logo
Dollywood's Splash Country's 25th season has water rides, dance parties and new food

Dollywood's Splash Country's 25th season has water rides, dance parties and new food

USA Today09-05-2025

Dollywood's Splash Country's 25th season has water rides, dance parties and new food
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Dollywood Splash Country holds annual Water Safety Day 2022
Hundreds of children return to Dollywood Splash Country for its annual Water Safety Day, part of a global "World's Largest Swim Lesson," on June 23, 2022.
Calvin Mattheis, Knoxville News Sentinel
Dollywood's Splash Country water park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, opens for its 25th season on May 10.
The park features 16 rides, a wave pool, lazy river, and live music performances.
New food items include chicken street corn nachos, chicken Alfredo pizza, and garlic parmesan chicken tenders.
Tickets start at $54.95 for one-day admission, with presale options and meal deals available.
Summer is almost here, and Dollywood's Splash Country is ready to help you cool off.
The award-winning Pigeon Forge water park opens May 10 for its 25th anniversary season.
'When I think about 25 years at Dollywood's Splash Country, that's a lot of folks that have visited. Hundreds of thousands of families that have come out here and spent a day in their summer creating memories. It's not just a water park sometimes; it's a tradition,' Director of Operations Jordan Leach said during a media preview.
For the 2025 season, live music bashes return, and a few new food items will be on the menu. Here's what else you can expect this year at Splash Country.
When does Splash Country open?
The water park's 25th season kicks off May 10-11 for weekend operation. Daily operation begins May 17 and continues through Aug. 9.
And then weekend operation returns through Sept. 21, the final day of the water park's season.
How many rides are at Dollywood's Splash Country?
Splash Country has 16 rides plus other attractions across its 35 acres, and embraces the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Thrill seekers can enjoy RiverRush, Tennessee's first water coaster, Fire Tower Falls and Mountain Twist. For a more calming water getaway, you can drift down the award-winning Downbound Float Trip lazy river or splash in the water at the Mountain Waves wave pool.
The popular Splash Bash Music Series turns the water park into a pool dance party. A rotation of artists perform at the wave pool stage. A full list of artists and dates will be posted at dollywood.com.
If you just want to kick back and lie out in the sun (or shade), Splash Country has a variety of canopies and waterside retreats for rent. The Family Reunion Retreat accommodates large groups of more than 12 people.
New food at Splash Country for its 25th season
Splash Country's culinary team has 'created a wave of tasty treats' for the 25th season, according to Dollywood. New food items include:
Chicken street corn nachos at the Watering Hole and Big River Pavilion
Chicken Alfredo pizza at Campsite Grill
Garlic parmesan chicken tenders at Oakley Bros Food Wagon
Additional summertime meals and treats can be found at Dogs N Taters, Ned's Bear Paws and Mountain Waves Creamery.
How much are tickets for Splash Country?
Splash Country tickets start at $54.95 for one-day admission. An opening presale for $44.95 is available through May 11.
A meal and drink can be included in the ticket price for an additional $5, and a meal, drink and snack can be included for an additional $10. Multiday passes and Dollywood/Splash Country combo deals are available, too.
Tickets can be purchased at dollywood.com.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

When Americans are looking to move, Tennessee is a top destination, study shows
When Americans are looking to move, Tennessee is a top destination, study shows

Yahoo

time28-05-2025

  • Yahoo

When Americans are looking to move, Tennessee is a top destination, study shows

Tennessee is one of the top states people are considering for relocation in the first quarter of 2025. A new study from U.S. News & World Report determined the top migration trends for the United States in the first part of 2025. Tennessee was one of the three most popular states searched when planning a move. Six of the top ten states were located in the South, alongside Tennessee. "Tennessee is also known for its rich musical heritage, culture, and natural wonders, including the Great Smoky Mountains along the North Carolina border, making it a popular state for outdoor enthusiasts," the study wrote. Here are the top states people are researching for a move in 2025. The study cites lower cost of living, milder weather, a less dense population, a lower tax burden and an overall better environment as reasons people may be seeking out the South. South Carolina topped the list with a unique blend of coastal charm and Southern hospitality, depending on which region you end up in. South Carolina Tennessee Delaware North Carolina Maine Idaho West Virginia Alabama Arkansas Mississippi In Tennessee, three cities made it into the list of most commonly searched locations for the first quarter of 2025. Knoxville was the highest-placing city at No. 11. After that, Franklin and Chattanooga followed at No. 19 and No. 20, respectively. Of the most popular cities to search moving to, seven of the top 10 cities were in the South, with Bluffton, South Carolina, topping the list. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee among most popular states where people look to move

All the N.C. restaurants viral food critic Keith Lee visited
All the N.C. restaurants viral food critic Keith Lee visited

