Even if visiting theme parks isn’t your thing, there’s a southern charm about this one that is undeniably appealing.
Our family spent an afternoon at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where even our three-year-old could ride real rollercoasters and enjoy the Bluegrass and Barbeque festival that lasts over three weeks, celebrating the commencement of summer.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and Dollywood was as immaculate as a Disney park. And even after Memorial Day weekend: short lines and fast access to rides both large and small. 
Plus, the park is smaller in scale than some of the more daunting theme parks, so it was walkable, even for the three-year-old, who would gather steam and start dancing every time we passed a bandstand emanating folky music complete with fiddles and banjos.
Accommodations nearby are plentiful, too, with timeshares in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg nearby. The Great Smoky Mountains (and their national park namesake) are nearby too, offering a serene retreat from the tourism and theme park atmosphere of the cities.
Camping, with lawn games and tents is a great way to enjoy being in nature and away from the hubbub.
But the Wyndham Smoky Mountains timeshare resale is, too. Great for just driving through, or getting out and enjoying a dip in the rivers that run through the national park, Great Smoky Mountains is free to visitors and open year round.
We hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway, too, on the north side of the national park, and enjoyed winding roads, being inside clouds…
…and a hike to a spectacular view of a waterfall
—the way the first pioneers saw this country—before we said goodbye to Tennessee. And the verdict is in: we will be back.
