Dixie Stampede is the brainchild of country music legend Dolly Parton. And here in Pigeon Forge is where she first started her dinner and show extravaganza.

The show portion of the night is centered on the civil war. You see brave soldiers battle it out on the field and on horseback. Then they return home to their lovely southern bells. Now when you order your tickets you can choose between being on the southern side or the Yankee side. Now no self respecting southerner would be caught dead in Yankee territory so make sure you purchase your tickets well in advanced so you may dine on the correct side! When we were here it was off season so the place wasn’t full. But the southern side was full and only maybe 100 people on the northern side!

You are also treated to a rodeo featuring terrific trick rider with glittery costumes and cowboy hats. This rodeo features only horse riding tricks. Bull riding and calf roping which are usually associated with rodeos are not performed since many people (myself included) find this cruel. They also have ostridge racing, magic tricks, and musical performances. Which unfortunately tend to be country musical performances.

The food here isn’t gourmet, nor is it meant to be. It is quite tasty and hits the spot. Your 4-course meal starts off with soup followed by a half a chicken, corn, and potatoes, and if you actually have room you can finish up with cake. They can arrange for a vegetarian option if notified in advanced. Also contact them early if you have any dietary requirements. They do have special menus during the holidays.

The Pigeon Forge location is the first of 4 locations for Dolly. The other 3 include Orlando, Branson, and Myrtle Beach. They do offer group discounts. They also offer a really unique meeting space for 20 to 1000. They do have themed meeting spaces and set ups for audio visual equipment. They are handicapped accessible.

About an hour before the show you can come by and see the animals featured in the show and they have a reception room set up. They do have a gift shop on the premises. You can make advanced purchases on-line and are encouraged to do so during peak times and holidays. They have a combo ticket at the Pigeon Forge location with the Ripley’s aquarium.

During Christmas they do have a special Christmas show which includes a live nativity, choirs, angles, elves, and an appearance by the big guy himself, Santa.

Current prices are $38 (a) $28 (c). For more information and to order tickets for any of the 4 locations just go to www.dixiestampede.com.

Dinner and a show!!! There was singing, dancing, horse riding, wagon races, ostrich races, pig races, and great food. The seating is stadium-style. The entire time the show is going on, there are servers are passing through to make sure you are well taken care of. The food was very good, but beware that silverware is not allowed!

The show was great and the Southern style food was good. We got plenty of food to eat.

The children loved seeing the horses and going back stage to pet a horse and meet a few characters.

Wonderful! The food is excellent and the show is very good. You are served a very delicious creamy vegetable soup, a small chicken or cornish hen, a potato slice, a slice of barbecue pork, a small corn on the cob, a very good roll, and the most delicious apple turnover (this may be changed at times).

We got our tickets from Discount Show Tickets (800/908-9018; Adults/$36.49 Children 4-11/$20.89).

Children under three years of age are free only if they sit in a parent's lap and eat from their plate. If you wish for your child to receive a seat or a meal, a regular children's admission will apply.

Pre-show entertainment begins one hour prior to show time in their non-alcoholic Carriage Room.

Their ticket includes admission, the fabulous four-course feast, and spectacular show. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Their facilities are fully accessible for individuals with special needs. Please advise them if members of your party have a wheelchair, hearing impairment, or other special needs. They are happy to accommodate you.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show involves live animals, dramatic lighting, sound, and pyrotechnics. If you or anyone in your party have allergies or medical conditions, please be advised to take the necessary precautions prior to entering the facility.

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show is where you'll feast on a mouth watering four-course meal while witnessing a spectacular 32-horse show themed in a friendly North/South rivalry. There is great trick riding, buckboard racing, ostrich races, and wholesome comedy you'll love in their huge 35,000 square foot arena.

Your dinner includes: a tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecued pork loin, Dixie Stampede's original creamy vegetable soup, delicious homemade biscuits, buttered corn on the cob, herb-based potato, Dixie's very own specialty dessert, and unlimited Pepsi, tea, or coffee. You won’t leave there hungry.

A little tip if you are really hungry: when you get there, go to the upper level in the pre-show and find the curtains that lead to the arena. When the curtains open, you will be first and if you get put on the end of your section, ask your waiter/waitress if they have any extras to send them your way. At my meal, I had seconds on everything (they offer doggie bags). Don’t forget to tip them for the great service.

The only down side to the show is that it is always the same except the Christmas show. However, we have enjoyed it 8 times, if that tells you anything about the food and the show.