Destination Dolly

How Houstonians can plan a Dolly Parton pilgrimage to Tennessee

Millions of fans around the world are still mourning the loss of musical and cultural icon Dolly Parton, who passed away Tuesday, August 25, after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 80. The queen of sparkle and country music was beloved for her blonde wigs, quick wit, songwriting and storytelling, and perhaps most of all — her philanthropic spirit and loving personality that appealed to generations of audiences from all walks of life.

Heartbroken fans from Texas planning to pay homage to Queen Dolly in the coming weeks, months, and years to come might not realize the number of Dolly-fied destinations she owned in Tennessee, the superstar’s home state. Parton served as the “Dreamer-in-Chief” for three hotel resorts (including one opening next month in downtown Nashville), two theme parks, multiple dinner shows, an expansive new museum (opening in Nashville late September), and even an 18-acre travel stop – the site of her last public appearance in late June during its grand opening.

The Dollywood Company

The album corridor at Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa.

Here are multiple ways to celebrate Parton’s life and legacy that are either a short flight or a road trip away. Each is sure to bring lots of smiles, laughter, and joy – not just sadness — just as the entertainer would have wanted.

Theme Parks

Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Opened in 1986 in the Great Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and spanning 160 acres, Parton’s iconic theme park is home to more than 50 rides, entertaining live shows, and award-winning Southern cuisine, from the fried chicken and pot roast at Aunt Granny’s (it’s what her nieces and nephews called her) to the park’s world-famous cinnamon bread. (You can smell it upon arrival as it’s baked fresh daily at the Grist Mill bakery – just look for the line.)

Dollywood is full of opportunities for fans to get a glimpse inside Parton’s entire life. There’s a replica of the two-room cabin where she was raised with 11 siblings, a replica of her hometown Sevierville, Tennessee (including Red’s diner where she had her first hamburger and the Pines Theater where she saw her first movie), and even a chapel named for the doctor who delivered her in exchange for a sack of cornmeal – the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. (Services are held every Sunday.) Opened just last year is the Dolly Parton Experience, an immersive museum that lets park visitors walk through Dolly’s life and career through photos, stories, music, and memorabilia.

While Dollywood boasts plenty of thrilling coasters and rides – including the new $60 million NightFlight Expedition indoor adventure coaster that opened on August 19 – the park’s two oldest are a pair of coal-fired steam trains, collectively called the Dollywood Express. Built in 1939 and 1943 for the U.S. Army, they’re now used to give guests 30-minute tours of the park.

It was important to Parton to pay homage to the talents of mountain artisans. Visitors can watch them in action as they demonstrate their skills, from dipping candles and blowing glass to forging metal, and purchase their wares or even try crafting themselves.

Upcoming Dollywood events:

Run Dollywood: Launched by Parton last spring and expanded to include fall dates of September 25-27, 2026, the race weekend includes a kids’ fun run, 5K, 10K, and half-marathon right through Dollywood. Registration deadline is September 12.

Pumpkin Lumi-Nights & Harvest Festival: A not-so-scary fall family experience that runs September 14 – October 31.

Smoky Mountain Christmas: Launched in 1990 and features more than six million twinkling lights, dozens of Christmas trees, weekend fireworks, and Christmas musical shows. Runs November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Admission: 1-day tickets start at $99.99 for adults (ages 10-61), and $89.99 for children and seniors (ages 4-9, 62+)

How to get there: Dollywood is located about an hour from the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, and about nine miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Dollywood’s Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Just next to Dollywood is Parton’s water adventure park, offering 35 acres of water slides, pools (including one that’s butterfly-shaped), splash zones, lazy rivers, and attractions. Dollywood’s Splash Country celebrated its 25^th anniversary this year, and it’s where Dolly fans can cool off during its seasonal operation from mid-May through mid-September.

Admission: 1-day tickets start at $59.99 for adults (ages 10-61), and $49.99 for children and seniors (ages 4-9, 62+). Combo Park Tickets (Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country). 1-day tickets start at $109.99 for adults (ages 10-61) and $99.99 for children and seniors (ages 4-9, 62+).

How to get there: Dollywood’s Splash Country is located just next to Dollywood, about an hour from the McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Hotels & Resorts

Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
With the popularity of Dollywood, it’s no surprise Parton opened a hotel just next door where guests could kick up their feet after park hours. Opened in 2015, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa sits on 20 acres with 300 guest rooms and suites, including the apartment-style penthouse Dolly Parton Suite on the resort’s top floor. The hotel puts an emphasis on nostalgic experiences, such as checkers by the fireplace, porch-sitting in a rocking chair with iced tea or a cocktail, and family activities like arts and crafts and fireside bedtime stories featuring books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool complex, multiple dining destinations, including a Southern eatery called Song & Hearth and a bar and restaurant called The Lounge, and a full-service spa.

