So yesterday I decided it’s high time I finally hit up that Dolly Parton Gallery thing everyone’s chatting about. Figured I’d just wing it like always, but man was that dumb. Pulled up whatever info popped first on my phone – total mess, folks. Couldn’t even tell if they required reservations or what.
The Disaster Plan Phase
First dumb move? Grabbed my car keys thinking I’d drive there straight. Got stuck in downtown traffic for like forty minutes, only to find out parking’s worse than finding honest politicians. Circled blocks until I spotted some sketchy alley spot three blocks away.
Inside Chaos & Learning
Walked right up to the ticket counter feeling proud till the lady said “sold out till 4pm”. My dumb face must’ve looked crushed cause she whispered they sometimes have last-minute slots if people cancel. Sat my butt on a bench refreshing the ticket page on my cracked phone screen for an hour – actually scored!
- Pro tip: Their exhibits rotate faster than my ex’s moods. That sparkly Dolly gown from “9 to 5” I wanted to see? Gone. Replaced by some writing desk from her childhood.
- Another screwup: Forgot they’re cashless! Had to borrow twenty bucks from a tourist to buy a commemorative bandana after my card got declined. Yeah.
What Actually Worked
Eventually got smart near closing time. Asked a staffer about quiet times – turns off Wednesdays mid-afternoon are dead empty. Wandered the last exhibit hall with like five other people instead of fifty. Snagged decent photos without strangers’ elbows in every shot!
Final takeaway? Planning ain’t my strong suit but check three things: tickets before leaving home, parking nightmares, and what’s actually showing. Saved my last $20 bill for emergency Dolly merch next time. That woman’s smile on the exit poster? Pretty sure she was judging my whole disorganized day.