Axios

time19-05-2025

  • Axios

All the N.C. restaurants viral food critic Keith Lee visited

Keith Lee, a viral TikTok food critic, concluded his recent food tour, which highlighted six North Carolina restaurants. Why it matters: Over 17 million of Lee's followers get a glimpse of what's cooking at some local restaurants, which can make a huge impact on each business after just one video. Driving the news: In a recent TikTok video, which has over 600,000 views and 111,000 likes in under 15 hours, Lee announced that he has left North Carolina. "Me and my family are no longer in North Carolina, but North Carolina was amazing. There's a bunch of restaurants that we intended on going to but wasn't able to make it," Lee said in the video. Zoom in: Before he left, Lee managed to impact one last N.C. restaurant. The owner of Madame B's Bakery in Raleigh made daily videos during Lee's visit that suggested he was coming to the restaurant. He wasn't able to perform a taste test on any of the items at Madame B's, but he gave the owner a $1,000 tip and an additional $500 that the owner could use to give back to customers. Here are the six North Carolina establishments Lee visited, plus what he ordered at each spot: Hibachi Papi Lee kicked off the food tour at a food truck in Clayton that sells a mix of hibachi plates and Alfredo pasta dishes. Best bites: Lamb Alfredo scored a 9.2 out of 10. The steak and chicken hibachi plate earned a 9. If you go: Check their Instagram for an updated schedule of locations before you go. Hibachi Papi will be at 501 Yates Drive in the Gateway Conference & Event Center from May 19–22. Cook Out The N.C.-based fast food chain was the next must-try spot that Lee visited while in Clayton. Best bites: The hush puppies, which he says taste like cornbread muffins, scored a 7.5. The cheddar-style burger was one of the best things he tried. Yes, but: He was not a fan of Cheerwine. He was recommended to try the Salibury-manufactured soda, calling it "Carolina drink." He gave it a 5. The corn dog (which earned a 6.5) and the walking taco were his least favorite items.. What they're saying: Lee explains this stop was a must-try when visiting the state, saying: "I was told if I came to North Carolina and didn't have Cook Out, that I didn't come to North Carolina." He later goes on to mention that "I was also told that this is a after-the-club, late-night, 2-o'clock-in-the-morning type of place. This is just for the culture." A Place at the Table Cafe This pay-what-you-can restaurant in Raleigh allows you to work for your order if you can't afford it. How it works: You have five options on how to pay for your meal if you can't pay the suggested price. Pay less than the suggested price buy paying $3 or more for an item like an entree, side or drink. Volunteer in the cafe for one hour for your meal three times a week. Pay it forward by purchasing a $10 "place card," which is a donation that allows someone else to order a meal. Dine as a family in the cafe for free once a week. Use a place card to afford one meal. Best bites: Chicken and waffles with a hot honey sauce, which Lee rated an 8 out of 10. Stop by: Find A Place at the Table Cafe at 300 W. Hargett St., #50. It's open Tuesday through Sunday, 8am–2pm. Corner Boys BBQ The owner of this Raleigh-based food truck specializing in barbecue has been asking Lee to visit his business since 2023. Best bites: The collard greens, brisket and ribs scored above 8.7. The pulled pork and lamb chops also received high scores. Stop by: Find Corner Boys BBQ at 2201 S. Wilmington St. Open daily, 8am–5pm. Crav'n Caribbean This Jamaican takeout spot is located within a Charlotte ghost kitchen. Context: Over 100 people, including popular local food influencer Cory Wilkins and the restaurant's owner, recommended this place. Best bites: Lee tried the jerk bourbon chicken and oxtail fried rice, which had high ratings individually. Lee gave the entree and side a combined rating of 6.5. Stop by: 2200 Thrift Road, inside Wesley Heights City Kitch. Open Monday through Friday, 12–3pm and 4–9pm, Saturday 12–9pm and Sunday 1–7pm. JJ's Mama's Soul Food & More Lee says the owner calls this spot the first Black-owned restaurant in Lexington. Stop by: 601 W. Fifth Ave. Open Thursday, 11:30am–3pm and 4–7:30pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30am–3pm and 4–8pm, and Sunday 11:30am–4pm.

‘La Traviata' at San Diego Opera: Grand Opera in the Modern World
‘La Traviata' at San Diego Opera: Grand Opera in the Modern World