New at DreamMore is the Suite 1986 Tour Bus Experience, named for Parton’s very own highly personalized motorcoach that’s parked on-site. Guests can reserve exclusive experiences in the tour bus that include a guest room inside the resort, VIP dinner, and options for Dollywood park tickets, dinner show reservations, and Pink Jeep Adventure Tours. Net proceeds from each Suite 1986 stay are donated to The Dollywood Foundation.

Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Dolly Parton opened a second spot for overnight accommodations next to Dollywood in 2023. Called Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the property is Parton’s homage to the Smoky Mountains through its design that reflects the natural flora and fauna of the region and an emphasis on bringing the outdoors in. The 4,000 square-foot atrium lobby features a showstopping four-story stone fireplace with a screen depicting Parton as a little girl interacting with a butterfly. Other unique features include a glittering guitar-shaped chandelier, a display of Parton’s own guitars, and black-and-white images of the musician herself. Amenities of the 302-room lodge include balconies with most rooms, a natural playground for children built into the hillside landscape, walking paths, splash pad, hot tub, and indoor and outdoor pools, nature-inspired crafts, nightly campfires with marshmallow roasting, and multiple dining options including Ember & Elm known for its welcome basket of biscuits along with deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, steaks and fried chicken.

Rates for both Dollywood’s DreamMore and HeartSong: Shoulder season rates start at $139 and peak-travel period rates start at $369.

How to get there: Located 9.5 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, 10 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and about an hour from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS).

Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
Overnight stays begin September 14, 2026 at Parton’s stunning new 12-story hotel, located in the heart of downtown Nashville. Guests can expect a lively atmosphere in true Music City fashion, where Parton’s songwriting spirit – and many hues of pink – will be evident in each of the property’s 245 rooms and suites. The hotel is also home to Parton’s new Life of Many Colors Museum, which encompasses the entire third floor and will be the largest exhibit celebrating her life anywhere in the world, along with two live music venues – Parton’s Live, an intimate cocktail lounge with culinary offerings, and Jolene’s, and 11^th-floor club with small plates and skyline views.

Rates: Starting at $386, with rooms still available for opening day.

Life of Many Colors Museum: Standard general admission tickets start at $31.99. Grand opening is September 29, 2026.

How to get there: Texans should fly into the Nashville International Airport (BNA), which will soon be renamed after Dolly Parton. "At a place where Tennessee welcomes the world, it is fitting that Nashville International Airport would bear the name of our state’s favorite daughter and greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly’s music, generosity, faith, and kindness," said Tennessee governor Bill Lee in a statement. The airport is about 7.5 miles from SongTeller.

Travel Stop & Dinner Shows

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, Cornersville, Tennessee
Opened in June and the site of Dolly Parton’s last public appearance, this first-of-its-kind roadside destination is inspired by Parton’s lifelong connection to the open road. More than just a pit stop for gas, the 25,000-square-foot venue, situated on 18 acres, features a full-service restaurant and bar, Tennessee barbecue served 24 hours, the Doggy Parton dog park, and even live music stage shows. Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is also home to Parton’s new line of coffee, Cup of Ambition, launched in partnership with Community Coffee. The brand is named for Parton’s iconic opening line in her hit anthem, “9 to 5,” and will be available nationwide online on September 29, 2026, and in stores by spring 2027. More travel stops are in the works across Tennessee and the US, especially in underserved counties in an effort to bring new jobs.

How to get there: Located about an hour south of Nashville, Tennessee, off Interstate 65, Pulaski Highway. Fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri
This entertaining dinner show that’s fun for all ages features thrilling horseback trick riding and original musical production in an arena setting while guests partake in a four-course feast. Menu highlights include creamy vegetable soup, hot biscuits, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and a signature dessert.

Tickets: Both locations start at $59.99 for guests 10 and up and $29.99 for children ages 3-9.

Pirates Voyage, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Panama City Beach, Florida
Combining sword fights, cannons, and full-sized pirate shows, Parton’s swashbuckling dinner show takes guests alongside an epic battle for treasure. Fans will want to take note of the song “Sail Away,” written by Parton and performed during the show’s mermaid sequences. Menu items are similar to Dolly Parton’s Stampede and vary slightly by location.

Tickets: All locations start at $59.99 for guests 10 and up and $29.99 for children ages 3-9.

More Dolly Coming Soon

At the time of her passing, Dolly Parton still had many projects in various stages of development. A few of those include:

DOLLY: A True Original Musical on Broadway: Previews begin December 7, 2026. Opening night is January 19, 2027, with tickets currently on sale through November 21, 2027. Tickets start at $66.

