The Dollywood Company is working on an investment strategy that will see the Smoky Mountain vacation destination invest more than half a billion dollars over the next 10 years across its properties. Today, the company announced that one of the first projects in the campaign is Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort, a 302-room property currently under construction.
The new HeartSong Lodge, which is being built adjacent to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, is set to open in 2023.
With more than 3 million visitors annually at Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, the Pigeon Forge parks comprise Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction.
“I’m always dreaming and coming up with new ideas and things I want our guests to experience,” said Dolly Parton, dreamer-in-chief, in a press statement. “We wanted to talk about this last year, but with everything going on, we knew we needed to pause because it just wasn’t the right time to do it. Things are looking brighter and with the popularity of the Smokies soaring, there are more people than ever wanting to visit our area.
“I’m so happy with what we are doing to make sure our guests have a great season this year,” Parton continued, “Being able to announce the new HeartSong Lodge & Resort is just one more way we’re going to be able to help families reconnect, explore and discover together. I truly believe the natural beauty of the Smokies and the warmth of this special place will inspire every guest to nurture the ‘heartsong’ within them.”
Welcoming the outdoors in with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural textures, Dollywood’s resort offers lodging options for multi-generational families and couples. The 5-story resort also features themed suites and loft rooms.
This reimagined Smoky Mountain Lodge will feature 4r-story windows in the resort’s welcoming atrium; indoor and outdoor pools; and an outdoor cove with family gathering spaces, a communal firepit and screened-in porch.
“From the time we announced Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in 2015, we have seen the entire region emerge as one of the nation’s leading family vacation destinations,” said Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company, in a press statement. “We’ve been able to help Dolly achieve the dreams she had more than 35 years ago, and with this announcement today, we’re going to be able to put wings on even more of her dreams.”
Dollywood celebrates a year full of experiences. The park currently celebrates the springtime in the Smokies with the final weekend of the Flower & Food Festival presented by Covenant Health (through June 7). Many festivals are still planned this year, including Summer Celebration (June 25-July 31), which includes a new evening drone show and dance party every night. Thousands of pumpkins glow to life as part of the Harvest Festival presented by Humana (September 24- October 30), and Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (November 6- January 2, 2022) celebrates the spirit of the season with millions of lights, award-winning shows, and festive culinary creations.
For more information, visit dollywood.com or download the Dollywood App.
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