I went to Dollywood for the first time last summer, and I’m still thinking about it. I can’t wait to go back.

• I’m a longtime Disney World fan, but last summer, I visited Dollywood for the first time.
• The park in Tennessee was cheap, had few crowds, and had great snacks.
• Dollywood pleasantly surprised me and taught me about Dolly Parton’s lasting legacy.

My first stop at the park was the Dolly Experience: Songteller, a museum about the singer’s life.

I wasn’t expecting much from the rides at Dollywood, but there was plenty to do.

Throughout the park, you could smell the warm scent of cinnamon all day long.

When I finally got my hands on a loaf, I instantly melted. The fluffy dough was the perfect treat in the middle of the day.

Dollywood wasn’t as crowded as I expected.

Thankfully, Dollywood wasn’t impossible to maneuver. Even though it was July, the park was not packed, so I felt more relaxed. It was easy to move around. Lines for rides were manageable, too; none of them exceeded 45 minutes.

That meant I got to immerse myself in all aspects of the park and learn more about the musician.

Pigeon Forge also had so much to offer.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a tourist town, and I loved visiting. It’s filled with every activity you can imagine: mini golf, go-karting, dinner shows, shopping, carnivals, and world-class restaurants.

I stayed on Margaritaville Island in Pigeon Forge and loved being close to the stores and restaurants. The view of the Ferris wheel from the hotel pool was also great.

My first visit to Dollywood far exceeded my expectations.

I didn’t know what to expect when I first booked my trip to Dollywood, but I was pleasantly surprised at every turn.

Dollywood was a great vacation spot because of its rides, immersive theme, and food.

It’s also the perfect place to celebrate the life of Dolly Parton — something I’m hopeful to do again in the future.