Road trips through Tennessee are about to get a little more memorable.
This summer, travelers cruising along Interstate 65 will have a brand-new destination to add to their itinerary when Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop officially opens its doors on June 24 in Cornersville, Tennessee. More than just a place to fill up the gas tank, the new travel center aims to transform the traditional roadside stop into an experience infused with the warmth, hospitality, and personality that have made Dolly Parton one of America’s most beloved figures.
Located at Exit 22 off I-65, roughly an hour south of Nashville and an hour northwest of Huntsville, the flagship location is designed to welcome everyone from long-haul truck drivers and touring musicians to vacationing families and weekend road-trippers.
More Than a Typical Rest Stop
While many highway travel centers focus solely on convenience, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is aiming for something more personal. Inspired by Parton’s lifelong relationship with the road—from her humble beginnings in East Tennessee to decades spent traveling the world on tour buses—the concept reimagines what a roadside stop can be.
Guests will find plenty of practical amenities, but the real draw is the atmosphere. The travel stop has been designed as a place where travelers can relax, enjoy a quality meal, browse unique merchandise, and take a break from the demands of the road.
Food will be a major part of the experience. Visitors can sample smoked meats and Southern favorites from DLY BBQ, grab a fresh cup of Dolly’s Cup of Ambition Coffee, or settle into the full-service restaurant and café for a sit-down meal before continuing their journey.
A Tribute to Tennessee
The flagship Cornersville location will feature several attractions unique to the property, including a custom mural commissioned specifically for the travel stop. Designed as a tribute to the local community, the artwork celebrates the heritage and spirit of Cornersville while creating a memorable photo opportunity for visitors.
Another standout attraction will be a replica tour bus inspired by the buses Parton has traveled in throughout her legendary career. The display offers guests a fun glimpse into life on the road and is expected to become one of the property’s most popular photo spots.
Built Through a Unique Partnership
Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is the result of a partnership between Parton, longtime manager Danny Nozell, and Gregory H. Sachs, owner of the Tennessean Travel Stop brand, which has been serving travelers since 2017.
Together, the group has created a concept that blends Tennessee culture, quality service, and genuine hospitality. The Cornersville location serves as the first in what is planned to become a larger network of travel centers across the region.
The vision is simple: create places where travelers feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for—whether they’re stopping for five minutes or an hour.
A Grand Opening Celebration
The June 24 grand opening promises to be more than a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Organizers are planning a community celebration that will introduce visitors to everything the new travel center has to offer. Additional details about the festivities are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Music will also play a central role in the travel stop’s identity. In true Dolly fashion, the venue is seeking local Tennessee musicians and bands to perform during grand opening week and at future events. The initiative reinforces the travel stop’s goal of becoming not only a destination for travelers but also a gathering place for the local community.
A New Must-Visit Stop for Road Trippers
For travelers exploring Tennessee’s scenic highways, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop offers something increasingly rare along America’s interstates: a roadside stop with a sense of place.
Rather than simply providing fuel and snacks, the new destination embraces Tennessee’s culture, music, food, and hospitality while creating an experience that reflects Dolly Parton’s enduring connection to life on the road.
Whether you’re headed to Nashville, passing through on a Southern road trip, or simply looking for a memorable place to stretch your legs, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop may soon become one of Tennessee’s most talked-about roadside attractions.