I’ve lived within driving distance of it almost my entire life.
It’s in her hometown and brings in quite a bit of money for the rural area, however the tourism has changed the town/towns massively, almost like the redneck/hillbilly version of gentrification.
Oh definitely, I’m not blaming Dolly, just saying that as one of the largest draws in the area, (along with the National Park) that she basically is the local economy, which does have its negatives along with its positives.
The area became a tourist destination long before her too. The tourism industry really started after F.D.R. came to town and established the national park.
I used to go there for school trips as a kid. It was always fun and not nearly as expensive as Disney was. Personally, I wouldn’t compare it to Disney as it’s just a completely different class of theme park and it was awesome in its own ways.
I guess the major caveat is that I haven’t been there in over 20 years, but I seriously doubt the vibe has changed too much.
Dolly is not only an awesome lady, she apparently (I’ve never been) has an awesome theme park:
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2024/06/04/dollywood-beats-disney-world-for-favorite-park-best-new-ride/73963998007/
Better than Disney World is quite the feat!
I’ve lived within driving distance of it almost my entire life.
It’s in her hometown and brings in quite a bit of money for the rural area, however the tourism has changed the town/towns massively, almost like the redneck/hillbilly version of gentrification.
For example, in that county, there’s 10 times more hotels, cabins, Air B&B’s, for tourists, than their are houses on the market and apartments to rent for locals (I actually have written a few college essays about this). Which has effectively priced out most long-term generational residents, to the point where almost 50% of the county’s labor force comes from outside the county and can’t afford to live inside it.
To be fair, it’s not really Dolly’s fault so much as capitalism, right?
Oh definitely, I’m not blaming Dolly, just saying that as one of the largest draws in the area, (along with the National Park) that she basically is the local economy, which does have its negatives along with its positives.
The area became a tourist destination long before her too. The tourism industry really started after F.D.R. came to town and established the national park.
IIRC she throws a lot of money at reputable charities too.
She bought a 50% share in the park in the mid 80’s because it creates jobs & brings in tourist money to the rural area of Tennessee she grew up in.
I used to go there for school trips as a kid. It was always fun and not nearly as expensive as Disney was. Personally, I wouldn’t compare it to Disney as it’s just a completely different class of theme park and it was awesome in its own ways.
I guess the major caveat is that I haven’t been there in over 20 years, but I seriously doubt the vibe has changed too much.