Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort
A resort rooted in the Appalachian mountains honors the legacy of Dolly Parton.
Dollywood’s second resort in Pigeon Forge pays tribute to the Smoky Mountains, the birthplace of Dolly Parton and the Wellspring of her creativity. HeartSong gives every visitor a taste of the beautiful setting that inspired Dolly: Appalachian hardwood forests, wildflower meadows, brooks, and naturalistic gardens.
Guests arrive on a winding, wooded road that opens to an expansive view of short grass meadow and woodland backdrop.
The meadow features over 13,000 native short grass plugs and several dozen perennial plants, arranged among natural groupings of trees. To ensure plant diversity, more than 600 trees representing over 50 species were planted.
Custom lanterns at the building entrance highlight mountain ridges, plants, and animals of the Smokies.
Meandering paths guide visitors through the backyard, while small seating nooks and a bubbling boulder fountain encourage them to sit and linger.
Play features are rooted in the natural surroundings, reinforcing the Smoky Mountain theme.
The grand firepit involved several full-scale mockups both in office and on site.
