Amtrak is making it easier to travel around the Big Apple from the bustling streets of New York City to the soaring peaks of the Adirondacks, the thundering roar of Niagara Falls, and beyond with a buy-one-get-one ticket sale.
16.12.2023 - 15:03 / matadornetwork.com / Dolly Parton
Singer, songwriter, philanthropist — it seems like there’s nothing Dolly Parton can’t do. The same can be said of her success with her theme park, Dollywood, and resort, DreamMore Resort and Spa. Now the singer has further expanded her hospitality empire with the opening of her latest hotel, Heartsong Lodge and Resort.
A longtime Dolly fan, I jumped at the chance to stay at the brand-new resort just two weeks after opening. I couldn’t wait to experience the hotel’s live music, nightly singalongs, festive decorations, and, of course, visit the park during its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas festival. After my stay at Heartsong Lodge, like seemingly everyone else who travels these parts, I left believing there’s nothing Dolly can’t do.
Photo: The Dollywood Company
Since opening in 1986, Dollywood has attracted millions of visitors each year to its 165-acre theme park. Located just 10 miles from Smoky Mountain National Park, the most visited National Park in America, Dollywood is ideally situated for exploring a number of nearby attractions. When Dollywood opened DreamMore Resort and Spa in 2015, the resort fulfilled a longtime need for luxury accommodations in the area.
“After the success of Dollywood’s first resort, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, there was both need and demand for a second full-service resort property for guests who want to spend multiple days in our parks and region,” says Kevin Osborn, general manager at Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort.
Photo: The Dollywood Company
Since opening on November 6, Heartsong Lodge and Resort has sold out every weekend, an indicator that travelers are more than ready for Dollywood’s second act. Though Dollywood Resorts and Parks is co-owned with the Herschend family, who oversee much of the business aspects of the organization, Parton is still referred to as the “Dreamer in Chief” and her vision is foremost when designing guest experiences.
“Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge and Resort takes me back to when I was a little girl exploring my beautiful Smoky Mountains,” Parton said recently at the resort’s opening. “I have so many fond memories of the days when us kids spent hours playing in the creek and chasing fireflies after supper. I hope families who come to my HeartSong Lodge discover what makes these mountains so special to me, while creating their own precious memories.”
Named for her 1994 hit, “HeartSong,” Heartsong Resort and Lodge is meant to evoke the Smoky Mountain experience of Dolly’s upbringing. Details throughout the property pay homage to the area’s natural beauty. In the lobby, a screen behind the front desk plays a rotating display of seasonal images, such as falling leaves or a rushing mountain brook. Flying buttresses in the soaring
Amtrak is making it easier to travel around the Big Apple from the bustling streets of New York City to the soaring peaks of the Adirondacks, the thundering roar of Niagara Falls, and beyond with a buy-one-get-one ticket sale.
The company has released an update to its estimated budget at its Dallas-Addison home basing campus project.
Silky-soft beaches, jungle-draped mountains, incredible food and a well-connected position at the heart of Southeast Asia have made Thailand a tourism hub for decades.
The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) announce a partnership with Great Wolf Lodge, the largest family of indoor water park resorts in America.
Veganuary was inititated by a UK non-profit organisation ten years ago to encourage people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond. Millions of people have signed up to their one-month vegan pledge since 2014 and the number of vegan food products continues to grow. To make things easier, the organisation offers to send anyone willing to take the challenge their celebrity cookbook, meal plans and recipes – all for free. And here are 15 new food and drink products recommended for anyone going vegan this month and beyond.
Exploring Yorkshire’s coastline on two wheels is about to get a whole lot easier. Route YC, the organisation which promotes the Yorkshire coast, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclists to launch a series of new cycle routes in January. Ranging from nine to 260 miles, the routes are designed to help visitors of all abilities get off the beaten track on gravel, touring and road bikes.
MSC Cruises is a Swiss global cruise line that appeals to many avid cruisers on a wide variety of budgets. With their attention to detail and fun itineraries, it’s easy to see why. And, if you’re looking for luxury experiences, many can be found on any MSC Cruises ship, too.
From Venice to Maryland, celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year with these timeless holiday cocktails from hotels and resorts around the world. Celebrate 2024 with some vintage coupe glasses, Yarai mixing glasses and cafe mugs to give the spirit a kick this New Year’s Eve.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
While New England is home to a plethora of postcard-perfect inns and bed and breakfasts, it's tough to top the charm, grace, and remote location of The Weston.
Weather is the largest disruptor of air travel, according to the Federal Aviation Agency. In fact, 75 percent of all delays are caused by weather, with congestion and mechanical problems being the second and third largest causes of delays. Now, a new report is here to spotlight which airports are more punctual than others.
Dad shoes may be the ultimate cool-girl travel shoe, but dad boots—you know, those serious and heavy-looking, bordering on workman, boots—are yet to have their moment. In fact, practical walking boots as a whole are in desperate need of a modern makeover—the closest cool options that come to mind are the chunky Ganni Chelsea boots. That is until I recently discovered and tested some boots by French brand Palladium. What caught my eye were the chunky rubber soles teamed with a slick sneaker-like silhouette; like a Converse high-top but much more sturdier. Plus there’s even a dedicated travel collection designed to be ultra-lightweight—ideal for those carry-on-only trips.