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When The World Visits The Smokies

Posted by Leif Palmer in Pigeon Forge Attractions

In case you haven't heard, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge kicked off its season last week, bringing back its irresistible blend of family fun, entertainment and mountain folkways this year in the Smokies. Throughout the year, Dollywood is a celebration of Smoky Mountain culture, history and music as expressed from the perspective of its namesake, Dolly Parton.

Food and more at Dollywood

Until April 9, however, the world-class theme park is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in cultures from around the world. Dollywood's Festival of Nations is an annual celebration of the music, dance, food and art of countries that span the globe, and 2018 is no exception.

It all starts with the array of live shows, featuring some of the world's most amazing and talented acts. Highlighting this year's event is The Flamenco Kings, a show starring Los Vivancos seven brothers whose soaring energy, costumes and flamenco dance moves wow audiences from their homeland of Spain to countries around the planet.

Festival of nations.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a Grammy Award-winning group whose unique Mbube vocal style is a hit in their native South Africa and beyond. And the National Dance Company of Siberia impresses audiences in all four corners of the globe with their colorful and expressive dance, traditional folk music and vivid costumes.

Other acts to look for at this year's Festival of Nations include the Invaders Steel Orchestra from the Caribbean, JigJam from Ireland, Atahualpa from the Andes Mountains and Zebra Stelzentheater from Germany.

In addition to these live shows, which are scheduled at various theater venues and stages throughout Dollywood, guests can purchase works of art and gift items native to the performers' different countries of origin and taste delicacies from their respective homelands. Dishes include citrus ancho and Coca-Cola-braised beef tostadas from Mexico; bobotie, a minced meat pie from South Africa; Cuban sandwiches; and chicken tofu pad Thai from Thailand.

Of course, Dollywood will also offer its usual assortment of rides, attractions, games and Appalachian craftsmen throughout its dozens of acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. As the weather continues to warm, Dollywood's wet rides like the Mountain Slidewinder and Smoky Mountain Rampage will become more popular, and beginning Memorial Day weekend, their neighboring attraction, Dollywood's Splash Country, will open for the summer, welcoming visitors to the mountains with 35 acres of water-park fun.

Even after Festival of Nations wraps up in early April, Dollywood will continue to entice guests back with a wide array of annual festivals. Look for a new entertainment-packed Summer Celebration this year as well as popular annual events like Barbeque & Bluegrass, Thrills in the Hills, Harvest Festival and Smoky Mountain Christmas.

If you plan to visit Dollywood or Dollywood's Splash Country any time this spring or summer, you'll find top-notch accommodations in one of our cabins in Wears Valley. You can find inventory for one- to twelve-bedroom overnight rentals offering mountain ambiance, luxury amenities, Smokies views and peaceful, remote locations that are still only a short drive from all the fun in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Leif Palmer - Smokies blogger

About Leif Palmer

Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.

 

This content posted by Smokies Travel Guide. Visit our home page, smokiestravelguide.com for more information on the Smoky Mountain area.

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