Once Upon a Time in Dollywood

by Ashley Jordan

she tried not to feel homesick for a place where she had no desire to be.

“I haven’t heard of it,” Jamie said. “Closest one to here is Covenant over in Sevierville.” Eve made a face, and he had a pretty good idea of why, considering the demographics of the area. At least on this side of town, visitors to Dollywood and the national park gave the illusion of some diversity. “I can take you to Knoxville if that would make you more comfortable,” he said.

“You ever been to that ice cream parlor down near Dollywood? Old Mill Creamery?”

Eve made a face as she pictured the so-called downtown area, which was really just a strip of chintzy shops and cheesy attractions. She had no designs on spending her days at the Pancake Pantry or Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

I could go through my entire life the way it is now and probably be okay with it,” he said, finishing off his wine. “But I don’t know that I’d call myself happy.”

Somehow, the park felt large and small; she didn’t understand how this behemoth of a theme park could be homey and intimate.

Dollywood wasn’t just an amusement park to her.

Once upon a time in Dollywood, she was almost happy. Almost.