Dolly's Sparkling Tennessee Adventure

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am

Monday, March 15:

Our Tennessee adventure begins today as we travel south to our accommodations at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Harrisonburg, VA (540-534-0060). Tonight's dinner is included at the Wood Grill Buffet, known for its amazing variety of mouth-watering options. The buffet features a wide selection of meats, carving stations, and a magnificent cooking area where you can watch your food being prepared. It's also stocked with plenty of homemade casseroles, garden fresh salads and fruits, country-style vegetables, straight-from-the-oven bread, a wide selection of desserts.

Tuesday, March 16:

Enjoy a delicious breakfast to start the day off right. We will continue on to Music City, Nashville, TN for the beginning of a sparkling Dolly-themed adventure! Our accommodations will be at Dolly Parton’s Song Teller Hotel (615-450-9600 ). In Dolly’s words: All my life, I’ve been a SongTeller. And there’s no better place to write a song than Nashville. SongTeller Hotel is my love letter to the city. It's a place where musicians and guests will come together to experience Music City’s inspiring spirit. From intimate venues to eclectic, yet sophisticated rooms and suites, I’ve poured my heart into this new song, and I’m dedicating it to you, Nashville. The SongTeller Hotel is located in downtown Nashville at 211 Commerce St; Parton hand-picked the location, situated between two of Nashville's "most vibrant districts." Enjoy an included dinner at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen. Served family-style, this comforting Southern meal reflects the warm hospitality and down-home cooking that Dolly has always treasured. Tonight, take your seat for an included performance of the Grand Ole Opry—the show that made country music famous! Experience an exciting lineup of country artists performing on the celebrated stage Dolly has called her musical home since becoming an Opry member in 1969. It is the perfect beginning to a tour filled with music, memories, and unmistakable Dolly sparkle.

Wednesday, March 17:

A hot breakfast this morning is included at the hotel this morning. Experience Nashville through Dolly's eyes during a special guided city tour devoted to the people, places, and milestones that shaped her extraordinary journey. Hear stories about the young songwriter who arrived in Nashville with big dreams and became one of the world's most beloved entertainers. Your tour highlights locations connected to Dolly's life, music, career, and enduring legacy in Music City. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Nashville's many inviting restaurants. Go behind the curtain during an included Grand Ole Opry backstage tour. Walk in the footsteps of country music legends, see the artist entrance and dressing rooms, and stand near the famous wooden circle where countless stars have performed. Dolly became an Official Grand Ole Opry member in 1969, making the Opry an essential chapter in her legendary career. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at Puckett's, where Southern comfort food, live music, and downhome hospitality create the perfect Nashville experience. The evening becomes even more memorable with a special appearance by a fabulous Dolly Parton tribute artist. Enjoy Dolly's beloved music, larger-than-life personality, and signature sparkle—with plenty of opportunities for laughter, singing along, and memorable photos!

Thursday, March 18:

After breakfast we’re in for a full day of Nashville touring! Step inside the studio where Dolly made music history' Admission is included to RCA Studio B, Nashville's legendary "Home of I DOO Hits." Dolly recorded many of her most treasured songs here, including "Jolene," "Coat of Many Colors," and "I Will Always Love You." Stand in the room where these classics came to life and hear stories about the musicians and recording sessions that created the famous Nashville Sound. Continue to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where Dolly was Inducted as a member in 1999. Explore exhibits filled with priceless costumes, instruments, recordings, and memorabilia celebrating the artists who shaped country music. Before leaving, stop at the Music City Walk of Fame to See Dolly’s star and commemorate her tremendous contributions to Nashville and the world Of entertainment. Enjoy free time for lunch, shopping. and sightseeing along famous Broadway. Browse for Dolly-inspired souvenirs, hear live Country music pouring from the honky-tonks, and experience the energy of downtown Nashville. Admission is included for a self-guided tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman played an important part in Dolly's early career. In 1959, at only 13 years old, Dolly made her first Grand Ole Opry appearance and received three encores from the enthusiastic audience. Explore the famous auditorium and stand in the place where Dolly’s Opry story began. Next, celebrate the many colorful chapters of Dolly's remarkable journey during an included visit to Dolly's Life of Many Colors. Discover the music, memories, fashions, and personal stories behind her transformation from a young girl in the Smoky Mountains into an internationally recognized singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. This immersive experience captures the faith, family, humor, generosity, and determination that have made Dolly an inspiration to generations. Spend the evening surrounded by Dolly-inspired entertainment and Southern style. Enjoy dinner and music on your own at Parton's Live entertainment Venue or visit Jolene's Restaurant and Bar, inspired by one of Dolly's most recognizable and enduring songs (all are located right in the hotel).

Friday, March 19:

After breakfast, depart Nashville and travel east toward the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains. As Music City fades into the distance and the mountain scenery comes into view, we will be following Dolly's story back to the East Tennessee home that shaped her music, values, and dreams. Admission is included to Dollywood, Dolly's award-winning theme park nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Experience the warmth, music, craftsmanship, and mountain traditions Dolly proudly shares with visitors from around the world. Explore charming themed areas, watch talented artisans demonstrate time-honored skills, browse unique shops, enjoy live entertainment, and discover attractions ranging from relaxing scenic experiences to exciting rides. Tonight, saddle up for an unforgettable evening at Dolly Parton's Stampede! Admission is included to this spectacular dinner attraction featuring magnificent horses, skilled riders, music, comedy, dazzling costumes, and thrilling equestrian performances. Cheer for your favorite side during the friendly competition while enjoying a hearty four-course country feast. This high-energy production combines Dolly's love of entertainment, Southern hospitality, and beautiful horses into one unforgettable experience. Our accommodations for tonight are located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, at the Drury Plaza Hotel (865-365-3600 ).

Saturday, March 20:

Discover the Smoky Mountain beginnings behind Dolly's incredible success during the included Good Golly Miss Dolly Tour, presented aboard your group's motorcoach. Travel through the communities and mountain landscapes of Sevier County while hearing stories of Dolly's childhood, family, faith, and earliest musical influences. Learn how a young girl raised in a small cabin in the mountains grew into a world-famous entertainer without ever forgetting where she came from. Your guide will share local stories and point out locations connected to Dolls's upbringing and enduring relationship with her East Tennessee home. This heartfelt experience offers a deeper understanding of her humble beginnings. Strong family values, and Smoky Mountain spirit reflected in so many of Dolly's songs. Depart for home with a song in your heart, a little extra sparkle in your step, and wonderful memories of Dolly's journey from the mountains of East Tennessee to the stages of Nashville and the world. We will travel north to our accommodations for tonight at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Harrisonburg, VA (540-534-0060). Dinner will be on our own in the area tonight.

Sunday, March 21:

A buffet breakfast is included at the hotel before we depart for home. Stops will be made with an approximate arrival back in the Capital District at 6pm. Stops will be made each way.