[Jonathan]

JamminJ and myself are hitting up Dollywood tomorrow, and it appears that I am going to have one extra ticket. The ticket is good for the 2004 season, and tomorrow is the last day of the 2004 season, so obviously it's only good tomorrow. If I have met you in person before, then feel free to ride up with us. We'll be leaving at about 8:30 AM and returning around midnight or 1. If I haven't met you before, I'm sure you're great and everything, but I'll just give you the ticket for yourself if you want it. Ticket is free of course. Sorry for the late notice, but email me if you're interested. jonathan@jonathan-hawkins.net

[swampfox43]

You guys have fun!!! I'll be curious to hear how TH handles cold weather. I was told they will not run it if the temp. drops below 40 but I think you'll be safe, at least during the mid-day.

Also, remember that I-40 will be down to one lane near the TN border. The floods from the hurricane washed out part of that road.

[Jonathan]

Ugh I was not aware of that. Any suggestions for alternate routes, or should we just go that way and prepare to move very slowly? They're calling for a high of 60 degrees tomorrow, so we should be okay getting rides in I guess. Oh yeah, forgot to mention, I won't be checking that email address until about 4:30 when I get home from work, so if anyone has anything urgent PM me on the boards.

[carowindsfreak13]

I was there on the road when it happened. We were in the tunnel where it hit when it happened. BTW You can take The Blue Ridge Parkway.

[swampfox43]

Ugh I was not aware of that.  Any suggestions for alternate routes, or should we just go that way and prepare to move very slowly?

I've studied several routes this year since I made quite a few trips. Really, the shortest way from Charlotte is I-40 to 411. The short-cut on the foothills parkway to 321 (before you reach 411) saves some miles but it may be closed in the winter.

If you take the Blue Ridge Parkway like Carowindsfreak13 mentioned, you will probably move slower than 1 lane of I-40. I would just go that way and hope for the best. Traffic may not be too terribly bad since this is basically the "off" season for Pigeon Forge. Also, the damaged area isn't that large so hopefully it won't be backed up too bad.

[carowindsfreak13]

Ugh I was not aware of that.  Any suggestions for alternate routes, or should we just go that way and prepare to move very slowly?

I've studied several routes this year since I made quite a few trips. Really, the shortest way from Charlotte is I-40 to 411. The short-cut on the foothills parkway to 321 (before you reach 411) saves some miles but it may be closed in the winter.

If you take the Blue Ridge Parkway like Carowindsfreak13 mentioned, you will probably move slower than 1 lane of I-40. I would just go that way and hope for the best. Traffic may not be too terribly bad since this is bascially the "off" season for Pigeon Forge. Also, the damaged area isn't that large so hopefully it won't be backed up too bad.

True of what you said. When I was in Peigon Forge a week before Christmas. It was like a dessert. It was a ghost town.

[Jonathan]

^ Yummy.

[Dukeis#1]

Have a great trip!

Be sure to stay after dark to see the lights or some shows. There are other things to do evan if the coasters are close down!

True of what you said. When I was in Peigon Forge a week before Christmas. It was like a dessert. It was a ghost town.

You obviously didn't visit the Tanger Five Oaks Outlet Center or Belz Mall...

I would watch out for traffic anyway. That stoplight at the Sevierville courthouse always causes a bottleneck.

[coastermom2]

Jonathan, I hope you'll let us know how your Dollywood trip went. I went on
their website yesterday to see if it would be open in December. I am sick
of relatives at the holidays and I was kind of looking for a getaway for
next year for just my family. I was surprised that it was open just before
Christmas so it would be perfect. Were all the rides open? Is Blazing Fury still
there? Do they still have the caroussel with the rings? It's been awhile
since I've been there and it's one of my favorite parks.

Sorry this is not about Carowinds, but since it's the off season, I'd hoped you
didn't mind me asking about another park.

Happy New Year and thank you for this great site and board.

[carowindsfreak13]

Hope you ahve a good time Johnathan.

[coasterdude89]

So, how was your trip Jonathan? How did Thunderhead run? And how are they doing in country fair? Have they closed it off yet? Can't wiat to go back to Dollywood next summer and Splash Country. Splash Country is so much better than Water Works, in my opinion. I hopw that yall had fun!

[Jonathan]

Ended up getting a friend of mine to come along with the other ticket. We had a great time. The weather was nice, and Thunderhead ran until closing, and it was running very fast. It was actually more crowded than I expected, but I guess a lot of people wanted to see all the Christmas stuff before the park closed. Most everything in County Fair was still open, so I guess they'll get started tearing things out now that the park is closed.