Epoch Times

time10-05-2025

  • Epoch Times

‘La Traviata' at San Diego Opera: Grand Opera in the Modern World

On the final weekend of April, San Diego Opera (SDO) concluded its 2024–2025 season with three performances of Giuseppe Verdi's 'La Traviata.' It's quite appropriate that the company ended its triumphant 60th season with a production of the most-performed opera in the world. Having performed in this opera myself last year, but never seen it live, I was excited to see this production. The closing show of 'La Traviata' was the fourth SDO performance I've seen during the last three seasons. I thoroughly enjoyed all three previous productions I watched, finding very little to criticize in terms of artistry, beauty, and, most importantly, traditionalism. While 'La Traviata' also had many of these qualities, I was surprised by some aspects of the production. A Grand Opera The word 'opera' often has the adjective 'grand' attached to it. Those not well-versed in the art form might automatically picture huge theaters, massive orchestras, lavish sets, opulent costumes, and large voices to match the large figures on the stage. People who are more familiar with opera's nuances will recognize that this description is just one facet of this multi-dimensional art form. Nevertheless, the grand opera is a very important part of the classical singing tradition, yet one which is becoming increasingly rare. The grand Italian opera is well-represented by the dramatic masterpieces of Giuseppe Verdi, such as 'La Traviata.' 'La Traviata' means 'The Fallen Woman' in Italian, and it was inspired by the 1852 French play 'La dame aux camélias' ('The Lady of the Camellias') by Alexandre Dumas fils, which in turn was based on his own 1848 novel. If you're familiar with the 1936 Greta Garbo film 'Camille,' the play of the same name, or the ballet 'Marguerite and Armand,' you'll recognize this as the same story. Andriana Chuchman and Zach Borichevsky in "La Traviata" by the San Diego Opera in 2025. J. Katarzyna Woronowicz/San Diego Opera Violetta Valéry (soprano) is Paris's most popular courtesan, although she is frequently absent from society because of worsening tuberculosis. At a party, she meets an ardent young man from a wealthy family, Alfredo Germont (tenor), who proclaims his love for her. After initially laughing off his sincere adoration, she finally agrees to let herself truly love and be loved. She moves to a country cottage with Alfredo, where they spend three joyful months together while her health flourishes. However, Alfredo's father, Giorgio (baritone), arrives to implore Violetta to give up Alfredo, since their immoral relationship is threatening his virtuous daughter's engagement. Violetta agrees, but Alfredo is distraught because he believes she has left him for a wealthier man. Love is not enough to sanctify their unholy union or save Violetta from certain death. Choreographing a Tragedy Few regional American opera companies can afford to produce grand operas in the extravagant manner that tradition suggests. This privilege is reserved for the bigger opera houses, which means Los Angeles Opera and San Diego Opera here in Southern California. SDO's production was spearheaded by director/choreographer Kyle Lang, whose personal performing experience was as a featured dancer in operas rather than a singer. This background was evident from the overture, when the solemn procession of the heroine's coffin was followed by an interpretive dance performed by six dancers. Traditionally, there is no action onstage during the overture, but Lang (who stated that he usually likes an overture to be just music) visualized this scene as a terpsichorean prologue representing the status of the titular 'fallen woman.' These six dancers (one woman and five men) would pop up two more times. Tzytle Steinman with the cast of "La Traviata" by the San Diego Opera in 2025. J. Katarzyna Woroniwicz/San Diego Opera The three previous SDO productions I've seen featured large sets and elaborate, multi-layered backdrops to create realistic depth. The opening scene of 2023's ' At an artist panel after the show, general director David Bennett described SDO's ongoing goal to have less 'stuff' onstage. Kyle Lang elaborated that he wants performers to have freedom to move onstage without the hindrance of clutter, which makes sense considering his dance background. Speaking of dance, it's standard for the second party scene to feature dancing during two chorus numbers, which describe Gypsy fortune tellers and Spanish matadors. During the female chorus song, the chorus ladies and female dancer did some simple dance moves. The big dance number was the male chorus, which is usually led vocally by supporting tenor Gastone. In this version, Gastone was the soloist in the dance with the female dancer, playing the matador while the male dancers played the five bulls in the text. Felipe Prado, the tenor playing Gastone, showed an impressive amount of flair and coordination, especially because his only dance experience is a little operatic waltzing. In fact, he did so well that it seemed like a waste of talent to have five highly trained professional dancers, who are in demand and expensive when hired as freelancers like this, to do basic stage movements that five chorus singers could easily have handled. It wasn't until their final appearance as ghostly Carnival revelers dancing through Violetta's chambers that their dance ability could be seen, although the inclusion of this gothic dance moment was confusing. Related Stories 5/6/2024 4/5/2023 Hunter Enoch in "La Traviata" by the San Diego Opera in 2025. J. Katarzyna Woronowicz/San Diego Opera Beautiful Singing It's easy to focus on a production's negatives, but there was a lot to love about SDO's 'La Traviata.' More than sets, staging, costumes, or choreography, the most important thing in an opera is the collaborative effort of making music. In this regard, this production excelled. The orchestra, the San Diego Symphony under the baton of SDO resident conductor Yves Abel, sounded superb from start to finish. The chorus was impressively strong, accurate, and unified. The three leads were very professional and pleasing to the eyes as well as the ears, since they are all more youthful and fit-looking than many opera singers. It was especially refreshing to see a slender, beautiful Violetta, whose lithe arms and fair complexion made her convincing as the frail, consumptive heroine. I especially enjoyed the performance of Hunter Enoch, the bass-baritone who played Germont. His resonant voice and commanding stage presence were powerful in this complex role. Overall, this was an excellent production from a wonderful opera company. They have announced that their productions next season will be three of the most classic operas, 'Pagliacci,' 'The Barber of Seville,' and 'Carmen.' I applaud them for keeping old masterpieces like this trio and 'La Traviata' alive and on stage. I hope that the company will continue creating traditional stagings for these beautiful works and make the most of all their resources (including specialty dancers).

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store