Kendra Scott x Dolly - The 9 to 5 Collection: The new collection will launch in January 2027. See Parton’s current Kendra Scott collab collection here.

Dolly’s Dog Treats: Launching early 2027

Dolly Bedding & Home Decor: Launching in third quarter 2027

Other future projects include a Dolly avatar show, a Dolly Musical documentary, a Dolly biopic, a Dolly docuseries, and a Dolly scripted series.

celebrities country music hotels spa tennessee resorts travel dolly parton

bayou views galore

Inside Houston’s art-filled, staycation spot with a rooftop pool and posh spa

Courtesy of Thompson Hotel Houston

Lucinda Loya designed the one-acre seventh floor pool deck.

In the nearly two years since making its Houston debut, the towering Thompson Hotel has cemented itself as the go-to staycation spot for the glitzy glass tower crowd. The 36-story building — complete with helipad — along Allen Parkway is perfectly positioned to accommodate a widely-varying array of tastes and sensibilities.

Thompson Hotels fly under the Hyatt banner, with this particular project being owned and developed by DC Partners, interiors directed by Abel Design, with the exception of the pool deck space, which has been designed by Lucinda Loya.

The hotel itself occupies floors 1-15, with owner-occupied luxury condominiums settled over top. With fully separate entrances, it’s easy to forget that one or the other exists, a move that was surely intentional.

An art gallery on Allen Parkway

It doesn’t take long for guests to realize that the Thompson is decidedly as much of an art gallery as it is a hotel — a trend that has been picking up speed over the years. The hotel's art collection was curated by Claudia Contreras in collaboration with the development and ownership team at DC Partners.

Upon arrival, hotel guests are greeted at the valet stand by a striking display of seven bronze sculptures — Las 7 Cabezas, by renowned Mexican sculptor Javier Marín — that serve as a sort of amuse-bouche to the proverbial feast for the eyes that awaits ahead. Marín’s work, celebrated for its exploration of the human form, identity, and transformation, masterfully blends classical techniques with contemporary expression.

Stepping inside, guests encounter another mesmerizing installation — Ichwan Noor’s 1953 Beetle Sphere. This surreal sculptural masterpiece transforms a classic Volkswagen Beetle into a perfectly-compressed sphere, merging automotive engineering with conceptual art.

The extensive collection also includes a variety of mediums and styles from both emerging and renowned artists. Highlights include John Zinsser's surrealist enamel and oil on canvas, displayed near the resident elevators on the fifth floor, and Adam Fuss’s unique silver gelatin print photogram. Works from international talents, like Francois Fressinier's oil and mixed media works from France and Bjorn Sjogren’s paintings on paper from Sweden, bring diverse perspectives to the space.

Peppered throughout the property, guests will find curated selections like The Wall, a rare and powerful exhibition of 17 original limited-edition lithographs by Alexander Calder, Joan Miró, and Picasso — a stunning display of modern masters that sets an extraordinary artistic tone. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for pieces by Dana Piazza, Bogdan Mihai, Bjorn Sjogren, Jamali, Arno Bruse, Yoel Benharrouche, Alessandra Cola, and Celine Chouvenc.

Distinctive indoor-outdoor spaces

After their initial arrival, guests are whisked away to the lobby on the seventh floor, which operates as the de facto social hub of the hotel. Intricate tile murals underfoot paired with soaring ceilings and sweeping views lend a sense of contemporary modernity to a hotel whose brand identity typically lies strongly within the stylistic boundaries of the midcentury aesthetic.

The seventh floor is home to the lobby, library, and lounge spaces at one end, mirrored by the hotel’s indoor/outdoor elevated casual fare restaurant and bar Sol 7 and the impressive one-acre rooftop terrace and pool deck. It’s worth noting that it is this author’s opinion that the nighttime view of downtown from the pool deck is superior to all others. Aided by lush palms and the soothing sounds of water flowing through the infinity pool, the sparkle of glistening city lights is decidedly transformative.

“The pool deck is one of the biggest in Houston. It’s an acre in size,” explains Thompson Houston’s director of sales and marketing Lisa Hudson. “We have the infinity pool overlooking downtown, which is amazing. Then there is a 2,500-square-foot event space on the Sol 7 green that’s for parties or just to enjoy. It’s a hot spot, especially during the summer months in Houston.”

Unlike the rest of the hotel, the pool deck was designed by interior designer Lucinda Loya, who went as far as to design custom tile for the pool’s interior. The playful pattern seems innocent enough at first glance, but eagle-eyed guests are in for a cheeky surprise. The furniture — all from award-winning interiors powerhouse BeDesign in Montrose — is all from luxury Italian yacht furniture manufacturer Paola Lenti, save for the private cabanas, which are Gandia Blasco.

