s Smoky Mountain Mexican menu. Set up Salsarita or Chipotle style, visitors order and then can customize their burrito, taco or bowl entree. Visitors can then complete the order with a side of chips and salsa or queso. My personal favorite was the salsa bar with several varieties of salsa and heat to add to your dish! Till and Harvest has options for vegetarians that are great and the servings are so large you could split it to save room for a sweet treat or salty snack later! The seating is outdoors but covered and is very scenic. Roaming musicians show up to entertain those eating at times throughout the day!

My absolute favorite part about Wildwood Grove and Dollywood is it’s focus on the Smoky Mountains and family. Both are tied to every single thing Dollywood does. Those two values are a win for me every single time! I can’t wait for your family to visit Wildwood Grove at Dollywood! Don’t forget to use my code, DWINSIDERS15, online for $10 off a one day ticket! Give me a shout when you visit!!