"Country Is As Country Does"

Well, today was day 2 of Dollywood, and it was a blast! :D Once again, we got up and headed straight to the park. Once we got there, we went on "Wild Eagle, which is the first steel wing coaster in the United States. We got the very front seats, so we had nothing above us, below us, in front of us, or beside us (besides the one person sitting next to you).

Wild Eagle promotional photo

Wild Eagle promotional photo

The "Wild Eagle" sculpture.
Weighing in at 8,000 pounds and with a
wingspan of 42 feet, it is the largest steel flying eagle sculpture
in the United States. 

It's an extremely well done coaster, and I'm hoping to go on it a few more times before I leave. :)

Next on our list was "Mystery Mine", another fabulous roller coaster where at one point you go straight up, and straight down. (More photos to come tomorrow).

After that, we went on "Blazing Furry". A "Dollywood original", it was built in 1978, when the park was still called "Silver Dollar City". Even though it is now considered a "child's ride", it was built for the thrill seekers during it's time. After that, we headed over to "Craftsman's Valley", where we talked with all of the craftsman's while munching on some freshly fried pork rinds. "Craftsman's Valley" is the section of Dollywood created for and dedicated to the preservation of many of the Appalachian crafts that were essential to mountain life. 

The Dollywood Grist Mill

After wandering around for a bit, and stopping at the Grist Mill for some freshly baked cinnamon bread, we headed on over to the "Chasing Rainbows Museum". Of course, you all know me, so I spent a good 2 hours in there studying up ;P

A life-size Dolly Parton Hologram!?
Where can I get one? ;P

Costumes from the movie "Joyful Noise"

After getting some advice from Dolly, I finished my studies at the museum, and headed next door to the "Dreamsong Theatre" to see Dolly's family and friends perform in their show "My People". As usual, they were all fabulous :)

After my people, we headed over to "Miss Lillian's Chicken House", where we ate a delicious southern style all you can eat buffet! We were entertained by Miss Lillian herself as she ran around the restaurant singing and playing her little banjo. I even got one of her infamous chicken blessings!!!! :D (Photo's of Miss Lillian to come tomorrow) After dinner, we continued exploring for a while, and then headed home, but not before my parents surprised me by telling me that we were staying in Dollywood an extra day! :D So, I have 3 more days in Dollywood, so be prepared for more photos, and the stories to go along with them! 

More Photos:

A replica of  a school similar to the one Dolly went to when she was
growing up. 

The "Robert F. Thomas Chapel" located inside Dollywood.

We probably should have told him what they were before he ate them... ;P

Dolly Parton's "Imagination Library" inspires kids to "Dream More,
Learn More, Care More, and Be More" by providing them books from
the time they are born until they are five years old.

Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner.

A few of Dolly's many awards