Dollywood is a theme park in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains that blends roller coasters, Appalachian culture, live music, crafts and Southern food into one of the South’s biggest tourist attractions. Co-owned by Dolly Parton, the park opened as Dollywood in 1986, though the site itself dates back to 1961 when it operated as Rebel Railroad. Spotlight Bakery is one of the park’s signature sweet shops, located near the front of the park in the Showstreet section. It’s known for oversized desserts, pastries and classic theme park bakery treats, and there’s often a line stretching out the door during busy days. The cinnamon bread a warm, pull-apart loaf drenched in butter, cinnamon and sugar. The bread lands somewhere between a cinnamon roll and monkey bread. Before baking, deep cuts are sliced into the dough so the butter and cinnamon-sugar mixture seeps into every layer. The outside gets slightly crisp and caramelized, while the inside stays soft, fluffy and gooey enough to pull apart piece by piece. Aunt Granny's is Dollywood’s large family-style restaurant known for Southern comfort food served in big shareable portions. Named after Dolly Parton’s real-life Aunt Granny, the restaurant leans heavily into the idea of a big Appalachian family meal, with servers constantly bringing bowls and platters of food to the table. Inside, the restaurant has a warm, farmhouse-style feel with wood accents, quilts, family photos and mountain décor that matches the nostalgic Smoky Mountain atmosphere throughout the park. Platters of fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese and other classic sides are brought out continuously, giving it more of a Sunday dinner feel than a typical theme park restaurant. My group opted for hand-breaded fried chicken, herb-baked chicken and pot roasted with vegetables and gravy. For sides, we tried corn pudding, mac & cheese, braised cabbage and mashed potatoes with gravy. Dessert was a strawberry shortcake. Splinters Trail Side Snacks is a grab-and-go snack stand in the Wilderness Pass section of the park. It's known for over-the-top funnel cakes and portable versions of Dollywood’s famous cinnamon bread. Funnel cakes are the main draw, especially customizable versions topped with strawberries, apple pie filling, whipped cream, Oreos, hot fudge or ice cream. The butterfly-shaped funnel cake ties into the park’s Flower & Food Festival and Dolly Parton’s longtime butterfly imagery. Instead of the traditional tangled-circle funnel cake shape, the batter is poured into wide wings, making a butterfly shape. It’s topped with powdered sugar.

West Virginia doesn't have enough soul food restaurants. So when I learned of one opening in Welch -- at the bottom of the state -- I planned a day trip without delay. Rosco’s Soul Food was a locally owned restaurant in downtown Welch that was known for their plates, which included options like ribs, brisket and pulled pork and sides like mac & cheese, fresh collard greens and yams. It was a fairly small operation with only a handful of dining tables indide. I tried the cornbread, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, mac & cheese and potato salad. All delicious and beyond tender. The mac was a bit dry. Have you been? Grade: B

Boat Bites is an updated food truck that primarily sticks to the Trojan Landing area but has recently been expanding to area events. The menu features hot dogs, chicken strips, chicken sandwiches and burgers. But what caught my eye was the fish tacos - crispy fried fish, pico de gallo, slaw and boat sauce. Plus a side of macaroni & cheese. I love a good fish taco, specifically the juxtaposition between the hot crispiness and a cold sauce. The former was good, the latter could use a bit more work. But still a solid rendition. Grade: B

Dollywood’s Splash Country is Dollywood’s seasonal water park in Pigeon Forge, located right next to the main Dollywood theme park in the Smoky Mountains. The park opened in 2001 and signature rides include the Big Bear Plunge whitewater raft ride, Fire Tower Falls drop slides, TailSpin Racer mat slides and the Downbound Float Trip lazy river. Campsite Grill — the main meal spot with burgers, chicken tenders, fries, pizza, hot dogs and sandwiches. Ned’s Bear Paws is one of the signature snack spots at Dollywood’s Splash Country, and it’s best known for its giant “Mountain Fried Dough” treats. These are basically oversized funnel cake fried dough desserts with fruit toppings. Mountain Waves Creamery - soft serve ice cream, sundaes and frozen treats near the wave pool. I ordered the Toffee Turtle Churn - Mayfield soft churned ice cream mixed with toffee pieces, caramel, and candied pecans. Dogs N Taters — hot dogs, loaded fries and other quick snack foods. Can't go wrong with a good ol' hot dog.

Heartwood Coffee is a small coffee shop tucked inside the lobby of New Heights Church in downtown Milton. It opened in 2020 and operates with limited daytime hours, primarily serving morning and early afternoon traffic. The vibe leans simple and friendly. It’s understated and functional — but still cute. On the menu, you’ll find the expected lineup of espresso drinks — lattes, flavored coffees and seasonal specials. If you're looking for food options, they offer muffins, brownies, cookies and the like. I enjoyed a caramel frappe, which had a nice balance of boldness and sweetness. For me. A savory biscuit sealed the deal. Have you been? Grade: B