Loya’s use of various textures and wovens in shades of bright citrus lend a refreshing poolside respite from what is essentially a sea of black and white. Her use of color injects a vibrancy that harkens to the Thompson brand’s midcentury identity, which is not always fully defined throughout the property.

“Great hospitality design should transport you, and I wanted the Thompson pool to feel like its own escape in the heart of Houston — warm, sophisticated, with a little surprise,” Loya shares with CultureMap. “For the custom printed porcelain pool interior, I created a 1950s pin-up-inspired design as a playful nod to the hotel’s midcentury roots. It’s an unexpected detail. It gives the pool its own personality and makes the experience feel completely unique.”

The somewhat seamless indoor/outdoor relationship between Sol 7 and the pool deck lends an element of resort-style charm that has a way of disarming guests of any reclusive tendencies. Conversations flow freely between tables and lounge areas as snacks and libations stretch on into dinner service with new friends. The combination of tropical flora and fauna, downtown views, seventh floor breezes, and comfortable surroundings make for an unmatched experience along the bayou.

Amenities galore

After a long day at the pool, unwind in one of the 172 guest rooms, 34 of which are suites. Guests may choose between downtown views and the treetops, trails, and monuments across the street at Buffalo Bayou Park — one hotel, two completely different vibes. The guest rooms at The Thompson are where the midcentury aesthetic finally comes to life. The furniture and surrounding surfaces beam in warm wooden tones, richly-textured upholstery, green-stamped leathers, quirky lighting, and smoky glass and metallic features. Not to mention the unmistakable beauty of a Thompson Hotel wooden room key.

“We have the views of downtown and are literally across the street from Buffalo Bayou Park, which is 160 acres,” says Hudson. “What’s so nice is that from all of our guest rooms and suites, you can see how we’re paying homage to the outdoors by having a lot of earthy tones, green hues, wood paneling, and a very mid-century flair.”

The bathrooms are generously proportioned and offer a separate vanity area, complete with seating and illuminated mirrors. This rare guest room feature is one that is most appreciated by those who prefer not to be relegated to sitting crisscross-applesauce on the ground, nearest to the full-length mirror that is invariably situated near the least flattering lighting in the room.

Full-size bath products are by Bowmakers, while towels are from Concier. Guest robes are a playful take on the quintessential hooded sweatshirt — full length, generously sized, and distinctively made of sweatshirt material. So if soft, super-plush is the ideal, this robe is its fun, sporty cousin.

Rooms come equipped with travel steamers, but an iron and ironing board can be requested from housekeeping. Additionally, each room offers the latest edition of Texas Monthly for guests to enjoy.

Each floor includes a “hydration station,” offering free-flowing flat and sparkling water, plus ice. Stations also include the monthly events calendar to keep guests informed of hotel offerings like “floating yoga” and happy hour sessions. The gym at The Thompson is quite impressive, but if something extra-specialized is required, guests have full access to EōS gym just across the parking lot.

Relax at the spa

If poolside social activities and dates with the gym don’t fit the criteria, perhaps the spa will do the trick. The Thompson Spa offers an extensive menu of services as well as the option to enjoy some reflective quiet time in the grounding room. Floor-to-ceiling windows face the park, allowing guests to feel at one with nature, far removed from the sounds of the city streets. Here, the robes are very plush and individual lounge chairs are outfitted with a fluffy pillow and blanket.

The spa offers complimentary refreshments before and after services. Sip on custom blended hot teas like white-peach and champagne and berries from J’enwey Tea Co — or perhaps try the proprietary Thompson Signature Black tea. Iced tea and champagne are also on offer, as well as apothecary jars filled with healthy snacks. Spa shower and bath products are by Oslo-based Sprekenhus.

Whether it’s a combination of pool days and spa treatments, or workouts paired with a ride through the park trails on one of the hotel’s vintage-inspired Blue Jay electric bikes, The Thompson offers something for everyone. The staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. If an offsite dinner or activity is required, a hotel car will take guests anywhere within a three mile radius. Not really sure what to do? Concierge Randal Meredith will be sure to sort it out.

With the summer season coming to a close and fireplace weather creeping closer and closer, it’ll be nice to have a sleek spot with incredible views to enjoy with a drink with friends or to curl up with a book. “Thompsons in general are known as a home away from home, and you can feel that residential vibe when coming into the library area and sitting in the coziness next to the bookshelves,” says Hudson.

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Thompson Hotel House; 1717 Allen Pkwy; Rates start at $389.

Courtesy of Thompson Hotel Houston

Lucinda Loya designed the one-acre seventh floor pool deck.

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