Tennessee, January 21, 2026
Tennessee’s latest vacation guide highlights exciting new attractions including Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel in Nashville, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, and NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood. The guide also underscores the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and upcoming festivals celebrating the state’s vibrant culture. As it showcases Dolly Parton’s contributions, the guide enhances tourism and pays tribute to Tennessee’s rich heritage while offering unique experiences for visitors.
Tennessee Unveils 2026 Vacation Guide with Dolly Parton Leading New Attractions
Nashville, Tennessee – Tennessee’s 2026 Vacation Guide highlights the state’s rich heritage and vibrant culture, with country music legend Dolly Parton spearheading new attractions, scenic retreats, and cultural landmarks.
New Attractions and Experiences
Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel is set to open in Nashville in June 2026. This hotel celebrates Parton’s illustrious career and love for Nashville, featuring intimate venues, eclectic rooms, and a rooftop bar. A highlight is the “Life of Many Colors” museum on the third floor, the largest exhibit dedicated to her life to date. The hotel also offers Six Sisters Suites, designed to accommodate groups with three Queen beds and ample vanity space. Valet parking will be available for $65 per night, and accessible room options will be provided.
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is scheduled to open in Cornersville by early summer 2026. This rebranded and remodeled travel stop aims to bring jobs and attention to underserved counties across Tennessee, offering travelers a taste of Dolly’s southern hospitality.
NightFlight Expedition is a new aviation-themed attraction at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove in Pigeon Forge, set to debut in spring 2026. This ride promises an immersive experience through the Smokies, featuring thrilling elements like flying through the mountains, navigating raging rapids, and gliding across a shimmering lake.
Scenic Getaways and Cultural Landmarks
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to be a major draw for visitors, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. As the most visited national park in the United States, it provides a serene escape into nature.
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, remains a top destination, featuring a variety of rides, live entertainment, and cultural exhibits. The park’s recent addition, the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster, opened in May 2023, offering a thrilling experience with a 3,990-foot track and 23 airtime hills.
Upcoming Festivals and Events
Dollywood’s 2026 Season kicks off with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival from March 13 to April 12, celebrating Dolly Parton’s enduring legacy. The Flower & Food Festival follows from April 18 to June 7, showcasing vibrant floral displays and culinary delights. The Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, presented by Food City, runs from June 15 to August 2, featuring nightly drone and fireworks shows, along with family-friendly entertainment.
Enhanced Visitor Experiences
A Walk in the Woods, a local outfitter, introduces expanded Blue Ghost and Synchronous Firefly experiences for 2026. These immersive adventures in May and June include conservation-focused firefly tours, evening interpretive programs, guided wilderness immersions, and multi-day backpacking trips, offering unique ways to experience the Smokies’ natural beauty.
KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival in Knoxville on May 30 features live painting competitions and performances by local and regional musicians, celebrating the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Metal Museum at Overton Park in Memphis is set to reopen in September 2026 after extensive renovations. The museum will offer expanded spaces for classrooms, studios, and gathering areas, along with a new rooftop terrace providing views of Overton Park Shell and the Greensward, enhancing its role as a cultural amenity for the city.
Memphis Flyway, an observation deck at the southern end of Tom Lee Park, is expected to open in early 2026. The deck will offer unprecedented views of the Mississippi River and is designed to be ADA-accessible, providing a free and scenic spot for visitors.
Tennessee’s 2026 Vacation Guide reflects the state’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while introducing new attractions and experiences for visitors, with Dolly Parton leading the way in celebrating and enhancing Tennessee’s rich legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel?
Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel, opening in Nashville in June 2026, celebrates Parton’s career and love for Nashville, featuring intimate venues, eclectic rooms, a rooftop bar, and the “Life of Many Colors” museum on the third floor. The hotel also offers Six Sisters Suites designed for groups, with three Queen beds and ample vanity space. Valet parking will be available for $65 per night, and accessible room options will be provided.
What is Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop?
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, opening in Cornersville by early summer 2026, is a rebranded and remodeled travel stop aiming to bring jobs and attention to underserved counties across Tennessee, offering travelers a taste of Dolly’s southern hospitality.
What is NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood?
NightFlight Expedition is a new aviation-themed attraction at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove in Pigeon Forge, set to debut in spring 2026. This ride promises an immersive experience through the Smokies, featuring thrilling elements like flying through the mountains, navigating raging rapids, and gliding across a shimmering lake.
What is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major draw for visitors, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. As the most visited national park in the United States, it provides a serene escape into nature.
What is Dollywood?
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, remains a top destination, featuring a variety of rides, live entertainment, and cultural exhibits. The park’s recent addition, the Big Bear Mountain roller coaster, opened in May 2023, offering a thrilling experience with a 3,990-foot track and 23 airtime hills.
Key Features of Tennessee’s 2026 Vacation Guide
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel | A hotel in Nashville opening in June 2026, celebrating Parton’s career and love for Nashville, featuring intimate venues, eclectic rooms, a rooftop bar, and the “Life of Many Colors” museum on the third floor. The hotel also offers Six Sisters Suites designed for groups, with three Queen beds and ample vanity space. Valet parking will be available for $65 per night, and accessible room options will be provided. |
| Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop | A rebranded and remodeled travel stop in Cornersville, opening by early summer 2026, aiming to bring jobs and attention to underserved counties across Tennessee, offering travelers a taste of Dolly’s southern hospitality. |
| NightFlight Expedition at Dollywood | An aviation-themed attraction at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove in Pigeon Forge, set to debut in spring 2026, offering an immersive experience through the Smokies with elements like flying through mountains, navigating rapids, and gliding across a lake. |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | A major draw for visitors, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails. As the most visited national park in the United States, it provides a serene escape into nature. |
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Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
