Dolly Parton's Stampede

There’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin getaway in November. The air is crisp, the trees are bursting with color, and the Smoky Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a quiet escape with friends, here’s how to make the most of your cozy cabin stay this fall.

1. Settle In and Get Cozy

Start by creating that classic cabin atmosphere. Light a fire in the fireplace, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a good book or conversation by the glow. Make use of the cabin’s amenities, play a round of pool or board games, watch a movie on the big screen, or soak in the private hot tub while taking in the cool autumn air. With a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill, you can cook up a hearty dinner and enjoy your meal on the deck surrounded by the beauty of fall.

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

When you’re ready to venture outside, take advantage of the season’s stunning scenery. Drive along scenic routes like Cades Cove Loop Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Go for a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just start early to avoid crowds. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch, explore Gatlinburg’s charming downtown, or stop by the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival for crafts and seasonal fun.

3. Plan Ahead for a Perfect Trip

November is a busy month in the Smokies, so book your cabin and activities early. For a quieter experience, try visiting midweek instead of the weekend. And don’t forget to plan your meals and stock up on groceries before you arrive so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your autumn escape.

If you're ready to take the plunge or are just interested in where you should stay this fall click here for the best autumn cabins around.

Dolly Parton's Stampede in Pigeon Forge, formerly known as The Dixie Stampede, is an entertaining extravaganza that combines music, fast paced rodeo-style entertainment and a delicious dinner. Bluegrass musicians begin the festivities by entertaining the gathering crowd in a non-alcoholic popcorn-serving saloon. Next the audience moves into a 35,000 square foot arena equipped with dining tables where they will be served a full four-course meal while watching the extravagant rodeo-style stage show.

The Dixie Stampede serves up plenty of family fun during the meal by featuring thirty-two champion horses and their riders, plus a cast of other performers. Dinner guests will see trick riding, roman riding, jumping, a liberty act, chuck wagon maneuvers, buckboard racing and pig and ostrich races involving individuals from the audience. Interspersed with the horsemanship are games, songs, and sidesplitting comedy.

The Smoky Mountain crowd plays a game at the Dixie Stampede. One of them is a special race among small children chosen from the audience. The crowd roars with laughter as they watch the little tikes chase a flock of chickens across the arena. Medals are awarded to the small proud winners whose chickens crossed the finish line first. Identical medals are awarded the other participants with the counsel that everyone is a winner at the Dixie Stampede. Another favorite is a game that involves a few members of the audience who think they are to barrel race champion horses but instead must settle to race stick horses.

The bulk of the Dixie Stampede games actually involve the entire audience. The audience is divided into two teams representing the Yankees and Confederates of the Civil War. The object of the game is to decide once and for all whether the north or south is best—all in good fun of course! Each game is played with a Smoky Mountain flair and is mixed together with plenty of glitzy Dolly-like showmanship. The finale is a grand number intended to make each person proud to be an American.

The Dixie Stampede has a set menu, but a delicious one. The meal is worthy of the grand show it accompanies and the Smoky Mountain culture it reflects. The Dixie Stampede’s meal consists of a whole rotisserie chicken, a hickory smoked pork chop, creamy vegetable soup, a homemade biscuit, hot-buttered corn on the cob, herb-basted potato, a flaky apple pie and an assortment of beverages. All food at the Dixie Stampede is considered finger food and so a lack of silverware is part of the Smoky Mountain fun.

Web: Dixie Stampede
Address: 3849 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Phone: (865) 453-4400